1. NPEx A user perspective
John Coatsworth
Senior Biomedical Scientist
Immunology
James Cook University Hospital
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

2. Introduction NPEx had been available to the Trust for a while
Sounded good in theory
Some contact with other labs had been made
No samples had been sent
Sounded ‘difficult’ to set up
Requires other labs to also be on NPEx
The person with the vision to see the benefits was retiring soon and was keen to see it in use
Immunology was a good candidate to get things going
Decided to start using NPEx to send samples to Oxford

3. Middlesbrough to Oxford is a Long Journey
Home of the Parmo

4. What you need to do to get started
Set up each test on NPEx
Set up each test as an order out on LIMS
Set up each test as a result in on LIMS
Create route on NPEx. Let the other lab know. They accept route
Easy to do
Honestly
Would take time if numerous tests to establish
One off

5. Sending Samples Instructions in NPEx user guide easy to follow
User guide is in the system
Use barcode on sample to Assemble Shipment then Confirm Specimens Packaged then Dispatch
Set up My users
Demonstrate process to these users
I have shown 3 members of staff so far
They all picked up the shipments out process quickly
Easy
Honestly

6. Some Problems LIMS compatibility. Check. Some examples.....
NEGATIVE to NEG to NEGATIVE
POSITIVE to POS to POSITIVE
Results go in ok, comments can need attention
To evaluate continue to receive paper copies of reports
My experience is of sending a few samples each week to one referral laboratory
Different problems may occur if setting up as a testing laboratory
Cost

7. Advantages 1
Saves time when sending. No request forms to copy or write.
Too few samples to quantitate this meaningfully
Electronic transfer of request and results minimises transcription errors
Audit trails can be viewed on NPEx. The site is user friendly

8. Improved turnaround times
Advantages 2
Improved turnaround times ?
NPEx
Average TAT (Days)
ACR
VGKC Hu No
June 2016 27 28 19
Yes
Sept 2016 17 22
Oct 2016 13 14 12

9. SUMMARY In our experience so far it is easy to set up
Improves quality (Electronic transfer of data and reduced turnaround times)
Potential to save staff time
We intend to expand our use of NPEx
Staff like it

10. Before: “Please do the Oxford send aways”

11. After:“Please do the Oxford send aways using NPEx”

12. SUMMARY In our experience so far it is easy to set up
Improves quality (Electronic transfer of data and reduced turnaround times)
Potential to save staff time
We intend to expand our use of NPEx
Staff like it