Cluster-Based Haematology Lab Report

How to improve the efficiency and workflow of a cluster-based Haematology laboratory

Introduction The Hospital Authority manages lot of public hospitals and institutions, Specialist Out-patient Clinics and General Out-patient Clinics. To ensure that patients receive a high quality care within the same geographical setting. These are organized into seven hospital clusters based on locations. To earn the benefit of clustering, the provided services must be improved continuously. In a cluster-based Hematology Laboratory, there are several methods to improve the efficiency and workflow. They can be divided in to four aspects:

1. Staff Management

2. Techniques Improvement

3. Paperless Laboratory

4. Resources Management

1. Staff Management

Staff

Techniques improvement There are plenty of new laboratory products available every year, seeking to increase sample throughput and make protocols more efficient. To improve the efficiency and workflow of a clustered hematology laboratory, it should be kept an eye out for the new laboratory equipments or technologies. Theses allow laboratory have an enhancement in throughput and also the quality of laboratory tests. To improve the technology in laboratory, there are two main directions:

2.1 Automation

Automation is the use of instrument and specimen processing equipment to reduce the need for human work. The advantages of automation includes

1 Reduces the workload

2 Increases turnaround time (Saves time used per analysis)

3 Eliminates the errors due to human works

4 Improves reproducibility (repeatability)

5 Uses minimum amount of sample and reagent

6 Improve documentation

Automation can be applied into pre-analytical and analytical processes in haematology laboratory.

Pre-analytical processes:

1 Centrifuge

2 Sample sorting

3 Sample aliquot

4 Labeling

5 Capping and de-capping

Analytical processes:

1 Sample analysis (including repeat)

2 Dilution

3 Sample identification

4 Sample storage

2.2 Develop new technology to reduce traditional manual

Different laboratory in same clustered can perform same test with same model of instrument/reagent, same analytical / reporting criteria and also same procedures in test performing. This can reduce time and resources spent on routine activities especially in rotation. In addition, since more staff operates the same procedures, more feedback can be collected in improving workflow. The inventory of reagent can also be shared across laboratory so the of stock control can be highly maintained.

4.2 Improve laboratory design: Protecting the health and safety of laboratory must be the primary concern. However, safety has to be balanced with worker comfort. Comfort primarily is concerned with maintaining appropriate temperatures and air velocities. Worker productivity will suffer if the space is too warm or too cool. Convenience for staff is also a factor in worker comfort. For example, the inventory of reagent should near to the analyzers.

Conclusion: Improving the efficiency and workflows continues to be major challenge for a laboratory. The recommendation in this action plan can be a reference for laboratory to overcome this