ESP: Specimen Storage Module:
Every test at ARUP that includes storage of the remaining specimen in the centralized storage-and-retrieval system has a special test code in the ESP database to designate its storage time and temperature. ARUP stores all completed specimens, either frozen or refrigerated, for periods ranging from two weeks to one year, depending on the requirements of the particular test and the perceived clinical need to possibly perform repeat or additional testing. With ARUP’s automation systems and ESP, tubes are stored promptly after testing is completed, facilitating their retrieval if needed for further testing.
ARUP has connected two Motoman Storage AutoSorter (SAS) to the Automated Track System. Tubes that have a storage test code in the route that was sent to AutoLab by ESP automatically route to an SAS after all route stops for testing have been completed. ESP provides the storage code for each tube to the Motoman software. When tubes arrive at an SAS, the SAS removes the tubes from the STCs and inserts them in the correct tray or rack that matches the storage time and temperature for the test. The SAS then provides ESP Storage with the tray number, row number, and column number (or rack # and position #) where each tube was stored.
Trays are used for higher volume categories of storage, and racks are used for lower volume categories. When racks are used, they are placed in a variation of the tray that holds 15 racks. Once the trays have been filled, they are carried either to a large walk-in refrigerator, which presently has over 50,000 specimens, or to a two-story freezer that contains the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS), which presently has over 450,000 specimens. To learn more about the freezer AS/RS system, click here. Whether a specimen is to be stored for 14 days, 30 days, 3 months, etc., the "clock" starts when the last specimen is placed in that particular tray. The discard function gives a daily report of expired tray numbers. After a discard has been confirmed, Specimen Tracking Inquiry then shows the discard date for each discarded tube. This eliminates needless searches for specimens that are no longer available.
See the ESP Inquiry module for details about how employees inquire about specimens. See the Checkout module for details about how employees retrieve specimens that they need.
- Automation Initiative Summary
- 2010 Automation Timeline
- Re-Engineered Processes
- Standardized Transfer Tube
- Automated Core Laboratory
- Expert Specimen Processing
- —Accessioning (Order-Entry)
- —Specimen Tracking Inquiry
- —Specimen Storage
- —Specimen Checkout
- —Retrieve and Confirm Software
- —Specimen Processing Workstations
- Image Management System (IMS)
- Automated Transport and Sorting System
- Automated Storage and Retrieval System
- What Does ARUP's Automation Initiative Mean for ARUP's Clients?
- Glossary of Terms
- Online Presentations
