Loading...
The turnaround time for lab test results is one of many factors that affect emergency department patient throughput. These authors report the effects of introducing a stat lab, within the central hospital lab, that is dedicated to tests from the ED.
ED length of stay (LOS) and lab turnaround times were compared for two groups of more than 5600 ED patients who presented during the month before and the month after introduction of the stat lab. Admission rates and the percentages of patients who had lab tests ordered were similar during the two periods. The percentage of lab tests with turnaround times of ≤30 minutes increased significantly after introduction of the stat lab for all tests (including complete blood counts, chemistry panels, trop…