The Challenge
Pacific Diagnostics Laboratory processes over 50,000 samples per month from hospitals and clinics across the Pacific Northwest. The lab was struggling with sample quality issues that resulted in frequent retesting, delayed results, and client dissatisfaction.
Analysis revealed that inconsistent sample collection practices at client sites were the root cause. Samples were arriving with inadequate volume, improper anticoagulation, or compromised integrity, leading to a 15% reject rate.
The Solution
Pacific Diagnostics partnered with Acme Medical Devices to standardize their sample collection supply chain and implement quality improvement programs:
- Standardized collection tubes and devices across all client sites
- Custom collection kits for specific test panels
- Training materials and certification program for phlebotomists
- Quality monitoring with lot traceability
- Just-in-time inventory management system
Implementation
The transition was managed over three months, with Acme's laboratory specialists visiting each major client site to assess current practices and provide hands-on training. Collection kits were designed specifically for Pacific Diagnostics' most common test panels, reducing the chance of incorrect tube selection.
The Results
After one year of partnership, Pacific Diagnostics achieved significant improvements:
- 40% increase in testing throughput due to reduced retesting
- Sample reject rate dropped from 15% to 3%
- 25% reduction in supply costs through standardization
- 98% client satisfaction rating on turnaround time
- Zero recalls due to collection supply issues
"Standardizing on Acme collection supplies eliminated one of our biggest operational headaches. The quality is consistent, the training support is excellent, and our clients have noticed the improvement in turnaround time."
— Dr. Michael Torres, Laboratory Director
Looking Forward
Pacific Diagnostics is expanding their partnership with Acme to include point-of-care testing solutions for their urgent care clinic clients, creating a seamless testing ecosystem from collection to result.