2069. Automation Process Improving Microbiological Laboratory Efficiency. (26th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nichols, Jacob; Emrick, Alanna; Gonzalez-Ortiz, Carolyn; Fuhrmann, Kristen; Tabak, Ying; Vankeepuram, Latha; Kurtz, Stephen; Sellers, David; Levent, Fatma
• Is Part Of: Open forum infectious diseases. Volume 5(2018)Supplement 1
• Page Start: S604
• Page End: S604
• Publication Date: 2018-11-26
• Subjects: Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Medical microbiology -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofy210.1725
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2328-8957

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Automation minimizes hands-on steps and facilitates process improvement in the microbiology laboratory. The impact on the efficiency improvement of the culturing process in an academic regional hospital after implementation of total laboratory automation (TLA) was evaluated. Methods: After approval from the Quality Improvement Review Board, a retrospective analysis of microbiological data in Becton Dickenson (BD) Clinical Insights Research Database was performed. Then, laboratory process change and reported microbiological results turnaround time (TAT) before and after implementation of the TLA was compared (2013 vs. 2016). Specimens were classified into blood, respiratory, urine, wound and others. Statistical analysis was performed with SAS software version 9.2. The comparison was done using chi-square test for categorical and log-transformed t-test for continuous variables. A P -value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 9, 351 pre-defined common and clinically important positive mono-microbial culture results were included in the organism identification (ID) TAT analysis. The time of the day at which results were reported in 2016 was more evenly distributed throughout a 24-hour period, rather than delaying to the following morning ( P < 0.0001). The definitive positive bacterial pathogen identification TAT was significantly shorter across all sources in 2016 compared with 2013 with overall TAT mean (standard deviation) of 56.8 (24.3) hours in 2013 vs. 43.3 (20.8) hours in 2016 ( P < 0.0001). The negative results' ( n = 58, 640) TAT was also shortened in 2016 for all ( P < 0.05), except for respiratory and other sources. Conclusion: Automation facilitates microbiological laboratory efficiency improvement with shorter definitive organism identification TAT across all specimens as well as shorter TAT for negative results with most specimen sources. This information would facilitate earlier, more accurate and appropriate antibiotic choices which in turn improves clinical decision making and enhances optimal patient care. Disclosures: Y. Tabak, Becton, Dickinson and Company: Employee, Salary. L. Vankeepuram, Becton, Dickinson and Company: Employee, Salary. S. Kurtz, Becton, Dickinson and Company: Employee, Salary. D. Sellers, Becton, Dickinson and Company: Employee, Salary.