“Turnaround time”: a new parameter for the characterization of the overall efficacy of laboratory diagnostic processes

[Accessibility of special clinical laboratory tests in Hungary]

The Hungarian Society of Laboratory Medicine launches a Laboratory Assay Finder after more than a year of preparatory work. The purpose is that all laboratory and clinical specialists can have access to a nationwide availabilty of special clinical laboratory testings. This is achieved by an SQL database that can be managed from an "admin" surface. The selection of various colour coded diagnostic area exemplify individual filters in the database. The requested test can easily be found either by listing the assays or the diagnoses and special search can be executed via PHP. During preliminary discussions the following basic considerations were accepted: the Assay Finder does not contain basic laboratory tests (e.g. bilirubin or prothrombin time) and within the specified fields there may also be tests that are not listed. The reason behind is that several tests are only worth doing in panels or blocks like studying CD markers in leukemias or carrying out an immunofixation after protein electrophoresis. Also tests like antithrombin III activity or FSH and LH were not separately uploaded only as parts of the complete thrombophilia or infertility panels. By providing a login and password we would like to make this webpage accessible to all colleagues.

[Web-based laboratory service]

The internet has revolutionized not only the clinical laboratory operation but has also made laboratory service more user friendly. With its help the laboratory can provide precise and up to date information about the services and laboratory tests to offer, furthermore can provide insight into the different operating procedures.

AIM

To provide an overview of the laboratory services in an easily accessible manner, promote efficient information transfer to the clinicians, familiarize the test repertoire in different classifications, provide information on tests requiring special sampling and transportation, create a search engine for tests performed, provide in a downloadable format the different order forms and the specifications of the newly introduced tests, provide links to websites relevant to the field, familiarize with the departments educational and research activities.

RESULTS

With the creation of our own website we have provided clinicians and students with a practical, easily accessible, user friendly tool that provides details of our services and activities, furthermore the number of preanalytical queries has also reduced significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Unfortunately, in the present Hungarian healthcare system few users utilize adequately the possibilities offered by the internet, however, departments like ours and others are making efforts to change this tendency.