ABSTRACT
Background: The COVID-19 outbreak has affected the activities of many fields. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on laboratory activity. Method(s): The data of the study were obtained from a single-center homogeneous group in the biochemistry laboratory of Samsun Training and Research Hospital. These data were divided into two patient groups: Group A (Pre-COVID-19 outbreak period patients) and Group B (COVID-19 outbreak period patients). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), hormones, coagulation, glycosylated hemoglobin, biochemistry, complete blood count (CBC), blood gas, urine sample types, and pre-analytical errors were included. The data of the two groups were compared with the chi-square test. Result(s): The number of samples requested per patient was 0.62 in Group A and 0.67 in Group B. The reduction rate detected in biochemistry (P<0.001), blood gas (P<0.001) and CBC (P=0.007) sample types was lower than the reduction rate detected in the number of patients in Group B. On the other hand, the reduction rate detected in ESR (P<0.001), coagulation (P=0.045), glycosylated hemoglobin (P<0.001), and urine (P<0.001) sample types was higher than the reduction rate detected in the number of patients in Group B. The pre-analytical error rate in Group B (0.46%) was higher than in Group A (0.29%) (P<0.001). The rate of hemolyzed samples was higher, and the rate of the incorrect request was lower in Group B. Conclusion(s): Laboratory test requests per patient and pre-analytical error rates increased significantly during the COVID-19 outbreak. Copyright © 2022 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: It is unclear if implementation of biosafety action plans in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has affected laboratory quality metrics. METHODS: This retrospective study used quality data, including turnaround time (TAT) and number/type of unacceptable specimens from a stat laboratory supporting an outpatient medical clinic serving predominantly elderly cancer patients. Four months of data from the height of the COVID-19 pandemic (March-June 2020) were compared to the same months in 2019. RESULTS: March-May 2020 test volumes were decreased compared to 2019. June 2020 test volume was slightly increased compared to 2019. TATs in 2020 were similar/ slightly improved compared to the same months in 2019, due to shortened collect to receive and receive to verify TATs. The number and types of unacceptable specimens were similar in 2020 and 2019. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the challenges to the system caused by the pandemic, laboratory quality metrics were maintained.