Urine monovette tubes are used for urine tests in the Biochemistry laboratory, particularly for urine albumin creatinine ratio (ACR) testing. The Trust had reported that the spoil rate of kits was quite high, with a number of bottles over filled, under filled or the labelling not correctly filled out. GPs were equally concerned by the numbers of rejected tests, and there has been a discussion about actions to ensure patient testing is improved.
The Trust has confirmed that it will stop rejecting any overfilled urine monovette containers received as of Thursday 16 July 2020. Instead they have developed a solution to manage the analyses of these samples. This solution will remain in place for the foreseeable future until an alternative to the monovette tubes are found. This will result in a few days’ delay in reporting these results back to GP practices, but allows overfilled samples to be processed.
BHRUT is actively looking for alternative tubes that will make it easier for patients to take urine samples and make the processing within the lab easier and safer. We will share updates on this in due course.
The Trust pathology team have asked for feedback on the existing patient information letter, so this can be improved and made easier to follow for our patients, reducing the number of overfilled samples. If you have any suggestions, please share this with funmi.akinlade@nhs.net at BHRUT who will help collate feedback and make any necessary changes to the patient information leaflet.
If you have any queries, please email funmi.akinlade@nhs.net
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