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We are preparing to transmit electrophoresis results from an analyzer to the LIS (Meditech Client Server). We have not transmitted images in lab reports prior to this. We also would like to find a way to send these (and other)images to the Meditech EMR. Do you have any advice about how to implement?

You will need to work with Meditech to determine if the LIS can export the image. Then you will work with the EMR to determine if the graphic can be imported. It will also be important to determine where the graphic is displayed in the EMR.

Since each LIS and EMR has different capabilities it will be important to work closely with your vendors to clearly state the project requirements to both vendors.

We use the Focal Point Slide Profiler manufactured by BD Diagnostics and we use Meditech 5.55 for our Hospital Information System. Meditech can generate barcode slide labels but we cannot use them as the Focal Point is not able to read them, hence we purchase barcode labels from a vendor. Does anyone know if there is a way to make the Focal Point and Meditech compatible?

My suggestion would be to coordinate a conference call with BD and Meditech technical personnel. Some questions to ask are:

1- Could the Meditech print another format that the Focal Point can read?

2- Can something be done at the Focal Point to accommodate the Meditech label.



Some customizations may be required from BD or Meditech to make the systems compatible.

We are preparing to implement EMR. Can you suggest some educational sites or articles that will help me get organized as to what I need to start organizing (sources in addition to the EMR vendor)?

A web search turned up the following articles. It would also be beneficial to ask the EMR and LIS vendors for references. Hopefully, an interface has been completed between the EMR and LIS vendors. You can speak to the references about their experiences. Many professional organizations, such as COLA, ASCLS and CLMA offer workshops and/or presentations on EMR implementation as well.


http://www.emrconsultant.com/emr_pitfalls.php

http://www.himss.org/content/files/EMR_Imp_issues_032707.pdf

http://xnet.kp.org/permanentejournal/fall04/reality.html

We are in the process of installing a new interface which will send financial transactions from our transfusion services information system to the financials system. There are 4000 tests and producats in the table. Is it necessary to validate all 4000 items? If not, how do we determine which ones and how many to validate?

Validation of software systems and the transfer of information between software systems is an important part of a quality assurance program. I’ll start by stating that it’s not necessary to include all tests and poducasts in your validation plan. Your plan should include a good sampling of tests with different testing parameters to verify that the transfer of information is accurate. Perhaps you could select normal results, abnormal results, and calculated results (if applicable) to include in your plan. CLIA doesn’t specify a number of items to test, but states that you must develop a plan and document the findings when new systems are implemented or changes are made to the software, You need to feel comfortable that the items you are testing and the number of samplestested is a fair representation of your total testing menu.

We have a LIS staff of 3 and would like to develop a group of "superusers" from each major lab area to become more familiar / proficient in the use and functionality of our LIS system. Any comments / suggestions on how to develop such a group?

I would suggest that you contact your LIS vendor for guidance. The various LIS systems have different procedures to set up and implement “superusers”.