Derby Royal NHS Case Study

Challenge

Derby Royal NHS Foundation Trust required a specimen bag solution that offered them a number of commercial and operational benefits. 

Solution

A large majority of the specimen bags being used in the UK today are made from a low density polythene (LDPE). Whilst these perform adequately there is an inherent problem that if a vial becomes damaged in transit this low density film can puncture more easily than a high density option.

Benefit

Easy, speedy and efficient solution with a major H&S benefit in reducing risk of RSI injuries also a reduction in costs and time taken to achieve a patient test result.

Derby Royal NHS Foundation

Derby Royal NHS Foundation Trust required a specimen bag solution that offered them a number of commercial and operational benefits. Having used a grip seal specimen bag  with a document pocket for a number of years improvements could be made. Reducing the number of “spoiled” samples by ensuring the sample remained in the bag whilst in transit. Reduce the risk of damaged samples leaking and contaminating other samples within the same batch. Finally, make it easier and more efficient to open the specimen bag on arrival at the laboratory.

RECOMENDED SOLUTION

A large majority of the specimen bags being used in the UK today are made from a low density polythene (LDPE). Whilst these perform adequately there is an inherent problem that if a vial becomes damaged in transit this low density film can puncture more easily than a high density option. Whilst developing our new solution reducing the risk of spillages was one of the major considerations hence we used a HDPE film for this product. Conformity to UN3373 regulations was obviously a prerequisite.

When spillages do occur any leakage is contained within the leakproof bag and so only one sample is affected. No batch contamination occurs eradicating the need to carry out multiple repeat tests.

The leakproof closure that has been used on this product seals the bag internally from edge to edge. Once sealed the bag is totally leakproof. The bag seals by simply removing the clear silicone release liner from the bag and firmly pressing the two surfaces together. Operational instructions are clearly printed on the front of the bags.

In order to cover the majority of needs we developed two options, one bag has an adhesive strip so that an accompanying request form can be attached to the bag or secondly, a bag with a document pocket to carry the request form. Both options perform the same function it purely depends whether a request form is accompanying the sample in transit to which version you require.

Both options are available from stock or alternatively as we did for Royal Derby we made a bespoke pocketed version for them with their trust name printed on the front of the bag.

For more information and samples speak to one of our experienced NHS Team on 01625 432094 or visit www.nhslabels.co.uk

Alternatively email us at andy@pm-labels.co.uk or jess @pm-labels.co.uk for more information.

With friendly and experienced guidance from the team at PMSS we were able to find solutions to meet all of our aesthetic and operational needs with the highly versatile PMSS leakproof specimen bag. We especially like that we now have a product featuring our NHS trust logo and that we were able to incorporate additional features such as a pocket for request forms with no extra fuss”. 

Specimen Reception Team UHDB Royal Derby Hospital