Performance Improvement Through Automated Semen Analysis

Abstract

Semen analysis has significantly benefited from automation. With manual testing, the laboratory was faced with challenges of maintaining standards of efficiency, consistency, and competency. Predicted staffing shortages also influenced our decision to automate. To improve services, decrease TAT, and improve cost efficiency and physician satisfaction, we decided to automate semen analysis with Medical Electronics SQA-V Semen Analyzer. Use of LEAN principles identified items to streamline testing while providing clinicians with timely, accurate, and consistent results. This analyzer is a benchtop device that rapidly determines the total sperm count, motility, and morphologic features of semen specimens. The SQA-V technology is based on electro-optical signal processing in conjunction with algorithms built into the software. The analyzer can accommodate fresh, postvasectomy, frozen, and washed specimens. We used 37 patient samples, including normal and abnormal specimens, to validate the system. Manual testing was performed by the staff trained in manual semen analysis using the WHO third classification.Training was completed in 5 days, and after implementation, the goal of a 3- hour TAT was consistently met. The manual semen analysis average TAT was 3 days owing to delays in manual processing, including transport, staining, and microscopic examination. Annualized, 0.5 FTEs were affected. In 2010, 161 cases were performed. Overall, labor costs were reduced by $14,560.00. Our average turnaround time per case was reduced from 82 hours to 3 hours. Annualized, this freed up 0.5 FTE. Automating semen analysis has enabled us to offer testing on demand while eliminating many of the delays involved in manual processing. It has enabled us to maximize our resources, so that our scientists are free to perform other tasks. Our physicians can now rely on having accurate test results consistently available in less than 3 hours.