Laboratory

Directions for the assignment: Specimen Receipt Processing: In this assignment, you are tasked to review the attached value stream map of the clinical laboratory work flow and identify 3 of the identified defects, waste and/or inefficiency as noted on the map. You are then asked to choose one operational principle per defect that will assist […]

Course Description: In this course, you will learn basic concepts, tools and principles of Lean and understand waste specific to laboratories. We discuss laboratory waste in the form of common tasks and activities to determine if the customer would be willing to pay for that service or would we consider the tasks as non- value add.

In this module, we illustrate the use of the value stream map ( high level view and steps of a process with pertinent metrics to understand the waste and inefficiency and to create flow and establish pull.) We review Lean concepts and tools to assist with the identification and elimination of waste, process redesign and discuss

In this module, we continue our discussion about Lean tools and concepts to include process standardization, leveling the workload and continuous flow using the pull system to pull small batches of work through the laboratory. We define the establishment of error proofing critical to remove the potential for a mistake within any laboratory process. The process and

The identification and elimination of waste is the key concept of Lean. In this module, we will explain the 8 deadly wastes commonly encountered in the  laboratory. The wastes include: Defects Overproduction Waiting Non-utilized resource/talent Transportation Inventory Motion Excess processing Traditionally, non technical tasks and activities performed in the laboratory are not usually analyzed to determine

We will discuss what, why, how of Lean and it’s importance in the diagnostic laboratory. In this introduction, we will discuss objectives and become familiar with Lean definitions, terms and concepts discussed throughout the course. The concept of Lean applicable to the diagnostic laboratory will be discussed in its simplest form to include: Course Outline: