Progressive automation - The solution of choice for improving lab efficiency

Abstract

Today's hospital laboratory faces increasing pressure to improve turnaround time (TAT), while being required to handle an increasing number of test requests. At the same time, it must operate ever tighter cost controls. Using LEAN process improvement techniques is an effective way of identifying how to delivering greater efficiency and quality. LEAN focuses on identifying those processes that add value and on eliminating the 'waste' - those unnecessary, non value adding steps that cause bottlenecks and delay the delivery of results. Greater use of LEAN analysis also confirms that one of the most effective ways of achieving greater overall efficiency is by automating laboratory processes. With Beckman Coulter's progressive automation solution, a laboratory is likely to see a return on its investment within 18 to 36 months. Beckman Coulter uses a LEAN scorecard to enable the laboratory to easily assess its current testing processes and identify specific areas where improvement is needed. By doing this in advance, a laboratory can expect the implementation of its progressive automation solution to go smoothly. In addition, the average laboratory can automate its pre-analytic testing, using a high speed automated sorter, in as little as two weeks.