Implementing A Lean Laboratory

Lean is a set of techniques used to manage a work environment by eliminating waste, organizing the workplace, streamlining procedures and establishing clear, visual standards. In a laboratory, lean initiatives focus on improving safety, eliminating wasted motion, space and supplies, reducing errors, and automating the specimen handling process.

1. Work Cell Specimen Processing (WCSP)

One of the most useful lean lab strategies is work cell specimen processing (WCSP)—the physical or logical layout of all testing and processing equipment, technicians, and materials through which a specimen flows. Work cells minimize movement, reduce batch sizes, decrease set up time, improve lab safety and standardize work processes to reduce errors.  Clear and concise identification aids often plays an essential role in such processes, ensuring the right specimen are used each time.

2. Remove the Waste

Eliminating any activity that does not add value to a given process helps maintain a lean lab. 

Below are some suggestions to reduce common waste in your laboratory:

3. Optimize Productivity with 5S

The 5S approach emphasizes the importance of maintaining an orderly workplace and using visual cues to reduce the amount of wasted time that is spent searching, looking, waiting and asking, optimizing productivity for your laboratory. 

Below are some simple ways you can apply the 5S principles to your lab:

• Sort: Sort through all of the items in a given location, marking all unnecessary items with a red tag or sticker. Move the red tagged items into a temporary holding area where management can determine how to dispose of them.

• Set in Order: Determine the best location for the remaining items. Set inventory limits and re-order triggers.

• Shine: Clean your entire laboratory to eliminate the sources of contamination. Use cleaning as a forum of inspection to detect equipment abnormalities and impeding failures before they occur.

• Standardize: Create guidelines and procedures for maintaining the first three S’s. Use visual controls like check sheets and schedules to provide daily, monthly or quarterly instructions on how to maintain order.

• Sustain: Regularly communicate and train employees to maintain the laboratory’s adherence to the 5S standards.