A Competitive Edge Through Layout & Workflow In Australian Pathology Labs
Smart pathology management involves sample throughput assessment in all divisions of the pathology laboratory whilst maintaining precision and accuracy. Whilst automation with digital pathology is great for speed and accuracy, layout and workflow processes are often overlooked, resulting in inefficiency and downtime through unnecessary motion. In this article, the team at Modulab impart a few simple ideas to assist with self-managed workflow analysis.
Closing the gap on motion downtime
You don’t have to be a lean manufacturing specialist to close the gap on unnecessary motion. It’s a great idea to look at time as money – what is the average hour worth per person in your laboratory? Once this factor has been assessed, you can use this number to calculate savings on motion.
Developing a spaghetti diagram to map motion
Sketching a spaghetti diagram can assist greatly in the mapping of motion. This must be done effectively in view of calculating ROI before and after change. The purpose of a spaghetti diagram is to define an accurate average number of metres travelled per person in each division of your laboratory. Compare this number with the new layout and then convert the difference in savings to dollars. This process can amount to thousands of dollars per year as a result of a few simple changes in a layout or process.
Departmentalising a laboratory for assessment
Departmentalising larger laboratories into groups can assist with the motion studies process. Giving responsibilities to department heads can help with breaking up your project into smaller, more manageable pieces for a speedy outcome. If department heads are struggling with executing this process, give them assistance. Depending on the size of your pathology facility, areas of the laboratory that can be grouped into lineal processes will likely include:
- Reception/Sample Reception
- Core Laboratory (ChemBio)
- Haematology
- Microbiology
- Histology
- Immunology and Serology
- Coagulation
- Morphology
- Urinalysis
- DNA
How can I calculate ROI without disrupting my lab staff?
Outsourcing is a great way to calculate ROI without staff downtime and disruption. The Westlab Projects team is passionate about maximising ROI in the pathology laboratory space and have a basic to advanced consultancy package available to assist with this process. This is a great way to collate feasibility for an upgrade, refurbishment or even a new build, as it promotes due diligence and looks at reducing costs while increasing accuracy and speed of throughput. Packages include a site assessment meeting, drafting services, and cost estimation services right through to project management and implementation. Call the project team at Westlab on 1800 358 101 to book an assessment today or click here to book online >>>