INTRODUCTION
Work simplification inclinical laboratory is the process of improving
methods to make tasks easier, faster , and more accurate by
eliminating unnecessary steps.
With the increasing demand for laboratory services , work
simplification has become essential to enhance patient care, reduce
turnaround times, and optimize resource utilization.
SCOPE Work simplification
inlaboratory
encompasses
various phases,
including:
1. Pre- analytical
phase: Sample
collection, labeling
and transportation
2. Analytical phase:
Testing and analysis
of samples
3. Post – analytical
phase: Result
reporting and
interpretation
BILLING
oWill enter Registrationnumber, name, age , gender into LIS and
create OP number and request number.
oA bill should contain;
oSYSTEM BENEFITS:
oAutomatic generation of OP number
oReduced manual error
oEfficient billing process
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9.
LABORATORY INFORMATION SYSTEM[LIS]
• KEY ASPECTS
• Data management : Efficient storage, retrieval and analysis
• Phases of analysis:
• 1. Billing
• 2. Specimen collection
• 3. Result entry and reporting
• Integration: Interface with automated instrumentation and other
computer systems
10.
BENEFITS OF LISIMPLEMENTATION
Reduces errors
Improves efficiency and data accuracy
Accelerates turnaround time
Enhances communication across lab departments
11.
SPECIEMEN IDENTIFICATION ANDLABELLING
• Manual labeling was
traditionally used, but
now barcode technology
offers greater accuracy
and efficiency in
specimen identification.
1. Comparison of
manual and
automated techniques
• Key technologies include
barcoding , OCR ,
magnetic stripe
encoding , MICR and
touch screen interfaces
for data entry,
2. Technologies for
specimen
identification
• LIS generate unique
accession numbers for
specimens , enabling
precise electronic
labeling and tracking
3.Unique lab
accession numbers
and electronic
labelling
12.
• Barcodes are
placedon both
specimen
containers and
requisition forms
to ensure unique
identification and
seamless tracing in
clinical labs
Barcode placement
on specimen
containers and forms
• Automated
systems scan
barcodes and
transfer data
directly to the LIS ,
reducing manual
entry errors
Automated barcode
reading and data
transfer
• Barcoding
eliminates manual
wordlist's ,
prevents sample
mix-ups , reduces
errors and
improves workflow
efficiency in
specimen handling
Advantages of
barcoding technology
13.
SPECIMEN TRANSPORTATION
1. Pneumatictube
- Rapid specimen
transportation and are a point
to point service.
-Bullet shaped container are
used to hold the specimen to
send to various station.
-Avoidness of sudden
acceleration and proper
packing will minimize the
hemolysis
2. Electric track vehicle
- Large carrying capacity than
pneumatic tube system and
they do not have problem with
damaging the specimen by
acceleration.
-Containers can hold ice or
refrigerated gel pack for the
specimens like ABG , lactate
etc. and they are used for
quick transport.
3. Robots
-Automated guided vehicle.
-Can be used within lab and
outside the lab.
-Easily carry various size and
shapes of specimen in
container and are
reprogrammable with change
in lab geometry.
14.
Closed vs. openblood collection systems
Closed systems using vacutainers reduce handling errors and sample lysis compared to
open syringe methods
Barcode – labeled containers for sample collection
Barcode – labeled containers link samples to patient data , simplifying collection and minimizing
errors
Automated transportation methods and their pros and cons
Pneumatic tubes are fast but limited by tube length, electric vehicles offer gentle transport but cost
more, robots provide automation but need manual loading
15.
SPECIMEN PREPARATION
• Manualand automated specimen preparation:
• Specimen preparation is mostly manual , involving clotting,
centrifugation and transfers, which can be time-consuming and error-
prone.
• Robotics in specimen processing:
• Robotics reduce clotting time and handling errors, enhancing
efficiency and accuracy in laboratory workflows.
16.
REAGENT IDENTIFICATION
• Automatedsystems use barcode – labeled reagent bottles for
seamless integration with LIS.
• Reagent volume and expiry tracking:
• Automated analyzers monitor reagent volume, expiry and lot
numbers to ensure quality and reliable test results.
17.
SAMPLE ANALYSIS
Automation inanalysis process have invented auto analyzer.
Different types of processing by auto analyzer. It is broadly of 2 types:
(a) Continuous flow processing
(b) Discrete processing
18.
CONTINUES FLOW ANALYZER
•Based on this principle a continuous flow analyzer is made of different modules.
• There is continuous flow of solution . Flow is as follows:
• Sampler
• Pump
• Mixing coil
• Heaterincubator
• Sample treatment chamber
• Signal detector
• Read out device
• This provides one analysis per analyte for one sample at a time.
21.
DISADVANTAGE
• Even whenthere is no test to be done, reagents are drawn to
maintain the flow.
• Maintenance of instrument is required more frequently.
• The probe and internal tubing’s must be free of clogs.
• When there is no sample the probe must be dipped in distilled water
to avoid blockage or precipitation.
• Machine occupies large space.
22.
DISCRETE AUTOANALYZERS
Advanced systemsperforming multiple tests simultaneously with integrated automation and computing for improved
accuracy.
Types of discrete auto
analyzers;
1. Semi automated
2. Fully automated
• Batch analyzer
• Random auto analyzer
23.
SEMIAUTOMATED ANALYZER
• Performssome manual steps, such as sample preparation.
• Automates specific processes like analysis and result calculation.
• Requires operator intervention for certain tasks
24.
FULLY AUTOMATED AUTOANALYZER
•Automates entire testing process, from sample preparation to result
reporting.
• Minimal operator intervention required.
• Often includes features like automatic calibration, sampling, and
quality control.
• Subtypes:
• 1. Batch analyzer: Process multiple sample in batches
• 2. Random access analyzers: Allow for random sampling and
prioritization of tests
26.
RESULT AUTHORIZATION ANDREPORTING
Manual vs. automated result verification
Result verification involves both manual review and LIS
auto verification to ensure accuracy and reliability to test
outcomes
LIS Auto verification algorithms and criteria
Auto verification uses algorithms checking
sample approval, error flags, dilution protocols and data
consistency before automatic result release
Role of authorized personnel in result
Certification
Only authorized staff can certify and release final reports ;
modifications before automatic result release
1.
3.
2.
27.
Role of authorizedpersonnel in result
certification
Only authorized staff can certify and release
final reports; modifications require authorized
signatories to maintain data integrity
Secure and confidential result disclosure
Protocols
Results are disclosed only to authorized clinicians ,
nursing staff, and patients , ensuring confidentiality
and ethical compliance
4.
5.
28.
SAMPLE STORAGE ANDMANAGEMENT
• Refrigerated storage conditions
• Barcode scanning for tracking
• Challenges in sample management
• Use of racks and computerized tracking
29.
WORKFLOW IMPROVEMENTS ANDPRODUCTIVITY
Reduction of
manual
errors and
workload
Enhanced
data accuracy
and process
control
Improved TAT
Increased
productivity
30.
CHALLENGES AND LIMITATIONS
Resistanceto change
Complexity of tasks
Regulatory compliance
Limited resources
Balancing efficiency and quality
Standardization
Specialized equipment
Highly specialized tasks
Training and education
Quality control