Laboratory Request Form scanning

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Stephen.B - 12 Jul 2005 21:24 GMT

Hi All,

I am interested in exploring less laboriuos ways of importing the data from
Laboratory Request forms into out Laboratory Information Management System
(LIMS) and would like to get some information on the subject from anyone who
may be using a similar mechanism in their Laboratory currently.

Seeing vast difficulties in actually importing all of the data from our
currently hand written request forms, I believe that an achievable starting
point would be that of importing the Test information only.

Any advice and information would be gratefully received.

Many thanks,

Stephen.

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Manky Badger - 12 Jul 2005 23:11 GMT

> Hi All,
>
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> Stephen.

We use a system for in patient/hospital out patient whereby the wards enter
the patient's demographics, diagnosis & test requests onto their ward based
computer.
This generates a form with all the details and a unique number called an ION
(bar coded) which they send with the blood sample to the lab.
We then allocate our lab number to the request and effectively tell the lab
computer that sample number 123456 goes with ION 1231346567494354645B (bar
code scanning!) and all the PID & requests appear as if by magic :o)
And then that's it, apart from a check that the details on form do indeed
match the computer.

We then" do our thing" and when results are at an "authorised stage" where
we would happily print them, the lab computer then sends them to the ward
based system.

There's plans to extend this to GP surgeries, but as always there's
squabbles as to which pot of money will pay for it.

Hope that helps.

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Sam Smith - 14 Sep 2005 08:31 GMT

Any one using something similar in the out patient setting, say an internist
ordering a lab?
Sam

>> Hi All,
>>
[quoted text clipped - 37 lines]
>
> Hope that helps.

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John Gentile - 15 Sep 2005 00:45 GMT

> Any one using something similar in the out patient setting, say an
> internist ordering a lab?
[quoted text clipped - 37 lines]
>>
>> Hope that helps.

I'm the lab information manager for a Veterans Affairs hospital. The VA
uses a whole hospital integrated system called VISTA. This software
manages every aspect of the hospital from maintenance, personnel,
fiscal, pharmacy, lab, radiology, medicine, etc,etc,etc.

When any provider enters an order into the Computerized Patient Record
System (CPRS is the gui version of VISTA), the orders are instantly
available to lab staff for either inpatient or outpatient work. As soon
as a provider enters the order an "order label" will print with all the
CAP and JCAHO required patient identifiers, the test name, the tube to
draw, etc. there is even a space for the phleb to write their initials
and time of collection. When we receive a tube with an order label we
just type or scan the order number and the exact doctors order appears
on the screen to be accessioned into VISTA.

As soon as an accession number is generated the appropriate worklist is
updated and the test is downloaded into the correct instrument. If it
is a send out the shipping manifest is updated and the correct Quest
order name and code is printed on the manifest sheet.

Results are uploaded from the instruments into VISTA for our
verification - we don't allow autoverify yet, although it is now
approved, the software isn't set up for it.

The CPRS screens are updated with the lab results instantly and can be
viewed by anyone with proper access. CPRS also has the ability to view
x-rays, EKGs, GI studies, scanned documents like advanced directives,
consents, etc.

Another aspect of CPRS is Bar Coded Medicine Administration in which
the nurse scans the patient's barcoded wristband and then scans the
medicine bottle - only if they match can the med be given. This also
works for blood bank, but currently only in our OR. The next version
should make it to the other wards.

And to top it all off VISTA is a free program (with a $30 US fee for
the CD) from your friendly US Government. Of course it will cost about
millions in salaries, equipment and support to get it all up and
running.

Signature

John Gentile, MS M(ASCP)
Laboratory Information Manager
Providence, VAMC

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Sam Smith - 15 Sep 2005 07:38 GMT

John:
Thanks for the great information. I have seen VISTA's screens, but I did not
know the details about lab etc.
VISTA is not available to private providers in Hawaii, but it will be soon.
However, beside the implemetation cost for the MDs, there is a $300+
maintenence fee.
Companies like Allscripts will definitely shadow the other imerging EMR
companies.

Sam

>> Any one using something similar in the out patient setting, say an
>> internist ordering a lab?
[quoted text clipped - 84 lines]
> CD) from your friendly US Government. Of course it will cost about
> millions in salaries, equipment and support to get it all up and running.

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