title: Audit of turn-around times in a microbiology laboratory.
abstract: To determine the turn-around time in a microbiology laboratory a survey form was designed to collect data on the origin and type of specimen and the dates and times when (i) the sample was taken; (ii) the specimen was received in the laboratory; (iii) the report was signed by the microbiologist; (iv) the report was sorted by the laboratory clerical staff; and (v) the final report was received on the ward. The cumulative time from sampling to a result arriving on the ward was 51.5 (SD 28.6) hours. The survey is a simple method of determining turn-around time and high-lighted minor deficiencies in the service which were easily rectified.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Southmead Hospital, Westbury On Trym, Bristol.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rogers
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Bywater
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Reeves
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection; D004739:England; D007755:Laboratories, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D008330:Management Audit; D008722:Methods; D008829:Microbiology; D013996:Time and Motion Studies