New benchmarks and design criteria for laboratory consolidations

Benchmarks and design criteria previously used for planning consolidated laboratories such as bed size, staffing, and test volumes no longer apply. To achieve greater operational efficiencies, consolidated laboratories should be designed with open, flexible, and adaptable space using work flow/workstations, instrumentation requirements, and the degree of automation as the key design criteria. The primary objective of most consolidations is the reduction of staff with a substantial increase in workload. A critical factor when planning a consolidated laboratory is the ability of the space to accommodate the increase in testing and procedures to serve multiple facilities and growing outreach programs with fewer FTEs. Designing the laboratory starts with a thorough evaluation of work flow, testing procedures, desired adjacencies, and relationships within the laboratory. An area analysis should be developed describing in detail projected space requirements. Consideration should be given for the incorporation of automation/robotics and new, more efficient, and comprehensive instrumentation. Safety, noise, vibration control, lighting, and engineering support systems are all critical issues that also must be effectively addressed and incorporated into the design. Specific issues that will be discussed at this program include projected space requirements; review and development of existing and projected workstations; equipment requirements; lighting options; workload and procedures review; staffing procedures; flexibility/adaptability; relationships and adjacencies; flow diagrams; plan development; cost implications, on-site versus off-site facilities; and new construction versus renovation construction cost comparisons. Using specific examples from consolidated laboratory projects, we have designed a case study presentation by the laboratory director from a recently completed laboratory consolidation project serving a multihospital system. We will discuss the new design criteria and benchmarks that must be established to create a functional, operationally efficient, and profitable laboratory consolidation.