Microbiology and pathology specimens, handwritten comments, and glucose-tolerance samples look like exceptions. In clinical testing, exceptions are part of the main workflow.
01 / NOT EVERY SPECIMEN IS A STANDARD TUBE
Not every specimen is a standard tube
Microbiology and pathology orders may include non-standard containers and notes such as “right” or “left.” The meaning can depend on information written on the original request form.
So the verification screen could open an image of the request form without forcing the operator to leave the workflow. A safe system must bring the context to the point where a decision is made.
02 / THE SAME TUBE CAN MEAN DIFFERENT SPECIMENS
The same tube can mean different specimens
A familiar example is the 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test, used in diagnosing diabetes. Blood may be collected before glucose is taken and again 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes afterward.
All of those samples may use the same type of glucose tube. Physically they look alike; logically they are different specimens, and the timing must never be confused. The system therefore provided a dedicated screen that tied every scan to the correct collection point.
03 / EXCEPTIONS REVEAL THE QUALITY OF THE DESIGN
Exceptions reveal the quality of the design
The regular case is usually easy. The real measure of a clinical system is whether it keeps working when shape, timing, comments, and handling depart from the standard path.
An exception is not noise to discard. It is where safety requirements become visible.
CHAPTER 02 · EPISODE 6 / 9 + EXTRA