The laboratory information float, time-based competition, and point-of-care testing

Area of Science:

• Clinical Laboratory Science
• Health Informatics
• Medical Technology Innovation

Background:

• Traditional laboratory turnaround time (TAT) fails to account for result accessibility.
• The concept of 'laboratory information float' encompasses both availability and usability of test results.
• Current TAT metrics do not fully capture the clinical impact of delayed information.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and define the term 'laboratory information float' as a superior metric for clinical laboratory performance.
• To propose strategies for reducing laboratory information float through technological integration.
• To highlight the benefits of mobile clinical laboratories and palmtop computers in enhancing laboratory efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis and definition of 'laboratory information float'.
• Proposal of telescoping the analytic phase into the preanalytic phase.
• Advocacy for mobile clinical laboratories and palmtop computers for point-of-care testing and data access.

Main Results:

• The laboratory information float can be significantly reduced by integrating analytic processes.
• Mobile clinical laboratories facilitate continuous flow processing at point-of-care venues.
• Palmtop computers enable passive access to test results, improving clinician workflow.

Conclusions:

• The laboratory information float is a more comprehensive measure than traditional turnaround time.
• Mobile clinical laboratories and palmtop computers are key technologies for minimizing information float.
• Future laboratory information float will be measured in minutes through strategic technology deployment.