Collaboration between microbiology laboratory staff and sample collection staff in a registered clinical laboratory

Abstract

The receipt, storage, and transport of laboratory samples are important tasks for sample collection services in registered clinical laboratories. Among various types of sample, microbiological samples are particularly difficult to handle because they contain potentially harmful microorganisms, and specific restrictions on their handling are established. We conducted a survey by face-to-face interview on the concerns of the sample collection staff with regard to the handling of microbiological samples. The results showed that three major issues, namely, sample volume, sample confirmation, and requested test, accounted for 88% of all concerns. To resolve these issues, we prepared a microbial inspection manual and conducted workshops for the staff. We continued the workshops for five years from 2013 to 2017 and investigated the number of inquiries from the microbiology laboratory staff to the sample collection staff concerning sample confirmation and requested items. Because of this, the number of inquiries was successfully reduced by half. Furthermore, to strengthen the collaboration between the microbiology laboratory staff and the sample collection staff, a contact form was devised to share important information on both sides. In conclusion, through these efforts, understanding of the sample collection staff has been considerably improved and practical problems have significantly diminished. In addition, we would like to report also the efforts of the microbiology laboratory staff who always supports customers’ inquiries.