86% of Lab Professionals Say Courier Errors Impact Their Ability to Provide Timely and Accurate Results for Patients in an Average Month
2023 CAP Survey Results
Healthcare logistics—the movement of critical materials including lab specimens, supplies, pharmaceuticals and surgical equipment—impacts the productivity of lab professionals far more than most would expect, according to a new survey of 250+ lab professionals conducted by the College of American Pathologists.
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What actions have lab professionals had to take in order to overcome courier problems?
ANSWER
- 48% stayed late waiting for the courier to arrive
- 42% requested STAT to supplement untrustworthy scheduled service
- 32% transported/shipped specimens themselves
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What percentage of lab professionals had to collect another specimen/sample for testing due to courier error?
ANSWER
72% reported having to collect another specimen/sample for testing as a result of courier error. 28% say it has happened 5+ times.
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What percentage of lab professionals said irreplaceable specimens were lost due to courier errors last year?
ANSWER
55% of lab professionals report irreplaceable specimens being lost due to courier errors in the last year. 13% said it happened 5+ times in the past year.
What lab professionals have to say
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"We had a courier incident where something was picked up but not delivered until two days later. when the bag did arrive, it was missing irreplaceable specimens. "
What lab professionals have to say
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“The courier lost all anatomic specimens shipped out in a single day. The providers were contacted; some underwent additional surgeries to obtain more sample tissue. Our patient care was severely affected, client relations severely affected, and laboratory reputation severely affected.”
What lab professionals have to say
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"13 pediatric patients' labs were left in the courier's vehicle in intense summer heat over the weekend. After they were found on Monday, the lab called to cancel for specimen integrity. The patients' parents were rightfully upset. These were all children with complex medical issues that needed these labs completed for treatment, and their care was delayed. This affected our client's trust in our facility and our processes."
