Doing More with Less? The Value of Analyzer Consolidation

Lean Workflow: Efficiency and Productivity

A streamlined workflow is essential for a lean laboratory. Consolidating multiple test methods onto a single, fully automated analyzer can alleviate efficiency challenges and improve productivity.

• Improve Staff Proficiency, Efficiency, and Training

  • Managing a consolidated analyzer is easier and can save time compared to managing multiple diverse analyzers and test methods
  • Attaining proficiency with a single, automated analyzer requires less training and allows new operators to get up to speed more quickly than with multiple analyzers and test methods
  • Performing testing on a single, automated analyzer requires fewer technologists, which allows laboratories to optimize staffing resources
  • An increase in productivity is achieved by eliminating the need to manage multiple test methods and analyzers

  Create Laboratory Space

  • The laboratory footprint of a single consolidated analyzer may be significantly less than the multiple test methods it can replace
  • A single consolidated analyzer may require significantly less storage space for reagents and consumable supplies than multiple test methods

• Reduce Sample Handling

  Analyzer consolidation minimizes the movement of patient samples between multiple test methods and/or analyzers.

  Minimize Maintenance Activities

  Performing required maintenance (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) on a single consolidated analyzer requires less technician hands-on time than performing maintenance on multiple analyzers.

  Automate Manual Processes

  Consolidation of test methods allows laboratories to maximize the use of advanced automation solutions that reduce manual processes and improve testing efficiencies.

  • Eliminate manual and batch test methods
  • Reduce sample handling and reagent preparation
  • Increase walk-away time
  • Integrate with Total Laboratory Automation track lines

More Results with Less Staff

Medical laboratory scientists are a clinical laboratory’s most valuable resource. Staffing limitations can severely impact laboratory productivity. Analyzer consolidation reduces the demands on laboratory staffing.

• Minimize Testing Failures from
  Operator Errors

  Performing fewer test methods can minimize sample handling, reagent preparation, and manual processes that increase the risk of operator errors.¹

  Reduce Training Requirements

  Fewer test methods and analyzers simplify training and expedite technologist proficiency.

  Analyzer consolidation frees up laboratory technicians to focus on value-added activities by improving efficiencies and eliminating manual processes

• Optimize Labor Utilization

  • Consolidating test methods onto an easy-to-use automated analyzer enhances the efficiency of laboratory staff training and proficiency, resulting in improved labor versatility and operational flexibility
  • Analyzer consolidation frees up laboratory technicians to focus on value-added activities by improving efficiencies and eliminating manual processes

Cost Efficiency

Rising healthcare costs and reductions in testing reimbursements are putting pressure on clinical laboratories to reduce spending. Consolidation of test methods provides opportunities to reduce operational costs.

• Reduce Cost Per Test

  Consolidating more testing onto a single analyzer can maximize its return on investment (ROI) and reduce the overall cost-per-test.²

  Reduce Labor Costs

  • The cost of labor to manage one analyzer is likely to be much lower than managing multiple different test methods
  • The daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance requirements of a consolidated analyzer involve less technician time than maintaining multiple analyzers

• Minimize Service Contract Costs

  Consolidation helps eliminate redundant annual service contracts for repairs and maintenance of multiple analyzers.

  Minimize Costly Re-testing

  • Consolidating test methods can eliminate manual processes, which can lead to operator errors and cause failures that require costly repeat testing¹
  • Consolidation provides opportunities to implement advanced automation solutions that detect testing errors immediately

An Opportunity to Help Improve Patient Care

Clinical laboratories play a crucial role in healthcare by providing expedited and accurate test results to clinicians, allowing them to make prompt diagnoses and begin treatments quickly. Streamlining testing processes through analyzer consolidation can improve workflow efficiencies, help labs meet increasing testing demands, and improve patient care.³

• Improve Quality

  Consolidation provides an opportunity to expand the use of advanced testing capabilities. Technologies such as multiplexed QC beads are able to monitor assay parameters and provide laboratories with the confidence that they are delivering the highest result quality.

• Improve Result Throughput and
  Turnaround Time

  Streamlining the testing process through consolidation improves result turnaround time and enables clinicians to make diagnoses and begin treating patients promptly.²

The Power of Analyzer Consolidation

Clinical laboratories face many challenges in delivering high-quality results and keeping costs under control. Consolidating analyzers is an effective way to boost efficiency and productivity while reducing costs, which can position laboratories to better meet the healthcare needs of the future.