Download 42 Reduction of Turnaround Times for ED Troponin Testing

Chemistry/Friday Session 1, September 19, 2013
42
Reduction of Turnaround Times for ED Troponin Testing
Alice Brown, BS, M(ASCP), Ft. Worth, TX, Tammy Clark, BS, Baylor All Saints Medical Center, Fort Worth, Patricia Lee
Turnaround data for emergency department (ED) troponin testing from receipt of specimen to reporting was 66.4%, with an
established goal of ~35 minutes. After reviewing the workflow of the specimen, moving from the processing area to the resulting
station showed no huge delay. It was noted however, that specimens with critical values showed an additional delay on average
of 10 minutes. Duplicate testing data were collected on all panic troponin values of >0.51. These data showed very good
correlation from the original result and the repeated result. The medical director approved the discontinuation of the repeat
analysis. This implementation was done in September 2012; since inception, turnaround times improved dramatically from the
dismal 66.4% recorded in fiscal year 2011-12 to an impressive 85% from October 2012 to February 2013. This improvement has
expedited treatment for cardiac patients and improved ED staff satisfaction with the laboratory. Because of the success of the
troponin, this project has since been implemented with other assays on the general chemistry platform such as lactic acid and
glucose testing.
©American Society for Clinical Pathology
Am J Clin Pathol 2013;140:A042