Expeditor Assignment in Specimen Processing Area

Abstract

The key to success in managing workflow is assignment of a seasoned expeditor. The expeditor triages and transports samples in the specimen receiving area as tasks are completed. The expeditor ensures samples are prioritized for immediate processing such as emergency room samples, blood gases, operating room samples, and samples with stability integrity issues. Walking up to 10 miles in 4 hours is not uncommon for the number of work stations and throughput during a 24-hour period. The expeditor walks a unidirectional route to accept manually delivered specimens, empty pneumatic tube carriers, time stamp requisitions, and deliver this material to staff for accessioning and processing. In our setting, the expeditor handles samples delivered by pneumatic tube, prioritizing which pneumatic tube station to empty by reviewing an overhead monitor screen detailing real-time information. After delivering new samples, the expeditor will pick up accessioned specimens and sort them by automated or manual testing. The expeditor then loads the samples on an automated line that processes and delivers these samples either to instruments on the line or specific exit areas for further manual distribution. As the expeditor walks by the track system, he visually inspects for any problems needing resolved. In the last phase of the circuit, samples are delivered to refrigerators, freezers, or room temperature storage racks until picked up by other anatomic or clinical pathology departments. At this point, the route begins again at the sample drop-off and pneumatic tube area. Because of the expeditor, staff is better able to manage the distribution, prioritize samples, and handle any problematic samples, such as patient identification and unlabeled containers. Efficiencies are gained from quicker hand-off of the priority samples from the tube station to the accessioner, and placed onto the automation line. An obstacle is how to develop staff into skilled expeditors.