Hi Sutirtha,

I implemented it in 1996 with only errors, failures and critical results (defined by us and appropriate specialists) stopping at the interface with no problem. All critical results were documented in the LIS which we bridged to. Several years ago we decided to review our policy on critical results. As part of this review we pulled all the data we had (I think nearly a year) on reruns of critical results (our policy at that time) to see how many had any significant difference. Only low sodium contained a possibility of error (due to micro clots) that was significant so we stopped repeats on critical results except for low sodium. In the event the sodium was critically low the analyser was programmed to automatically repeat the test. Now auto validation is done on all tests except for low Na where the technologist must choose to release it or not. All other critical results are phoned from a centralized desk. We have a dashboard that can notify us of delays in calling the results. 

We have two technologists plus a senior technologists in charge of the cobas  and preamalytical lines during the day. The line does all the chemistries, immunochemistries, proteins, serology ie everything that can go on the line. 

The main issue of implementing any change that increases efficiency and decreases need for staff is dealing with the fear of losing their jobs. I just used all those liberated to do more interesting work, molecular, specialty, IT etc. some who retired were not replaced but the overall workload is easier and less futile. I don't think that they would ever dream of going back. 

Elizabeth Mac Namara

Jewish General Hospital

Montreal

On Jun 30, 2015, at 02:55, Dr. Sutirtha Chakraborty <[log in to unmask]> wrote: