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Improving Laboratory Processes with Total Laboratory Automation
Hoi-Ying Elsie Yu1, Harold Lanzoni2, Tracy Steffen2
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA.
Laboratory Medicine
|July 9, 2018
Summary
Implementing a total laboratory automation (TLA) system significantly streamlined specimen handling, reducing steps by 86%. This automation optimized laboratory processes and efficiency with careful planning.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Laboratory Science
- Laboratory Automation
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Laboratory workflow efficiency is crucial for timely diagnostics.
- A total laboratory automation (TLA) system was implemented, integrating preanalytic processing with hematology, coagulation, and chemistry testing.
- The goal was to enhance overall laboratory operational performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a total laboratory automation (TLA) system on laboratory workflow efficiency.
- To quantify improvements in specimen handling, personnel allocation, and testing turnaround times.
Main Methods:
- Process flow mapping was conducted before and after TLA implementation using time and motion studies.
- Postimplementation studies were utilized to measure efficiency gains.
- Key performance indicators included processing steps, footprint, personnel, hands-on time, and turnaround time.
Main Results:
- Total laboratory automation (TLA) reduced specimen handling steps by 86%.
- Instrument consolidation decreased the laboratory footprint by 45% and personnel by 2.5 FTEs.
- Hands-on time for add-on processes decreased by 82% without affecting turnaround times for STAT and outreach work.
Conclusions:
- Careful planning enables effective optimization of laboratory processes through TLA systems.
- Total laboratory automation (TLA) significantly enhances laboratory efficiency and resource utilization.
- TLA implementation is a viable strategy for improving clinical laboratory operations.
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