By Staff
Photo: A sample-guidance rack developed by the laboratory team at Pingtung Christian Hospital helps reduce human error in high-pressure emergency room settings. (Courtesy of Pingtung Christian Hospital)
KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan — Pingtung Christian Hospital (屏東基督教醫院) has won 17 awards at major domestic and international quality and innovation competitions, earning top honors for projects designed to reduce errors and improve efficiency in high-pressure emergency room settings, according to local media reports.
The hospital received gold awards at the ICQCC 2025–Taipei International Convention on Quality Control Circles and the Kaohsiung International Invention and Design Expo (KIDE) for its work lowering hemolysis-related blood sample rejection rates in emergency departments.
Hospital director Wu Rong-zhou (吳榮州) said emergency blood sample quality is critical to accurate diagnosis and timely treatment, noting that hemolysis often forces repeat blood draws that increase patient discomfort and delay care. To address the issue, the hospital’s laboratory department partnered with emergency nursing staff to form a cross-department quality control team, applying Quality Control Circle (QCC) methods such as data analysis, surveys, and root-cause verification.
Key innovations include the “ColorCue” sample rack, which uses a one-slot-one-color visual design to reduce human error in fast-paced emergency settings, and the “e-mixer” portable blood sample mixer, a bedside automated device that minimizes inconsistencies caused by manual mixing. Both inventions have applied for patents.
Additional measures—ranging from a one-card reminder system for sample collection to AI-assisted e-learning materials and redesigned tools for dialysis units—have improved sample completeness rates and reduced repeat testing, hospital officials said.
Based on Liberty Times reporting.
