New tools for laboratory design and management

Area of Science:

• Clinical diagnostics
• Laboratory automation
• Health informatics

Background:

• The clinical laboratory is transitioning from a sample analysis focus to an in vitro diagnostic network model.
• Strategic planning for this transition requires comprehensive tools to mitigate risks and conflicts.
• Defining specific quality goals is essential before selecting new technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a strategic framework for clinical laboratory transformation.
• To highlight the importance of a system and customer-supplier approach in laboratory management.
• To introduce quantitative simulation modeling as a tool for evaluating automation alternatives.

Main Methods:

• Adoption of a system approach focusing on functional studies over traditional disciplines.
• Implementation of a customer-supplier approach to define inter-partner requirements.
• Utilization of quantitative simulation modeling for workflow analysis and automation assessment.
• Development of interactive simulation tools for laboratory design and reengineering.

Main Results:

• A system approach simplifies complex laboratory processes.
• A defined quality system acts as a management tool, integrating samples, tasks, information, and documents.
• Quantitative simulation modeling effectively explores automation impacts on laboratory workflow.
• Interactive simulation tools facilitate communication and professional involvement in practice changes.

Conclusions:

• A strategic, system-based approach is vital for navigating the evolution of clinical laboratories.
• Quality goals and simulation modeling are key components for successful automation and network integration.
• Involving professionals through communication tools enhances the adoption of new practices in diagnostic networks.