What does Turnaround Time (TAT) mean?

What does TAT, Turnaround Time mean?

Turnaround Time (TAT) is the duration, whether in hours or days, from when a sample or specimen reaches the laboratory to when testing is complete, and the laboratory established and released the results.

Each laboratory determines their own turnaround time, but most offer a form of expedited, or urgent turnaround time. This request is sent when vendors need results back quickly. Timely reporting is a vital measure of quality services, along with the provision of reliable, precise, and accurate reports.

Therefore, each clinical laboratory should identify the factors affecting their reporting time and eliminate them to strengthen the quality of services. The testing laboratories are handling and the status of the test, whether it is a regular or urgent request, can impact the turnaround time.

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