Elmi Laboratories Processes
Blood Test Collection Centre
Elmi Laboratories blood test collection centre plays a pivotal role in our services and aids in the early detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of various medical conditions. These tests offer valuable insights into a person’s overall health and help our healthcare professionals make informed decisions about treatment and preventive measures. Here, we summarise the significance of blood test collection at Elmi Laboratories, its procedure, and the essential aspects of ensuring that accurate and reliable results are obtained each and every time blood test collection is done.
The importance of Blood Test Collection
Blood test collection is the initial step in making an informed diagnostic, setting the foundation for accurate and effective medical assessments. Timely and well-executed blood tests can be life-saving, enabling clinicians and other healthcare providers to detect serious illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, different types of cancers including leukaemia which is performed at Elmi Laboratories, and other infections in their early stages when treatments are most effective.
Blood tests also assist in monitoring the progress of ongoing treatments such as the treatments of malaria infection which are monitored and diagnosed at Elmi Laboratories. In some cases regular monitoring of blood parameters allow clinicians and other healthcare professionals to make necessary adjustments and to plan treatment.
Elmi Laboratories Blood Test Collection Procedure
The process of blood test collection requires precision, attention to detail, and adherence to strict protocols to yield accurate results.
- Healthcare professionals trained as a phlebotomist gather essential information from the patients, including medical history, any current medications, and allergies. This information will help the professionals decide on the appropriate tests and to ensure patient safety during the collection process.
- Our staff will try and create a calm and comfortable environment to ease any anxiety. The phlebotomists will use gentle techniques to minimize discomfort during the blood collection.
- Blood collection Site. The antecubital vein is the most common site for blood test collection and it is located inside the elbow joint. In certain situations (e.g., where the vein on the antecubital vein is hard-to-find) other sites like the back of the hand might be used in certain situations.
- Prevention of Contamination. The phlebotomist will then clean the collection site with an antiseptic to minimise the risk of infection.
- The venipuncture procedure: This is when a sterilised needle is inserted into the vein to draw blood into a collection tube. In some cases, the tube contains additives required for specific tests. The amount of blood collected depends on the number and type of tests ordered by the clinicians or the number of tests you want to be performed.
- Labelling and Storage: After collection, the blood samples are labelled with your details to avoid mix-ups with other patient blood. If the samples are not taken at Elmi Laboratories, then, the samples are transported to the Elmi Laboratories for analysis whilst maintaining the integrity.
Ensuring Accuracy and Reliability.
At Elmi Laboratories, we ensure the accuracy and reliability of blood test results by applying various actions including:
- By employing qualified professionals: The blood tests are collected only by trained phlebotomists or healthcare providers experienced in venipuncture and processed by HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientists or clinical scientists. Their expertise reduces the chances of errors and complications.
- At Elmi Laboratories, we use Sterile Equipment: Using sterile needles, collection tubes, and other equipment is crucial to prevent contamination and ensure accurate results.
- Proper Identification: We also use accurate labelling of blood samples with patient information, which is essential to avoid sample mix-ups, which can have severe consequences for diagnosis and treatment.
- Quality Control: Elmi Laboratories maintain stringent quality control measures to guarantee the accuracy and reliability of test results when processing blood samples. This is also vital for the Elmi Laboratories to follow ISO standards and obtain UKAS accreditation.
Laboratory Information Management System
Elmi Laboratories uses Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), which is a software solution designed to manage and automate laboratory operations and processes.
Elmi Laboratories LIMS serves as a central hub for organising, tracking, and documenting laboratory activities such as booking samples, tracking test turnaround times, and reporting test results remotely and securely so the requested clinicians can access their reports wherever they are around the world. This allows Elmi Laboratories to enhance efficiency, data accuracy, and regulatory compliance.
Summary
Elmi Laboratories provides invaluable information that assists medical professionals in diagnosing, treating, and monitoring various medical conditions. By adhering to proper procedures and maintaining high standards of accuracy, Elmi Laboratories staff ensures our service users and patients receive the best possible care, improving their health outcomes and enhancing their quality of life.