Analysis of sample rejection at newly established pathology laboratory of the International Islamic University Malaysia Medical Centre (IIUMMC)

Introduction: Erroneous laboratory results due to pre-analytical errors may significantly affect patient’s safety and care. In diagnostic laboratory practice, stringent rejection criteria are therefore necessary. On the other hand, sample rejection may delay the turnaround time and decision for patient care. Inexperience staff combined with unfamiliarity with new hospital setting may contribute to escalate the pre-analytical errors. This is one of the challenges faced by our new hospital. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the rate, type, cause and time of sample rejections at our laboratory since its operation in October 2016. Material & Methods: All samples received at the common specimen receiving counter, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, IIUMMC were included. The records of sample rejection were retrieved from the Laboratory Information System and analysed. Results: A total number of 1419 samples were received from October 2016 to March 2017, with 54 rejections (3.8%). The rate of sample rejection showed an upward trend each month (0%, 0%, 2.4%, 2.6%, 3.6% and 5.18% respectively from October 2016 to March 2017). Chemistry profiles and coagulation studies were among the commonest types of samples rejected (37% and 22.2% of the rejected samples respectively). Haemolysed sample was found to be the commonest cause of rejection (44.4%), followed by insufficient samples (35.2%). Most of the samples were rejected during morning working hours from 8.00am – 1.00pm (61.1%). Conclusion: The increasing rejection rate in our newly established Pathology laboratory warrants further investigation and improvement on proper sample collection and handling

A Value-Based Decision-Making Model for Selecting Sustainable Materials for Buildings

Nowadays, the earth faces problems and challenges from different circumstances due to the dramatic rise of urban modernization. The construction industry is the most contributor to climate change. Achieving sustainability in construction is complicated, but one of the most optimal strategies is selecting building materials with a lower carbon footprint. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the criteria for sustainable materials selection, rank and prioritize sustainable criteria, and developing value-based decision making. A mixed method was used to satisfy the objectives through an extensive literature review, surveys, and interviews with experts. The statistical descriptive was based on a scatter plot of mean and standard deviation, AHP judgment and Value-based decision-making using function over cost. There are two alternatives obtained in this study: Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP) and Stainless Steel. As a result, the suitable alternative for sustainable façade material is ACP based on value-based calculation. The tendency of choosing sustainable material depends on the stakeholders, owner of the building, designers, and others. The research is to show the way in selecting sustainable material by using value-based analysis. This study could expect to give feasibility and useful knowledge in solving problems and increase the use of sustainable materials in building construction. Future research may be conducted with different requirements for sustainable materials. AHP and Value-based analysis are structured technique that solves a complex problem easily using mathematics and psychology approach