Lean Laboratory Research Articles

Lean Laboratory—Designing an Application of Lean for Teaching and Research Laboratories

Although Lean Thinking (LT) is becoming popular in service organizations, few studies have applied Lean tools to the education sector. Furthermore, although inventories are one of the main wastes in this sector, to date, no study has presented a decision support system (DSS), based on LT, for stock management in academic institutions. This study aims to design an application of LT in teaching and research laboratories to provide improvements in workplace organization, setup times, and stock management. Lean tools were implemented in a case study, and an e-Kanban DSS was designed to determine when and in what quantity an order should be placed, considering factors such as forecasting demand, demand level (high or low), and component deterioration. For testing the DSS, a simulation was carried out using as an example a set of articles that integrate the protocol of laboratory activity. The implementation of Lean tools improved the organization of the workplace, which contributed to a reduction in unnecessary movements and the setup time of practical activities. Additionally, the study demonstrated that the developed DSS calculates the quantities to be ordered according to the selected mathematical formulas and generates appropriate visual alerts, depending on the need to place an order.

Approaches to the development of an innovative educational ecosystem as the basis for improving the quality of human capital

Subject of research: the ecosystem approach is becoming more widespread in the management of business companies, non-profit institutions and public administration which proves its effectiveness and efficiency. The article attempts to generalize theoretical ideas about the role of innovative educational ecosystems in the development of human capital. This provides founds for the importance of the ecosystem approach in improving the quality of higher education.
 Purpose of research: its to substantiate the effectiveness of the ecosystem approach in higher education. The goal is achieved through an analysis of the practice of ecosystem interactions between enterprises of the real sector of the economy and the university in managing the development of human capital.
 Methods of research: key approaches to the study of innovative educational ecosystems are identified using general scientific methods of generalization, analysis and synthesis. Using the methods of case studies and structural analysis, the principles of functioning of modern innovation and educational ecosystems are determined. Also substantiated the advantages of the ecosystem approach in the development of human capital, the quality of which is in the interests of national development.
 Main results of research: on the basis of domestic and foreign studies, the main directions for the analysis of innovative educational ecosystems from the standpoint of value created and contribution to the development of human capital are determined. The characteristic principles of modern innovation and educational ecosystems are identified, which are concretized through the analysis of the activities of the lean laboratory of Gazpromneft-Khantos on the basis of Yugra State University. The authors of the article substantiate the need for an integrated approach to assessing the potential of innovative educational ecosystems. Which includes value analysis from the perspective of all participants in the interactions. The authors also take into account the implementation of the fundamental principles of the ecosystem in conjunction with the key principles for the development of the national higher education system.

Efficiency of liquid based preparation (ThinPrep) slide in “Negative “category of Endobronchial Ultrasound Guided Fine Needle Aspiration (EBUS-FNA): A Lean Laboratory Management Initiative

Efficiency of liquid based preparation (ThinPrep) slide in “Negative “category of Endobronchial Ultrasound Guided Fine Needle Aspiration (EBUS-FNA): A Lean Laboratory Management Initiative

Office Chromatography: Miniaturized All-in-One Open-Source System for Planar Chromatography.

Current high-performance-thin-layer-chromatography instrumentation is offline and stepwise automated. However, moderate miniaturization offers many advantages and together with the transfer of modern print and media technologies to the field of chromatography (office chromatography) it opens up new avenues. This is demonstrated in an all-in-one open-source system developed for planar chromatography and especially for ultrathin-layer chromatography. Using an InkShield board to control a thermal inkjet cartridge, picoliter drops were printed at a resolution of 96 dpi on the adsorbent layer. Using Marlin, a popular firmware in 3D printing, Cartesian movement of the print head was made possible for full control of the printing process. Open-source software was developed to control the device in each operation step. Sample solutions and mobile phase were inkjet-printed, exemplarily shown for the analysis of dye- or paraben-mixture solutions. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were investigated for documentation. For example, deep UV LEDs gave access to 254 nm light, and RGB LEDs gave access to the visible-light range. Calibration functions with correlation coefficients superior to 0.999 were obtained by videodensitometry. The developed modular open-source hardware was compact (26 × 31 × 26 cm3), light (<3 kg), and affordable (€810). For the given analyses, the footprint of current instrumentation needed was miniaturized by a factor of 9. The highly reduced material design complies with green chemistry and lean laboratory. The design and instruction to reproduce the all-in-one open-source system were made freely available at https://github.com/OfficeChromatography . It is intended to boost progress and understanding by the nature of do it yourself.

All on one high-performance thin-layer chromatography plate: solvent-free nanomole-scaled on-surface synthesis, workup and online high-resolution mass spectrometry for elucidation of two new degradation products in an ifosfamide formulation

On-surface reactions were introduced as a new strategy for rapid structure elucidation. This strategy is illustrated by the miniaturized synthesis-guided identification of two new degradation products (impurities) occurring in a pharmaceutical formulation of the anti-cancer drug ifosfamide, especially in the presence of urea. Synthesis on the silica gel surface bypassed the need for solvents, as the large nm-porous surface favoured a fast conversion of the reaction partners. For the on-surface synthesis of the impurities, the respective reagents were accurately and automatedly applied in the nanomole scale on a high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) silica gel plate. After a fast reaction, the workup of the reaction mixture was performed by development of the HPTLC plate followed by online high-resolution mass spectrometry. As proof of concept and for benchmarking, a reaction mixture obtained from conventional preparative synthesis in a round-bottom flask was analysed in parallel as well as different formulations. The use of adsorbents as inert layer turned out to be highly efficient for a rapid generation and confirmation of impurities, as the synthesis on the HPTLC layer revealed them within 10 min. Image evaluation was simply performed by videodensitometry. The advantageous combination of all steps on one HPTLC plate and its resulting efficiency made surface synthesis on chromatographic phases an optimal tool for signal highlighting in mass spectrometry, and thus for the assignment of impurities in drugs. The chemistry process scale was miniaturized down to the μg-level per synthesis (in total 30-60 μg chemicals/reaction), setting a new state-of-the-art standard. All material savings clearly contribute to green chemistry, and this strategy substantially reduces the consumption of chemicals and greatly enhances the analytical efficiency, when adapted by scientists for the quality control of any other chemical product. The combination of synthesis, workup and detection in a miniaturized process, contributes to optimized workflows in a lean laboratory.

A new method to measure efficiency in learning by doing environment: a case study of assembly line simulation

Lean is a set of techniques used to manage a work environment by eliminating waste, organising workplace, streamlining procedures and establishing visual standards. This paper presents a lean laboratory learning experience based on physical parts assembling simulation, which could be used for both students and professionals. Lean laboratory simulation simplifies understanding of practical lean advantages on manufacturing process. The purposes of this paper are to measure the difference between theoretical learning and learning by doing, and also to propose a new lean manufacturing teaching model. Principal results of the presented case study are centred on three pillars, developing training efficiency, evolving trainee's ability to propose real time process improvements and proposing a new training efficiency measurement tool. Further researches could experiment proposed training model with other complicated products in different environment.

Histologic validation of vacuum sealed, formalin-free tissue preservation, and transport system.

We describe five validation trials of new vacuum sealing technologies that change the approach to the preanalytic "front end" of specimen transport, handling, and processing and illustrate their adaptation and integration into existing Lean laboratory operations with reduction in formalin use and personnel exposure to this toxic and potentially carcinogenic fixative. These trials provide histologic assessment by numerous pathologists of tissues processed in this new paradigm and define the financial advantages of applying this technology to the postanalytic or "back end" process of tissue storage. We conclude that the TisssueSAFE and SealSAFE vacuum sealing systems are both promising technologies for preserving fresh human specimens that can promote a safer environment by markedly reducing formalin use in operating room theaters and can minimize formalin use by laboratories.

A Collaborative Approach to Lean Laboratory Workstation Design Reduces Wasted Technologist Travel

Lean methodologies have been applied in many industries to reduce waste. We applied Lean techniques to redesign laboratory workstations with the aim of reducing the number of times employees must leave their workstations to complete their tasks. At baseline in 68 workflows (aggregates or sequence of process steps) studied, 251 (38%) of 664 tasks required workers to walk away from their workstations. After analysis and redesign, only 59 (9%) of the 664 tasks required technologists to leave their workstations to complete these tasks. On average, 3.4 travel events were removed for each workstation. Time studies in a single laboratory section demonstrated that workers spend 8 to 70 seconds in travel each time they step away from the workstation. The redesigned workstations will allow employees to spend less time travelling around the laboratory. Additional benefits include employee training in waste identification, improved overall laboratory layout, and identification of other process improvement opportunities in our laboratory.

Lean Six Sigma Sample Analysis Process in a Microbiology Laboratory

Lean Six Sigma Sample Analysis Process in a Microbiology Laboratory Faced with shrinking budgets, growing volumes, and personnel shortages, clinical laboratories are increasingly moving to automation to maximize output and efficiency. The best tool for improvement is the Lean Six Sigma concept. The concept reaps the full benefits of automation. A Lean process in a laboratory is focused on testing products and materials to deliver results in the most efficient way in terms of cost, speed, or both. The goal of a Lean laboratory is to use less effort, less resources and less time to test incoming samples. On the other hand, the Six Sigma concept provides process workflow and products/services without defects. The Lean Six Sigma approach analyzes laboratory workflow to help identify inefficiencies and uncover opportunities to free capacity, reduce turnaround time and lower costs. The assessment examines the end-to-end process looking closely at workflow as well as overall laboratory efficiency. The proven techniques of Lean and Six Sigma enhance productivity in the laboratory environment and ensure the best outcomes. This article analyzes a particular process, defines the approach, and gives a review of results obtained by deployment of the Lean Six Sigma concept. The article discusses a sample analysis process in a microbiology laboratory. A traditional process that applies standard analysis methods has a number of non-value-added activities, takes too much time, and has opportunities for defects. By mapping an existing process using a SIPOC model, 12 activities were identified. With the use of Lean tools four non-value-adding activities, which are not needed if a new system is used, were identified. Six activities had opportunities for improvement in terms of significant reduction in process time, and saving resources. Only two activities in the existing traditional process, with the use of standard analysis methods were optimally solved, and this did not require redesign or removal. The application of Lean Six Sigma concepts and automated analysis systems on a new process led to only nine activities in the process that now takes much less time and uses less resources. This article presents a description of the main principles, practices, and methods used in Lean and Six Sigma. The Lean tools particularly discussed here are 5s and spaghetti diagram. For Six Sigma, DMAIC methodology is used, and a review of applied quality tools for certain process improvement phases is given.

A Lean Laboratory: Operational Simplicity and Cost Effectiveness of the Luminex xTAG™ Respiratory Viral Panel

During certain months of the year, viral respiratory infections lead to a dramatic increase in pediatric emergency room visits and hospital admissions. Rapid identification of the infectious organism results in timely treatment and reductions in hospital cost and length of stay. Before the introduction of molecular testing to the virology laboratory, diagnosis relied on the standard methods of immunofluorescence and culture. These tests can be labor-intensive and costly. Recent studies have demonstrated the higher sensitivity, faster turnaround, and broader diagnostic spectrum provided by multiplexed RT-PCR assays. Data comparing the laboratory cost and labor efficiency of the tests are lacking. To address this issue, we chose to implement the principles of operational workflow analysis using lean methodology to critically evaluate the potential advantages of a multiplexed RT-PCR assay both in terms of workflow and cost effectiveness. Our results indicated that the implementation of the Luminex xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel (RVP) resulted in a standardized workflow with decreased requirements in laboratory cost as well as improvement in efficiency. In summary, we demonstrate that, in our laboratory, the Luminex xTAG RVP is more operationally streamlined and cost-effective than standard viral direct fluorescent antibody and culture. Further studies are needed to highlight additional benefits of the test, including shortened hospital stay and improved patient outcome.

Concepts for Lean Laboratory Organization

Concepts for Lean Laboratory OrganizationIn the last decades, hospital laboratories are beset on all sides by demands to lower the costs of laboratory procedures and at the same time to provide (i) more rapid and usable services, (ii) a broader spectrum of parameters, and (iii) process a higher frequency of specimens. These demands are voiced by patients, physicians, hospital administrators, and governmental agencies. Thus, laboratory management is required to decrease costs, increase efficiency, and promote customer satisfaction under the consideration of quality to be of primary importance. Beside the main task of a laboratory (i.e. the analysing of patient specimens, interpretation of results, expert advice for clinicians), quality management, education of technicians and medical staff, research and development, and development of economic strategies are important duties and responsibilities. A lean laboratory organisation is an important condition to cope these duties. Lean laboratory concepts have to include the preanalytical, analytical and postanalytical period. Strategic planning decisions have to be based primarily on information derived from the external environment and have to be long-term. Lean laboratory concepts always have a holistic view, including medical demands and economic aspects. An example will be shown of how lean laboratory concepts influence the organisation, efficacy and performance of a hospital laboratory.

Effect of Lean method implementation in the histopathology section of an anatomical pathology laboratory

Background:In the USA, the lack of processes standardisation in histopathology laboratories leads to less than optimal quality, errors, inefficiency and increased costs. The effectiveness of large-scale quality improvement initiatives has...