From 13th November 2023, it is essential for staff to sign a pathology specimen in the EMR in order for it to be processed by the labs. 

This is consistent with the ‘Sign After Scanning’ workflow currently in effect. 

Staff must ensure they: 

• Scan the specimen barcode 
• Complete the workflow by clicking ‘Sign’ in the EMR to add a date and time stamp to the specimen 

Currently when this is not completed, the labs date and time stamp the specimen (with an incorrect date and time). 

From this date, the labs will be unable to edit order details, so failure to sign will mean the specimen is not processed. 

The Digital Health team will provide support to the labs for one week (13th – 17th November), by phoning clinical areas when an unsigned specimen comes through and reminding staff to complete the workflow.  

From 18th November, it will be up to the labs if they wish to phone the clinical area or to not process the specimen, which will result in a rebleed. 

To help staff become familiar with this change the following resources are available:

Workflow video – Point of Care Specimen Collection

Quick Reference Guide – Pathology Specimen Collection – Nurse and Midwife

Quick Reference Guide – Pathology Specimen Collection – Medical Officers & non Care Compass Users 

For further information, please contact Acting Deputy Chief Nursing & Midwifery Informatics Officer, Barbara Lennon – Barbara.Lennon@wh.org.au