Blood gas analyzer changeover helps improve quality of care and workflow

Addressing the clinical workflow and cost-related challenges at Baptist Health of Arkansas

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The key stakeholders at Baptist Health are ‘extremely likely to recommend’ these new devices to similar institutions mainly for their ‘reliability and user friendliness’

- Respiratory Therapists Shelly Brown and Candi Curtis, Baptist Health Medical Center, Arkansas, USA

Improved turnaround time

One of the most significant improvements that Baptist Health observed with the ABL90 Flex Plus was the turn around time (TAT). They came with AQURE that provided POC data management, direct EMR integration, and convenient updates as well as the elimination of the need for middleware. According to the staff, “Not only did the connectivity and software features of the analyzers improve the effective turnaround time, but they also saved valuable time for clinicians that could instead be spent on patient care," according to one staff member.

Robust Reliability & Minimized Redraws

The ABL90 Flex Plus provided accurate results using a single sample without the need for additional needle sticks. The analyzer performed measurements on 17 different parameters reliably. Hospital staff also did not have to allocate valuable patient-care time to device maintenance and troubleshooting.

Enhanced Clinical Efficiency

The Baptist Health staff appreciated that they could modify patient data using the analyzer’s easy-to-use interface without having to operate a separate computer or middleware. Laboratory Respiratory Leads could could monitor the status of devices and troubleshoot issues from the comfort of their home or office thanks to the connectivity of the analyzer and the software features of AQURE. The analyzer's consumables also kept track of number of tests remaining. Laboratory Respiratory Leads could also appreciated the analyzer’s mobility; the device could be unplugged, wheeled to a new location, then plugged back as needed. The wire adaptability removed concerns about battery life, and the analyzer was large enough not to get lost in fast-paced, high-volume settings. Finally, the staff appreciated not needing to file extra paperwork considering the devices’ exemption from Individualized Quality Control Plan regulations.

Decreased Costs

Since the introduction of the ABL90 Flex Plus, the hospital realized cost savings from the disposal of hazardous substances. The cassette-based system produced less waste and could process more samples before needing to be replaced, which considerably helped increase efficiency. Software features of AQURE also eliminated the need for middleware, potentially leading to additional cost savings.

About the hospital

Baptist Health System, Arkansas, USA
Longstanding healthcare system established in 1920 with approximately 11,000 employees to date
Most comprehensive healthcare system in Arkansas with 6 main campuses, spanning 250 points of access that include 11 hospitals, multiple urgent care centers, a senior living community, and over 100 primary and specialty care facilities all over Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma
The flagship hospital is Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock, AR, which includes a comprehensive respiratory unit, critical care facilities, and a neonatal intensive care unit