Maximizing Laboratory Turnaround Time Efficiency: Workflow Optimization in Resource-Limited Settings

Abstract

Laboratory Turnaround Time (TAT) is a critical metric in assessing the quality of laboratory services, directly impacting diagnostic speed and patient outcomes. Many laboratories in resource-constrained environments face challenges such as inefficiencies in workflow, resource limitations, and administrative redundancies, which hinder optimal TAT performance. This research aims to optimize laboratory workflow to improve TAT efficiency in a resource-constrained environment, addressing workload variability, inefficient station grouping, and administrative overlap. The research, which was conducted at the Tanah Abang Puskesmas Laboratory from May to July 2022, consisted of three stages: observation and data collection, workflow optimization, and evaluation. Interventions included task reallocation, workflow segmentation, and administrative streamlining. TAT improvement was assessed from the Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Random Blood Glucose (RBG) tests using pre- and post-intervention analysis. The results showed that after optimization, the mean TAT for the CBC test decreased significantly from 36 minutes (SD = 13.4) to 25.6 minutes (SD = 4.1), p-value <0.05. For the RBG test, the TAT increased from 88.6 minutes (SD = 4.6) to 81.1 minutes (SD = 1.4), p-value < 0.01. This intervention demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of lean management strategies in a resource-constrained environment. This research has implications for emphasizing the importance of systematic workflow optimization to improve laboratory efficiency. This research highlights practical and scalable solutions that can be adopted in similar settings globally, and future efforts should focus on integrating advanced technologies such as Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) to further improve accuracy, efficiency and patient outcomes.