HospitalInspections.org

Based on interviews and review of policy it was determined the facility failed to provide services in a safe and sanitary environment. This failure has the potential to place all patients and staff at risk for infection.

Findings include:

1. An interview conducted with the Lab Manager on 7/15/19 at 9:20 a.m. revealed there was a worm infestation in the phlebotomy lab on 7/1/19. She revealed phlebotomist #1 found the worms when she arrived at work at 6:00 a.m. The Lab Manager revealed phlebotomist #1 did not notify her of the infestation until the Lab Manager arrived for work at 8:00 a.m. She revealed phlebotomist #1 continued to provide phlebotomy services in the lab from 7:00 a.m. until 8:15 a.m. when the decision was made to move the lab equipment to another area. The employee break room was cleaned and the phlebotomy lab was moved there.

An interview conducted with phlebotomist #1 and #2 on 7/15/19 at 9:48 a.m. revealed during the time the phlebotomy lab was located in the break room urine specimens were brought into the room.

An interview conducted with the Lab Manager on 7/15/19 at 11:58 a.m. revealed it is customary for urine specimens to be dropped off with the phlebotomists for labeling and activation of the lab orders before they are taken to the laboratory for processing.

2. A review of policy titled Criteria for Specimen Rejection, effective date July 1994, states in part: "All specimens MUST be brought to the laboratory as soon as possible for collection."

3. In an interview with the Lab Manager on 7/15/19 at 11:58 a.m. she concurred with the above findings.