Short distances inside a hospital can hide waiting and handoff time. Assign an owner and conditions for each item without forcing medicines and specimens into the same procedure.
Fields for the handoff form
ID or barcode, sending unit, recipient or unit, container ID, dispatch, waiting and receipt times, and receiver acknowledgement. For specimens, include the request form or laboratory access code.
For medicines, follow storage instructions from the manufacturer or pharmacy. For specimens, use the laboratory's type-specific packaging, time, temperature and acceptance protocol. Do not assume one temperature or time limit fits all.
If waiting occurs, record its duration and location. Use a logger or temperature check at the product-owner-defined position when required; report excursions while preserving the handoff chain.
Define an authorised secure destination in advance if the recipient is unavailable. Match proof of receipt and records to the relevant order or specimen ID.