A-186 Enabling Laboratories to Do More With Less: Assessment of Workflow Efficiencies Through Instrument Consolidation in an Immunology Lab

Abstract Background As today’s laboratories adjust to the ever-changing landscape of growing demands while continuing provide quality diagnostic testing, need evaluate and improve workflow, productivity efficiency has never been more important. One way ensure current processes technology are fully optimized is perform a Workflow Analysis Study. Geisinger Medical Center (GMC) recognized an opportunity consolidate their immunology laboratory for allergy autoimmune testing with annual volume approximately 138 000. A consolidation solution can result in many improvements laboratory, such as: improved turnaround times, decreased manual labor, reduced reagent waste, increased employee morale, enhanced space utilization. Maximizing operational efficiencies will always be good business model. We aimed assess pre- post- workflow changes determine impact resources. Methods To measure instrument integration Phadia250TM systems, data was collected through direct observations, time motion studies, targeted interviews personnel at GMC’s Immunology Laboratory. The initial/baseline study conducted May 2022 follow-up/post occurred October 2022. baseline encompassed seven separate platforms that GMC utilized testing. following systems were included: two DYNEX DSX®, Werfen BIO-FLASH®, Siemens IMMULITE® 2000, one ZEUS IFA™. Results assessment resulted consolidating down three testing: Phadia250, major benefit change reduction from types type technology, resulting standardization practices. decrease number simplified overall test management (reduced LIS interface, process steps, maintenance, management, contract management) system footprints. total 361 square feet saved equating 57% improvement over metric. After most Phadia250 daily went 4.2 h just 2.5 h. combined saving full (FTE). Conclusion keep up demands, must continue produce high-quality results efficient manner. Test assay utilization should also evaluated when determining options. Instrument viable strategy save on technologist time, costs.This not only economic savings but allows medical funneled other needed areas used expansion. In climate shortage nationwide, workflows important considerations continued success any laboratory.