ESP: Accessioning Module:

The ESP Accessioning Module is a rules-based system that uses a massive database of all acceptable (not just preferred) specimen types, eliminating the need for processors to continually memorize alternative, acceptable specimen types or interrupt their work to inquire about a particular specimen. ESP can even differentiate local clients from out-of-state clients, since some tests may have less stringent requirements if picked up locally and received at ARUP earlier. The ESP database contains details for each test, including if it needs to be aliquotted, if it needs to be placed on the Automated Track System, where it needs to be routed, and the sequence of that route. ESP assists specimen processors in a manner that has eliminated considerable training time and has resulted in significant improvements in quality.

A new employee in Specimen Processing can now exhibit reasonable competency after 4 - 6 weeks of training versus what previously used to be 6 months. Unique to ESP, compared to most LIS accessioning systems, is a requirement to enter the numbers and types of tubes and their temperatures. ESP uses this information to determine if the correct specimens have been submitted and if these specimens need to be aliquotted or routed a particular way.

Approximately 83% of ARUP's incoming orders are electronically pre-entered into ARUP's LIS by interfaces between client LIS systems and ARUP's LIS or by clients using ARUP PC workstations (System 2000). These orders are transmitted to ARUP as the specimens are leaving the client's location. Electronic orders are downloaded from ARUP's LIS to ESP to await the arrival of the shipments. Only 17% of patient orders require full order-entry from paper requisitions directly into ESP. Whether "receiving" electronic orders or completing new orders, specimen processors enter the temperatures, specimen types, and number of tubes and then print bar code labels. When the submitted specimens do not match an acceptable specimen type, ESP automatically creates an "exception." The processor then has an opportunity to review the problem and either cancel the proposed exception or accept it, which will then send the exception to the ARUP Exception Handling Department. Thus, ESP provides better control of the entered information to ensure a higher quality process.