Overview
University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (formerly Derby Royal NHS Foundation Trust) required a specimen transport solution that could improve sample security, reduce contamination risks and provide operational efficiencies across its pathology services. Having used traditional grip seal specimen bags with document pockets for a number of years, the Trust identified opportunities to improve both the safety and effectiveness of specimen transportation.
Challenges
The Trust needed a solution that would:
- Reduce the number of spoiled samples by ensuring specimens remained securely contained during transit.
- Minimise the risk of damaged samples leaking and contaminating other specimens within the same batch.
- Improve the efficiency of opening specimen bags on arrival at the laboratory.
- Enhance health and safety for laboratory staff while reducing operational costs and delays associated with repeat testing.
Our Approach
Bar Code Data developed a new leakproof specimen bag solution specifically designed to address these challenges.
Unlike many specimen bags available in the UK that are manufactured from low-density polyethylene (LDPE), the new solution utilises high-density polyethylene (HDPE), offering greater puncture resistance and improved containment should a sample become damaged during transport.
The bags feature a fully leakproof closure that seals internally from edge to edge, ensuring that any leakage is contained within a single bag and preventing batch contamination. The solution was also designed to comply fully with UN3373 regulations for the transport of biological substances.
To meet varying operational requirements, two bag options were developed:
- A bag with an adhesive strip for attaching documentation externally.
- A bag with an integrated document pocket to hold request forms.
For Derby Royal, a bespoke pocketed version was supplied, complete with custom printing featuring the Trust's branding.
Benefits to the Customer
The new specimen bag solution delivered several key benefits:
- Reduced risk of sample contamination and the need for repeat testing.
- Improved containment of damaged specimens during transport.
- Faster and more efficient specimen handling within the laboratory.
- Enhanced health and safety by reducing exposure to leaking samples and lowering the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
- Reduced operational costs and improved turnaround times for patient test results.
- Availability of both standard and bespoke bag configurations to support differing workflow requirements.
The Result
By implementing the new leakproof specimen bag solution, Derby Royal NHS Foundation Trust significantly improved the security and integrity of specimen transportation. The enhanced containment capabilities reduced the risk of contamination incidents and repeat testing, while the improved bag design streamlined laboratory processes and delivered measurable time and cost savings.
To discuss your requirements or learn more about the services available from Bar Code Data, please contact our team.