Abstract:

Objective To compare the testing efficiency of simulated emergency biochemical samples among different instruments. Methods Single analyte and full-set analytes for single sample and a batch of samples（40 samples） were tested with 3 different instruments（A,B,C）,respectively. The testing times of different instruments were recorded. Totally,20 samples were tested in different sequences（sequence 1 and sequence 2）,and the testing time were recorded. Totally,5 instrument combinations（Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ,Ⅳ,Ⅴ） were used to test biochemical analytes and cardiac markers for 10 samples. The combinations were determined according to various processes,and the testing times were recorded. Both split sample and unsplit sample were determined on the combinations. The samples were determined in the process of biochemical analytes first or cardiac markers first. A total of 40 samples,containing 5 hemolytic,5 icteric and 5 lipemic samples,were collected,and the 40 samples were also inspected by 4 technicians by visual. The testing time and results were recorded,and the coincidence rates of visual results were calculated. Daily maintenance for the 3 instruments was performed,and the testing time was recorded. Results It took 6,16 and 12 min to test glucose for single sample for instrument A,B and C,respectively,and 8,18 and 14 min to test full-set analytes for the above instruments,respectively. It took 12,19 and 15 min to test glucose for a batch of samples for instrument A,B and C,respectively,and 103,112 and 72 min to test full-set analytes. It took the same time to test the same analytes for 10 samples in different sequences for instrument A and C,while it took 1 more min in sequence 2 than in sequence 1 on instrument B. When 10 samples were tested for biochemical analytes and cardiac markers,it took combination Ⅰ 34 min. It took combination Ⅱ,Ⅲ,Ⅳ and Ⅴ 67,60,92 and 80 min,respectively,when testing biochemical analytes firstly. It took 69,53,72 and 71 min respectively when testing cardiac markers firstly. It took 58,48,69 and 69 min when the samples were split and start testing simultaneously on both instruments. It took the same time for the 3 instruments to test all the biochemical analytes for 40 samples. The average time for visual inspection of 40 serum samples was 122 s. The mean coincidence rates of visual inspection for hemolytic,icteric and lipemic samples were 100%,48% and 76%,respectively. It took 13,21 and 35 min to complete daily maintenance for instrument A,B and C. Conclusions The testing time is influenced by the number of samples,testing process and so on. Serum index testing needs less time and labor than visual inspection. It reflects the status of samples more objectively and helps controlling the error of pre-analysis. Laboratories can improve the testing efficiency of instrument by means of rationally configuring instruments and optimizing testing process,which may help to shorten turn-around time（TAT）.

Key words: Emergency test, Testing efficiency, Testing process, Serum index