The practice of evidence-based medicine has catalyzed the diagnostic disciplines to keep pace with advances in scientific knowledge and new insights into existing conditions and emerging diseases. The clinical laboratory contributes to over 70% of diagnoses and is therefore a major contributor to effective clinical decisions made by physicians in a healthcare system.
Although technological innovations have vastly improved the accuracy and speed of test results, expertise in both Laboratory Medicine and Operations is required for selecting and implementing options that are relevant to the need of end users.
Clinical Laboratories range from reference, to hospital-based, to primary health center, to physician office, to independent community labs.
Whether it is a new set-up, or an upgradation of an existing facility, or an expansion of the services portfolio, critical success factors are an understanding of the market, careful planning and resource rationalization prior to commencing the actual work. This prevents waste of effort, time and finances, whilst ensuring commercial viability.
A well-conceived facility layout and fit-out, the selection of appropriate technology and staff, and the implementation of relevant policies, protocols and procedures contribute to an effective, efficient and sustainable laboratory operations, where waste is minimized.
The benefits of a robust ICT strategy and its earliest adoption are indisputable. Direct data flow from automated testing platforms to the LIS reduces the risk of transcription errors and shortens the reporting time for at least 60% of the tests in a typical lab. A reliable HIS interface supports timely and assured test results delivery to the ordering physicians. Moreover, the LIS is often required to communicate invoicing details to the insurer.
Increasingly, national and international clinical laboratory and general healthcare quality standards are mandated by health authorities in order to assure optimal clinical decision support and positive patient experience and outcomes.