The big picture:
In the complex and ever-evolving world of medical laboratory operations, the recent transformation journey of a leading lab stands as a vivid testament to the power of innovation and strategic thinking. The goal was to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of lab processes, ensuring Quality Patient Results, Every Time, All the Time. This transformation is not just about technology; it's about reengineering every step of the laboratory workflow to better serve patients.
Understanding the lab process:
Traditionally, the lab operated much like a detailed, interdependent system - akin to a glass making factory. This involved accessioning each sample into the system, specifying an average of 25 features from patient demographics to test requests. Hundreds of barcode labels were manually matched and attached to samples, carrying critical information for the next steps. The samples then underwent a series of manual processes, through aliquots, rockers, and spinners, and were transported through a variety of specialized instruments for different testing needs, such as Chemistry, Immunoassay, Hematology, Molecular, and Urinalysis. This manual and meticulous process, while ensuring quality, was time-intensive and prone to potential mishaps.
Innovations and their impact:
The recent optimizations have significantly transformed the lab operations:
Reduced Total Turnaround Time by 25%: This marked improvement in efficiency means faster results for patients and clinicians.
Increased Availability for Same-Day Testing by 30%: A crucial enhancement, especially for urgent testing requirements.
Reduced Report Preparation and Printing from 4 Hours to 15 Minutes: This drastic reduction in time has streamlined one of the most time-consuming aspects of lab work.
Reduced Manual Workload Significantly: By minimizing manual interventions, the potential for errors has been significantly reduced.
Strategic implementations for enhanced operations:
Rearranged Testing Menu Across Instruments: Previously, 50% of samples required two stops for immunoassay testing, but now, only 10% do. Availability of testing on different platforms and testing profiles are an ever changing landscape and such regular optimizations are a must.
Dedicated Instrument for A1C Testing: By separating the roles of the chemistry instrument - which used to handle both serum and blood testing - operations have been streamlined. This not only frees up the instrument for routine testing but also improves the quality and turnaround of A1C results, thanks to adopting HPLC methodology.
Introduction of Two SST Tubes: This change has allowed the lab to parallelize the workload. Where each SST tube previously could hit up to 4 instruments, now immunoassay can be split from chemistry testing, thereby reporting results faster and reducing manual tracking.
Machine Learning and Automated Technologies for Reporting: Replacing a 4-hour manual tracking process with a click of a button has significantly expedited the reporting process.
Physician Collaboration in Sample Labeling: Some physicians have been enabled to print lab labels, which reduces lab workload and the potential for mislabeling. This change has eliminated the tedious and error-prone process of matching labels with over 300 tubes daily. Integrations between EMR systems and Lab LIS systems are key to this optimization.