Improvement in TAT for Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) testing by Designing a Customised Streaking Pattern on the BD Kiestra™ InoqulA™
Care Process & Redesign
Technology
National University Health System Quality Improvement
National University Health System
31 December 2019
To improve turnaround time (TAT) for CRE testing by designing a new streaking pattern for colony isolation. The new streaking pattern demonstrated significant improvements in TAT, enhancing infection control efforts.
Year Submitted: 2019
Published Date: 31 December 2019
Tags: Technology, Care Process ＆ Redesign, Medtech, Product Development, Value Based Care, Productivity, Time Saving, Clinical Practice Improvement
About this Content
Aims
To improve turnaround time (TAT) for CRE testing by designing a new streaking pattern for colony isolation.
Background
Commensal bacteria in rectal swabs delayed CRE identification due to lack of isolated colonies of interest.
Methods
Designed a customized streaking pattern on BD Kiestra™ InoqulA™ to enhance colony distribution and reduce subculturing.
Results
Reduced TAT by 1 hour 57 minutes per case; subcultures reduced from 7.6% to 0.9%.
Conclusion
The new streaking pattern demonstrated significant improvements in TAT, enhancing infection control efforts.
Lessons Learnt
Automation improves efficiency, but optimizing equipment processes is key to achieving better outcomes.
Additional Information
Recognized for innovative use of medtech in microbiology; plans to optimize further for other applications.
Keywords
Microbiology, CRE Testing, BD Kiestra, Lab Automation
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National University Health System |
Organization(s) Involved | Ng Teng Fong General Hospital |
Platform(s) | National University Health System Quality Improvement |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Medical ＆ Laboratory Technology, Clinical Research |
Project Lead(s) | Carmen Cheng |
Project Member(s) | Ong Chiou Horng |
Connect with this contributor!
Carmen Cheng - carmen_cheng@nuhs.edu.sg