99,125 views
18 votes
18 votes
Middle Springs Lab is a busy place, with technicians running tests, analyzing samples, and returning results to

the physicians who ordered them. There seems to be an issue whenever a new order of lab specimen forms is
delivered. Everyone seems to put the forms in a different place, resulting in precious time wasted trying to find
the new location of the forms. How might the head of the lab BEST handle this issue?

User Redwarp
by
2.5k points

1 Answer

27 votes
27 votes

Final answer:

The head of Middle Springs Lab should establish a standard operating procedure for storing lab specimen forms, train staff on this protocol, and conduct periodic audits to ensure consistency, drawing parallels with techniques used for specimen handling and quality control in lab environments.

Step-by-step explanation:

The head of Middle Springs Lab should establish a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the management of lab specimen forms. This SOP should specify a designated location for storing the forms, ensure all staff are trained on the protocol, and may even include lab report checklists to maintain consistency and reduce wasted time. Furthermore, periodic audits could be implemented to ensure adherence to the SOP. The key is to foster a collaborative environment where all technicians understand the importance of maintaining organization, perhaps by integrating discussions or training sessions into their clinical training.

For example, just as medical laboratory assistants process samples with precision, the handling of administrative materials like specimen forms should be done with equal care. An analogy can be drawn to the quality control chemist at a pharmaceutical company who ensures accuracy and precision in dispensing cough syrup; similarly, accurate and precise management of forms will increase lab efficiency. Additionally, clearly labeled and accessible form locations can prevent the confusion that might arise, akin to how lab specimens are carefully managed with labels and proper placement.

To ingrain this new procedure in the lab's culture, the head might utilize problem-solving exercises, much like those in worksheets designed to help students in lab scenarios, enhancing the problem-solving skills of lab personnel. This would encourage a proactive approach to maintaining the established system for form management.

User Idan Dagan
by
3.1k points