A study of the determinants of laboratory turnaround time in tertiary care teaching hospital in bihar

Abstract

Introduction: The laboratory turnaround time can be commonly defined as the time from when a test is ordered until the result is reported. One of the parameters to measure performance of any laboratory is the Turnaround time (TAT). Turnaround time of laboratories is equally important as accuracy and precision of the tests performed by the laboratories when considering their quality of service. Studies have highlighted that outcomes in certain situations such as operation theatres and in emergency departments have been affected by timely reporting of laboratory test results. These parameters can directly influence clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. Materials and Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study done in the Biochemistry department of a 600 bed tertiary care multi-speciality teaching hospital in Bihar. 2600 samples from patients admitted over a period of 6 months from 1st April 2019 to 30thOctober 2019 were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: The average TAT from test advise by physician to report despatch is 10.68 hours(±4.16 Standard Deviation) while the average TAT from receipt of samples in the laboratory to report despatch was 7.54 hours (±2.28 Standard Deviation) Discussion: This study did a detailed analysis looking into the reasons for delay and bringing forth feasible recommendations towards rectification. This study also looked into the “Critical tests” and the “Critical results” TAT and the reasons for delay therein which was not highlighted in many studies done in Indian settings earlier. Conclusion: Pre analytical phase and post analytical phase delays contribute to delayed TAT in hospital settings. Recommendations with an aim to reduce the delays with active involvement of the management can be fruitful.