ESP: Inquiry Module:
Another important module in ESP is Specimen Tracking Inquiry. As tubes complete portions of their routes on the Automated Track System by arriving at sorters, updated messages are sent from APX to ESP. ESP also receives updates from the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) and the Storage AutoSorter (SAS). Using this information, ESP creates a tracking file for each tube, which can be accessed through ESP Specimen Tracking Inquiry in a number of different ways including client number, patient name, accession number, container tracking number, collection date, test, etc. Because ESP’s tracking is directly linked to the automation systems, Specimen Tracking Inquiry is superior to most LIS systems as an initial source of information concerning the location and status of a specimen.
In addition to patient and client information, the Inquiry screen shows the exact location of a tube at that moment relative to the various automation systems (e.g., a specific sorter and lane number, or the storage system, etc.), and it shows what tests are ordered on that particular tube. If the route on the Automated Track System has not been completed, Specimen Tracking Inquiry shows the next route stop for the tube. If inquiry is by the accession number, Specimen Tracking Inquiry shows the status of each tube with that accession number.
Most urine tests require a creatinine to be performed along with the ordered test; these urines and some other tests often have two or three tubes submitted by the client. ESP's logic, on a test-by-test basis as specified by each lab section, can either route extra tubes to storage or route them to the lab. If a client ordered VMA, catecholamines, and metanephrines on the same urine specimen (a common example), the creatinine will only be associated with one of these tests in one of the tubes, but the other tests may be in separate tubes to facilitate turnaround time. In this example, Specimen Tracking Inquiry will show which tube has each test, which tube has the creatinine, and what the status is for each tube.
- Automation Initiative Summary
- 2010 Automation Timeline
- Re-Engineered Processes
- Standardized Transfer Tube
- Automated Core Laboratory
- Expert Specimen Processing
- —Accessioning (Order-Entry)
- —Specimen Tracking Inquiry
- —Specimen Storage
- —Specimen Checkout
- —Retrieve and Confirm Software
- —Specimen Processing Workstations
- Image Management System (IMS)
- Automated Transport and Sorting System
- Automated Storage and Retrieval System
- What Does ARUP's Automation Initiative Mean for ARUP's Clients?
- Glossary of Terms
- Online Presentations
