Laboratories face constant demands to do more with less. That’s why a focus on lab efficiency is so important. In order to fine-tune lab performance, leaders should review every aspect of the lab, from equipment to processes, and from workspace to personnel. Here are 5 things to keep in mind when you’re looking for ways to enhance lab efficiency.
Automation likely offers the biggest bang for the buck when it comes to lab efficiency. The demand for laboratory services is increasing at a rate that outpaces the number of trained laboratory scientists and technicians. Automation technology can help bridge this gap by streamlining data entry, specimen preparation, results reporting, and other pre-analytic and post-analytic tasks. That’s why investing in automation can free laboratorians to focus their valuable time on higher-priority and more specialized tasks.
The BioFire® FilmArray® System, for example, automates several processes for infectious disease diagnostics. Running a panel requires only two minutes of hands-on time without precise measuring or pipetting. The sample is automatically analyzed, and results are reported in an easy-to-read format.
Furthermore, each multiplex PCR BioFire® FilmArray® Panel tests for a broad range of possible pathogens in one quick test. This syndromic testing approach increases the chances of identifying a pathogen the first time with one test, eliminating the need for reflex testing to cover the possible pathogenic causes.
Newer, higher-quality equipment can be a major capital expense. But the investment can make a real difference for lab efficiency. High-quality, well-maintained equipment can return higher-quality results, run higher volumes, and reduce time wasted due to technical problems.
Older lab equipment may run more slowly and break down more often. This not only takes it offline for future testing but can cause problems for the test that was underway when the equipment failed. The failure may even waste the sample, possibly requiring recollection, increasing the time and resources needed for the test.
Equipment maintenance is crucial for enhancing lab efficiency. Following all manufacturer recommendations for cleaning, calibrating, and caring for your equipment will help keep it working accurately and efficiently—and may even extend its life. Regular maintenance can also help identify minor problems before they become bigger issues.
Technical support from the manufacturer is key to preventing and resolving problems. BioFire’s world-class support team is committed to addressing concerns quickly and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In addition to Technical Support personnel, BioFire’s support team includes Field Application Specialists who provide training and verification assistance during initial installation.
Nothing clutters a workspace faster than stacks of papers and files. Digitizing your lab data can impact workflow by removing that clutter—along with bulky file cabinets. But more importantly, it makes it easier to find and share information, store notes in an indexed format, and collaborate with colleagues inside and outside the lab.
People are the heartbeat of a lab. Their skills, knowledge, and adherence to processes can make a lab function like a well-oiled machine—or like a broken-down jalopy. Efficient labs often have effective human resource departments, which are tasked with finding, retaining, and supporting qualified personnel. Additionally, HR can help ensure laboratory professionals have the resources they need for professional development and growth.
Internal communication is also vital. Everyone should understand their roles and responsibilities, as well as the lab’s workflow processes. Formalized processes ensure that tasks are completed in the same way, no matter who is performing them, leading to greater efficiency and consistency within the lab. BioFire provides customers with several product support documents, including standard operating procedure CLSI templates and Quick Guides that support labs in utilizing the BioFire® FilmArray® System.
Clutter and chaos can throw a wrench in the works when it comes to lab efficiency. Careful organization starts with the floorplan—place equipment and workspaces in areas that complement each other and enable an efficient workflow. Be sure to give large equipment enough room for easy operation. Then, organize tools, supplies, and smaller equipment so they are easy to access. Label everything to make it easy to find. Finally, again, reduce the use of paper as much as possible to clear away the clutter.
Every laboratorian knows that details matter. This holds true for fine-tuning the laboratory itself. The details matter and can make a big impact on a lab’s effectiveness. Whether it’s people management or equipment and digitation, fixing inefficiencies can help the whole operation rise to the growing demands that it faces.
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