Table 2 Issues with emergency laboratory tests before IT-based optimisation and corresponding solutions

All specimens are manually entered into the corresponding category of the LIS system, which increases the workload and may lead to incorrect categorisation or missing entries.

The LIS system numbers for outpatient specimens are automatically generated during collection, while those for inpatient specimens are automatically generated on reception of the specimens. Therefore, the number of specimens is generated automatically, which reduces the workload of employees and prevents errors.

The electrolyte (Na⁺, Cl⁻, and K⁺) test results are entered manually.

After the instruments are updated, these test items are integrated into the biochemical test and two-way communication is realised.

The biochemical, immune, and coagulation function test specimens are numbered manually before detection on the instrument. Also, these specimens are manually placed in their corresponding positions, which increases the workload and may result inhuman error.

Upgraded instruments allow the implementation of IT methods that realise automated detection and two-way communication.

During the manual identification of blood groups, the manual entry of results increases the workload and may cause human error.

After the purchase of automated equipment, IT methods are employed to realise detection automation and two-way communication.

The test items are relatively scattered and it is necessary to collect several specimen tubes to facilitate detection.

The electrolyte (Na⁺, Cl⁻, and K⁺) test items are integrated into the biochemical test and the HIV antigen and antibody test items are added to the immune test to replace the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV1 + 2) antibody test item. One tube of specimens is collected for the biochemical test to reduce the number of blood collection tubes.

The items with critical values are reported by manual telephone notification and manual registration.

The information system is optimised to generate critical value system report notifications and achieve constant monitoring. If the recipient fails to accept the notification within the specified time, an alarm prompt is sent to the target computer. Manual notification by telephone is performed if the recipient fails to accept it within 5 min of the alarm prompt display.

There is no prompt function for the timeout of a specimen report.

This real-time laboratory specimen monitoring system displays the specimen report with a timeout on the screen. Specimen reports with timeouts are highlighted and signalled with an alarm.

The layout in the laboratory is inappropriate and the placement of computers and equipment is not conducive to operation.

Based on the layout of higher-level hospitals, all employees in the department formulate feasible schemes according to the actual situation in this department. The layout of the laboratory is redesigned scientifically to facilitate operations.

The ABO blood group identification is performed manually and there is no reverse grouping.

The Hamilton automatic blood group identification instrument increases the reverse grouping function and realises automatic detection. This reduces manual operation and ensures rapid and accurate blood group identification.

Invalid symbols such as “-”, “*”, and “0”are sent to the LIS system in case of uncertain or undetected test results. The laboratory test report can be reviewed but there is no relevant prompt.

The LIS system is optimised. If there is an invalid symbol in the laboratory test report, a prompt is displayed during the report review and the review is performed after revisions.