Five Ways to Create Workflow in Your Diagnostic Lab Facility

Are you looking for ways to create workflow in your diagnostic lab?  Do you want to ensure that your lab practices are streamlined?  As a dermatology pathology lab service in Dallas, TX, we offer services that require many technicians to work together to complete tests for our medical partners.  Workflow is incredibly important in our everyday routines, as it streamlines our operations and provides quality test results.  These are a few ways to create workflow in your diagnostic lab facility.

Consider the Design of Your Lab

Lab equipment, workstations, and supplies can quickly become a problem if they are in areas that are not conducive to well-organized workflow.  Also, when departments cannot collaborate, certain lab areas become high-traffic areas, resulting in queues to accomplish tasks, and time is wasted in attempting to access equipment and supplies.  Consider each employee's responsibilities and the necessary process to determine which structure will work best in your lab.

Update Your Equipment

Employees can only do their jobs effectively if they are given the proper resources and tools. If your lab's technology and equipment are ancient, broken, or inadequate, this might be time to consider an upgrade. To closely scrutinize, ask leading questions.   For example, is it compatible with another pathology lab technology currently in use?  Does it enable employees to complete tasks promptly? Is it so out of date that it causes more problems than it solves?

Streamline Your Operations

Build and document standard procedures that streamline the lab processes. Start by developing steps for each task. Then, divide and distribute these instructions based on the duties and functions of each pathology lab worker. Please make sure that employees thoroughly review these guides and frequently refer to them as needed. The guidelines can be incorporated into employee onboarding and training processes to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Keep Workstations Organized

Employees in the pathology lab perform best in a clean, well-organized environment. Clutter and confusion often hurt morale, cause slow productivity, and waste time. Besides providing lab workers with the basic supplies, please encourage them to organize their workstations regularly. Allow them to arrange their workstations in a way that best suits their working style and preferences.

Enhance Staff Morale

The way your lab technicians and staff feel at work has a massive impact on productivity. That is why managers must invest in their team's emotional and physical well-being. You can take other steps to improve employee morale and productivity besides providing a decent and safe environment, efficient technologies, organized workstations, and equipment to perform tasks such as awards for good service and team-building events.

These are a few tips to follow in order to create a workflow in your diagnostic lab facility.  When you are looking for a dermatology pathology lab service in Dallas, TX, you want to choose one with workflow, streamlined operations, and updated technology.  Contact Kai Medical Laboratory to hear more about our lab services today.