REDUCING COAGULATION BLOOD SAMPLE HEMOLYSIS IN THE ED

A rejected blood sample may require redrawing of the sample which wastes resources, time, and adds no value to patient care. Reducing hemolysis and unnecessary sending of coags benefits patient care and has potential cost savings for the organization.

The data measured for this project will only include hemolyzed coagulation tests sent from the TGH ED. The change ideas target appropriate utilization of the current medical directive to send coags. The medical directive for this will not be altered during this project. The change ideas also address the routine nursing practice of obtaining blood work from IV insertion. Individual blood collection techniques will not be measured or assessed.