Computer-generated management tools for the clinical pathology laboratory: I. Throughput Report.

The Throughput Report is a computer program used to objectively measure and monitor the turnaround time of stat laboratory tests. It allows the clinical pathologist to recognize laboratory turnaround time problems prospectively. The main features are (1) a summary of the number of specimens received, accessioned, and performed per hour; (2) a histogram of the mean turnaround time per hour; (3) an overdue list of all tests taking longer than expected. Utilization of this report has decreased the percent of stat biochemical analyses taking 60 minutes or more by nearly one-half. The usefulness of the many graphic displays of work flow through the laboratory for monitoring turnaround time is discussed in detail.