Turnaround Time in the Haematology Laboratory and Its Impact on Patient Care

Abstract

Background: Turnaround time (TAT) is a visible indicator of laboratory performance because delays in haematology testing can postpone diagnosis, treatment, transfusion decisions, surgery and discharge. However, rapid reporting must not compromise specimen integrity, analytical reliability or communication. Objective: This narrative review examines the concept, measurement, determinants and clinical implications of TAT in haematology laboratories and outlines practical improvement strategies, including approaches applicable to resource-constrained settings. Methods: Guidance and literature on laboratory quality, the total testing process, pre-analytical error, automation, critical-result communication, emergency laboratory services and quality indicators were synthesised across pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical phases. Results: Avoidable delays commonly arise from interacting failures involving inappropriate requesting, patient identification, specimen collection, transport, specimen quality, batching, equipment downtime, reagent shortages, manual review, repeat or reflex testing, delayed authorisation, information-system failure and unsuccessful critical-result notification. These delays may affect decisions concerning antibiotics, anticoagulant reversal, transfusion, operative management and recognition of severe haematological abnormalities. Improvement requires clear test-specific time points and targets, monitoring of distributions and outliers, workflow mapping, prioritisation of urgent specimens, reliable transport, validated autoverification, equipment and inventory management, and collaboration with clinical teams. Conclusion: TAT should be managed as a balanced quality indicator within the total testing process. The aim is timely delivery and acknowledgement of an accurate result that supports safe clinical action.