Small Laboratories Research Articles

Adamant: a JSON schema-based metadata editor for research data management workflows

The web tool Adamant has been developed to systematically collect research metadata as early as the conception of the experiment. Adamant enables a continuous, consistent, and transparent research data management (RDM) process, which is a key element of good scientific practice ensuring the path to Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable (FAIR) research data. It simplifies the creation of on-demand metadata schemas and the collection of metadata according to established or new standards. The approach is based on JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) schema, where any valid schema can be presented as an interactive web-form. Furthermore, Adamant eases the integration of numerous available RDM methods and software tools into the everyday research activities of especially small independent laboratories. A programming interface allows programmatic integration with other software tools such as electronic lab books or repositories. The user interface (UI) of Adamant is designed to be as user friendly as possible. Each UI element is self-explanatory and intuitive to use, which makes it accessible for users that have little to no experience with JSON format and programming in general. Several examples of research data management workflows that can be implemented using Adamant are introduced. Adamant (client-only version) is available from: https://plasma-mds.github.io/adamant.

Implementation of Small Laboratory-Based Guided Inquiry Learning Model to Improve Learning Outcomes

This study analyzed differences in learning outcomes in the cognitive domain of students who studied through the mini-laboratory-based guided inquiry learning model and the direct learning model. The sample of this study were 43 students of class VIII3 who studied through a mini-laboratory-based guided inquiry learning model and 43 students of class VIII4 who studied through a direct learning model taken from a population of 180 people. This research is a type of quasi-experimental research. Data collection techniques were carried out through documentation, and multiple choice cognitive learning outcomes tests were tested and met the criteria as a standardized test (valid and reliable). The research data were analyzed statistically, the results were: (1) there was a significant difference between the average pre-test scores of students learning through the mini-laboratory-based guided inquiry learning model and the significance value-based direct learning model. from 0.043; (2) the average post-test score of students who learn through the mini-laboratory-based guided inquiry learning model is higher than the average post-test score of students who learn through the direct learning model based on a significance value of 0.044, and (3) the average gain value students who learn through the mini-laboratory-based guided inquiry learning model are lower or equal to the average gain value of students who learn through direct learning based on a significance value of 0.279. These results indicate the influence of the mini-laboratory-based guided inquiry learning model on students' cognitive learning outcomes in the subject matter of vibrations and waves with a 95% confidence level or a 5% chance of error. This research can then be developed by adding other variables such as inquiry skills and students' understanding of concepts. The implication of this study is that teachers and students can implement small laboratories to support the learning process in the form of interactive learning

Developing and deploying an efficient genotyping workflow for accelerating maize improvement in developing countries

Background: Molecular breeding is an essential tool for accelerating genetic gain in crop improvement, towards meeting the need to feed an ever-growing world population. Establishing low-cost, flexible genotyping platforms in small, public and regional laboratories can stimulate the application of molecular breeding in developing countries. These laboratories can serve plant breeding projects requiring low- to medium-density markers for marker-assisted selection (MAS) and quality control (QC) activities. Methods: We performed two QC and MAS experiments consisting of 637 maize lines, using an optimised genotyping workflow involving an in-house competitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) genotyping system with an optimised sample collection, preparation, and DNA extraction and quantitation process. A smaller volume of leaf-disc size plant samples was collected directly in 96-well plates for DNA extraction, using a slightly modified CTAB-based DArT DNA extraction protocol. DNA quality and quantity analyses were performed using a microplate reader, and the KASP genotyping and data analysis was performed in our laboratory. Results: Applying the optimized genotyping workflow expedited the QC and MAS experiments from over five weeks (when outsourcing) to two weeks and eliminated the shipping cost. Using a set of 28 KASP single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) validated for maize, the QC experiment revealed the genetic identity of four maize varieties taken from five seed sources. Another set of 10 KASP SNPs was sufficient in verifying the parentage of 390 F1 lines. The KASP-based MAS was successfully applied to a maize pro-vitamin A (PVA) breeding program and for introgressing the aflatoxin resistance gene into elite tropical maize lines. Conclusion: This improved workflow has helped accelerate maize improvement activities of IITA's Maize Improvement Program and facilitated DNA fingerprinting for tracking improved crop varieties. National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) in developing countries can adopt this workflow to fast-track molecular marker-based genotyping for crop improvement.

Comparative Study of the Selective Sorption of Organic Dyes on Inorganic Materials—A Cost-Effective Method for Waste Treatment in Educational and Small Research Laboratories

Educational and research laboratories often produce relatively small amounts of highly diverse organic wastes. Treating waste can contribute significantly to the cost of running laboratories. This study introduced a simple and economical waste management system such that readily available used chromatography-grade inorganic materials, such as silica and alumina (basic and acidic), are utilized to treat remnant dye solutions and solution wastes from educational and small research laboratories. To recycle the adsorbents, they were heated to 600 °C, where the adsorbates were combusted. The results showed that acidic alumina is an effective adsorbent material for azo dyes and anionic dyes/stains, as well as textile dyes, with a 98 to 100% removal efficiency. Furthermore, alumina and silica possess excellent regeneration properties, where the dye removal efficiency of the materials was retained after regeneration at 600 °C. The adsorption properties of the materials were compared with those of aliginite and activated biomass from coffee grounds. Kinetic and thermodynamic studies of the sorption processes on the different materials were carried out. Overall, the inorganic materials used were efficient at removing contaminating remnant organic dyes stemming from educational and small research laboratories.

Adamant: a JSON schema-based metadata editor for research data management workflows.

The web tool Adamant has been developed to systematically collect research metadata as early as the conception of the experiment. Adamant enables a continuous, consistent, and transparent research data management (RDM) process, which is a key element of good scientific practice ensuring the path to Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable (FAIR) research data. It simplifies the creation of on-demand metadata schemas and the collection of metadata according to established or new standards. The approach is based on JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) schema, where any valid schema can be presented as an interactive web-form. Furthermore, Adamant eases the integration of numerous available RDM methods and software tools into the everyday research activities of especially small independent laboratories. A programming interface allows programmatic integration with other software tools such as electronic lab books or repositories. The user interface (UI) of Adamant is designed to be as user friendly as possible. Each UI element is self-explanatory and intuitive to use, which makes it accessible for users that have little to no experience with JSON format and programming in general. Several examples of research data management workflows that can be implemented using Adamant are introduced. Adamant (client-only version) is available from: https://plasma-mds.github.io/adamant.

A Fully Adapted Headstage With Custom Electrode Arrays Designed for Electrophysiological Experiments.

Electrophysiological recordings lead amongst the techniques that aim to investigate the dynamics of neural activity sampled from large neural ensembles. However, the financial costs associated with the state-of-the-art technology used to manufacture probes and multi-channel recording systems make these experiments virtually inaccessible to small laboratories, especially if located in developing countries. Here, we describe a new method for implanting several tungsten electrode arrays, widely distributed over the brain. Moreover, we designed a headstage system, using the Intan® RHD2000 chipset, associated with a connector (replacing the expensive commercial Omnetics connector), that allows the usage of disposable and inexpensive cranial implants. Our results showed high-quality multichannel recording in freely moving animals (detecting local field, evoked responses and unit activities) and robust mechanical connections ensuring long-term continuous recordings. Our project represents an open source and inexpensive alternative to develop customized extracellular records from multiple brain regions.

Multi-laboratory evaluation of the Illumina iSeq platform for whole genome sequencing of Salmonella, Escherichia coli and Listeria.

There is a growing need for public health and veterinary laboratories to perform whole genome sequencing (WGS) for monitoring antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and protecting the safety of people and animals. With the availability of smaller and more affordable sequencing platforms coupled with well-defined bioinformatic protocols, the technological capability to incorporate this technique for real-time surveillance and genomic epidemiology has greatly expanded. There is a need, however, to ensure that data are of high quality. The goal of this study was to assess the utility of a small benchtop sequencing platform using a multi-laboratory verification approach. Thirteen laboratories were provided the same equipment, reagents, protocols and bacterial reference strains. The Illumina DNA Prep and Nextera XT library preparation kits were compared, and 2×150 bp iSeq i100 chemistry was used for sequencing. Analyses comparing the sequences produced from this study with closed genomes from the provided strains were performed using open-source programs. A detailed, step-by-step protocol is publicly available via protocols.io (https://www.protocols.io/view/iseq-bacterial-wgs-protocol-bij8kcrw). The throughput for this method is approximately 4–6 bacterial isolates per sequencing run (20–26 Mb total load). The Illumina DNA Prep library preparation kit produced high-quality assemblies and nearly complete AMR gene annotations. The Prep method produced more consistent coverage compared to XT, and when coverage benchmarks were met, nearly all AMR, virulence and subtyping gene targets were correctly identified. Because it reduces the technical and financial barriers to generating WGS data, the iSeq platform is a viable option for small laboratories interested in genomic surveillance of microbial pathogens.

Developing and deploying an efficient genotyping workflow for accelerating maize improvement in developing countries

Background: Molecular breeding is an essential tool for accelerating genetic gain in crop improvement, towards meeting the need to feed an ever-growing world population. Establishing low-cost, flexible genotyping platforms in small, public and regional laboratories can stimulate the application of molecular breeding in developing countries. These laboratories can serve plant breeding projects requiring low- to medium-density markers for marker-assisted selection (MAS) and quality control (QC) activities. Methods: We performed two QC and MAS experiments consisting of 637 maize lines, using an optimised genotyping workflow involving an in-house competitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) genotyping system with an optimised sample collection, preparation, and DNA extraction and quantitation process. A smaller volume of leaf-disc size plant samples was collected directly in 96-well plates for DNA extraction, using a slightly modified CTAB-based DArT DNA extraction protocol. DNA quality and quantity analyses were performed using a microplate reader, and the KASP genotyping and data analysis was performed in our laboratory. Results: Applying the optimized genotyping workflow expedited the QC and MAS experiments from over five weeks (when outsourcing) to two weeks and eliminated the shipping cost. Using a set of 28 KASP single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) validated for maize, the QC experiment revealed the genetic identity of four maize varieties taken from five seed sources. Another set of 10 KASP SNPs was sufficient in verifying the parentage of 390 F1 lines. The KASP-based MAS was successfully applied to a maize pro-vitamin A (PVA) breeding program and for introgressing the aflatoxin resistance gene into elite tropical maize lines. Conclusion: This improved workflow has helped accelerate maize improvement activities of IITA's Maize Improvement Program and facilitated DNA fingerprinting for tracking improved crop varieties. National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) in developing countries can adopt this workflow to fast-track molecular marker-based genotyping for crop improvement.

Identification of Species Origin of Wild Life Animals by using an Immunodiffusion Assay

Recently most of the forensic science laboratories do the species identification by forensic DNA techniques, however sometimes due to time and budget constraints it is practical for small laboratories to carry out species identification by serological methods. The immuno-electrophoretic method used in this study is rapid, specific and sensitive. It is very much useful for identification of species origin, and it can be considered a valid alternative method for the detection of animal species. Sometimes when DNA markers are not available electrophoresis can be invaluable tool for analysis of forensic samples.

Monoclonal Antibodies Generation: Updates and Protocols on Hybridoma Technology.

Since its inception in 1975, the hybridoma technology revolutionized science and medicine, facilitating discoveries in almost any field from the laboratory to the clinic. Many technological advancements have been developed since then, to create these "magical bullets." Phage and yeast display libraries expressing the variable heavy and light domains of antibodies, single B-cell cloning from immunized animals of different species including humans or in silico approaches, all have rendered a myriad of newly developed antibodies or improved design of existing ones. However, still the majority of these antibodies or their recombinant versions are from hybridoma origin, a preferred methodology that trespass species barriers, due to the preservation of the natural functions of immune cells in producing the humoral response: antigen specific immunoglobulins. Remarkably, this methodology can be reproduced in small laboratories without the need of sophisticate equipment. In this chapter, we will describe the most recent methods utilized by our Monoclonal Antibodies Core Facility at the University of Texas-M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. During the last 10years, the methods, techniques, and expertise implemented in our core had generated more than 350 antibodies for various applications.

Overview of the compendial methods for quantitative determination of glucose in solutions for intravenous infusion

This paper provides a review of the pharmacopoeial methods for determination of the content of glucose in parenteral solutions (HPLC/RID method, polarimetry and volumetric titration) and evaluation of all critical aspects of the proposed methods, with a focus on accuracy, precision, time of analysis and resources for introducing, maintenance and conducting analysis. Comparative analysis of the results from assay (ten independent determinations) of Glucose 5% w/v solution for intravenous infusion, obtained using all three methods, was performed. The analysis confirmed that there is no statistical difference between the testing results obtained with each method, indicating that all three methods provide valid accurate and precise results. However, the availability of the equipment and trained personnel may be the crucial factor for small laboratories for selection of the method for assay of glucose in parenteral preparations. The obtained results and discussion on all critical aspects (accuracy, precision, time of analysis and resources for introducing, maintenance and conducting analysis) of the proposed methods, provide a valuable input to small laboratories on the suitability of these methods for quality control of Glucose 5% w/v solution for intravenous infusion. Keywords: Glucose, HPLC/RID, Polarimetry, Volumetry

SCHOOL: Software for Clinical Health in Oncology for Omics Laboratories

Bioinformatics analysis is a key element in the development of in-house next-generation sequencing assays for tumor genetic profiling that can include both tumor DNA and RNA with comparisons to matched-normal DNA in select cases. Bioinformatics analysis encompasses a computationally heavy component that requires a high-performance computing component and an assay-dependent quality assessment, aggregation, and data cleaning component. Although there are free, open-source solutions and fee-for-use commercial services for the computationally heavy component, these solutions and services can lack the options commonly utilized in increasingly complex genomic assays. Additionally, the cost to purchase commercial solutions or implement and maintain open-source solutions can be out of reach for many small clinical laboratories. Here, we present Software for Clinical Health in Oncology for Omics Laboratories (SCHOOL), a collection of genomics analysis workflows that (i) can be easily installed on any platform; (ii) run on the cloud with a user-friendly interface; and (iii) include the detection of single nucleotide variants, insertions/deletions, copy number variants (CNVs), and translocations from RNA and DNA sequencing. These workflows contain elements for customization based on target panel and assay design, including somatic mutational analysis with a matched-normal, microsatellite stability analysis, and CNV analysis with a single nucleotide polymorphism backbone. All of the features of SCHOOL have been designed to run on any computer system, where software dependencies have been containerized. SCHOOL has been built into apps with workflows that can be run on a cloud platform such as DNANexus using their point-and-click graphical interface, which could be automated for high-throughput laboratories.

“A ROBUST METHOD FOR REDUCING SAMPLE RETRIEVAL TAT IN CLINICAL LABORATORY SETUP AT ZERO ADDED INVESTMENT.”

Background: The concept of Total Laboratory Automation (TLA) is shifting towards the automation in individual process i.e., Task Targeted automation (TTA). Sample storage is one of the key areas in the Total Testing Process (TTP), hence we developed a robust method to reduce the TAT for blood sample retrieval in clinical biochemistry laboratory with zero added investment. We compared the sample retrieval time (TAT) improvement in sample retrieval with the old conventional and the new method of sample storage. Material and method: study was conducted at a medium-large scale lab with average sample of 1000-1200 per day. The blood sample vacutainers are stored in the refrigerator at controlled temperature for the duration of 48hrs as the lab policy. We requested the technicians to retrieve 10 patient samples from the storage for the duration of 5 days, with different person allotted each day. The samples for day were stored and retrieved the requested sample by conventional & new method. Result: our new method has shown a good improvement in the TAT for the retrieval of the stored blood sample for the retesting or the added parameter for testing on request. The conventional method had an average time to identify and retrieve sample was 9.2mins, which was significantly decreased to 1.4mins with the new method of sample storage and retrieval system. Conclusion: Study emphasis this procedure / process will help the small and medium scale laboratories in having a robust method of sample storage and retrieval at a very short TAT with a minimal or no extra investment.

Viability of Consumer Grade Hardware for Learning Computer Forensics Principles

We propose utilizing budget consumer hardware and software to teach computer forensics principles and for non-case work, research and developing new techniques. Consumer grade hardware and free / open source software is more easily accessible in most developing markets and can be used as a first purchase for education, technique development and even when developing new techniques. These techniques should allow for small forensics laboratories or classroom settings to have the tooling and framework for trying existing forensics techniques or creating new forensics techniques on consumer grade hardware. We'll be testing how viable each individual piece of hardware is as well as combinations along with seeing at which point utilizing forensics-grade hardware becomes necessary in order to proceed.

МЕТОД ЗАЛИВКИ ЭЛЕКТРОННЫХ ИЗДЕЛИЙ ГЕРМЕТИКОМ ВИКСИНТ У-1-18

Relevance The operating conditions of modern electronic products require a responsible approach to their protection from aggressive environmental influences. The use of imported materials in the production of special equipment is limited, so technologists are forced to look for effective ways to work with domestic materials, many of which were developed in the middle of the twentieth century. The use of Viksint U-1-18 sealant has not lost its relevance, it is widely and effectively used. Aim of research To offer an effective and ready-to-use method for pouring metal joints made of stainless steels, aluminum and titanium alloys, for sealing equipment operating in air at temperatures from minus 60 °C to 300 °C when exposed to vibrations — a method that does not require the use of advanced technological equipment. Research methods Review and analysis of normative and technical documentation and scientific literature, as well as generalization of experience in the use of organosilicon sealants by instrumentmaking and shipbuilding enterprises. Results A method has been developed for pouring the product with Viksint U-1-18 sealant. Documentation on the application of the method includes the following sections: — general provisions; — lists of basic and auxiliary materials, equipment, tools and fixtures; technological operations; — characteristics of the main materials (sealant «Viksint U-1-18», sealing paste U-1, catalyst No. 18, sublayer P 11, water-repellent liquid 136-41, active alumina); — safety precautions (indicating the toxic properties of the materials used and indicators of their fire and explosion hazard). Technological operations include: — preparation of products for pouring; — preparation of sealant «Viksint U-1-18» and paste No. 2; — filling products with sealant; — technical control. The proposed method is intended for small enterprises, workshops and laboratories for which the purchase of expensive technological equipment is unprofitable. The results of this work can be used as a reference tool by specialists of design bureaus and manufacturing enterprises, as well as labor protection units, including for the development of organization standards.

Rapid colorimetric methods for analysis of pH, extractable aluminium and Colwell phosphorus in soils

Context Analytical procedures and technologies for soil analyses can be prohibitively expensive for small laboratories and researchers in developing countries. There is a need for low cost and high-throughput methods for assaying pH, extractable aluminium and phosphorus when conducting field trials on acid soils. Aims We investigated methods to develop rapid yet inexpensive colorimetric assays for the assay of pH, extractable aluminium and Colwell phosphorus in soil extracts. Methods We developed a colorimetric method to measure soil pH enabling pH to be quantified in a high-throughput assay. Similarly, two existing methods for extractable aluminium and Colwell P were modified for high throughput assays also using microtiter plates. Key results All three methods yielded linear relationships when using absorbance to quantify the parameters with the high throughput methods. Furthermore, there was a strong correlation between pH values of the soil samples obtained with the colorimetric assay and pH values measured with a glass electrode. Conclusions We demonstrated that the rapid assays for all three methods can be implemented to characterise field sites through the mapping of distributions for extractable Al, Colwell P and pH. Implications The high-throughput methods described here will be useful for researchers who conduct field trials to map variations in soil pH, soluble Al and Colwell P. Although the focus of the current work was on acid soils, the colorimetric pH and Colwell P methods can also be applied to non-acid soils.

Цифровая патоморфология: создание системы автоматизированной микроскопии.

Introduction. Nowadays digital pathology is an actively developing area. The basis for changing specialty to digital pathology is a Whole slide imaging method which allows to transfer histological slides into digital form. Significant workload on pathologists and insufficient equipment of pathological states require to change the way pathologists work and to implement new technologies which would allow to optimize and facilitate a work with pathological materials. The aim of this paper is to review solutions for scanning pathomorphological materials available on international and Russian markets and scopes of application of these solutions. Materials and methods. The search was conducted on Pubmed database. The search of information about microscopes-scanners was made on sites of developers including open sources in these sites and FDA site. Results. The application of slide scanning and microscopes for WSI was overviewed, the scopes of application and limitations of digital technologies in medicine were described. Based on literature review a classification of devices used for microslides scanning was made. The first type of devices is microscopes-scanners. They are closed systems for microscopy where cameras and lenses are located inside the device and slides scanning is carried out on high speed with capacity for 400 slides in one load. These microscopes are the most widespread ones nowadays. The second type is microscopes that are similar in shape and size to usual light microscopes. Openness of such system provides using different types of microscopy but the capacity of slides is less than in previous mentioned devices. Nevertheless, these specifications allow to use such microscopes in small laboratories including using in scientific research. Among compact microscopes with the sizes similar to a smartphone some models have a high availability due to printing their parts via 3D printers. But these microscopes are used only for visualization of structures where high magnification isn’t needed. This can limit application of this microscopes type in pathology. The fourth type is an optical microscope with attached details that can transform it to a microscope-scanner. Attached details can be printed via 3D printers and thus their using has a great potential in digital pathology since it significantly reduces the price of the device. In addition, based on this type of microscopes the devices scanning all types of slides can be made and therefore they can be used in all laboratories. Conclusion. Our literature review has shown ample opportunities for application of WSI in pathomorphological microslides scanning. Telepathology is an evolving area of telemedicine which creates a need for developing of new technologies.

Accessible, large-area, uniform dose photolithography using a moving light source

Photolithography is an essential microfabrication process in which ultraviolet (UV) light is projected through a mask to selectively expose and pattern a light-sensitive photoresist. Conventional photolithography devices are based on a stationary UV lamp and require carefully-designed optics to ensure that a uniform exposure dose is provided across the substrate being patterned. Access to such systems is typically limited to certain labs with domain-specific expertise and sufficient resources. The emergence of light emitting diode (LED)-based UV technologies has provided improved access to the necessary light sources, but issues with uniformity and limited exposure sizes still remain. In this work, we explore the use of a moving light source (MOLIS) for large-area lithography applications, in which the light source path speed, elevation, and movement pattern can be used to smooth out any spatial variations in source light intensity profiles, and deliver a defined and uniform cumulative UV exposure dose to a photoresist-coated substrate. By repurposing a 3D printer and UV-LED flashlight, we constructed an inexpensive MOLIS platform, simulated and verified the parameters needed to produce a uniform UV dose exposure, and demonstrate this approach for SU-8 microfabrication of features with dimensions relevant to many areas in biomedical engineering. The ready accessibility and inexpensive nature of this approach may be of considerable value to small laboratories interested in occasional and low-throughput prototype microfabrication applications.

Validation and verification of the GeneFinder™ COVID-19 Plus RealAmp kit on the ELITe InGenius® instrument

BackgroundThroughout the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, a rapid identification of the virus was essential to quickly recognize positive cases and limit further spread by applying appropriate infection prevention. Many diagnostic laboratories use a multiplex Real-Time PCR assay, as they are not only highly sensitive but also specific. Currently, there are several assays and platforms in the market available which target different SARS-CoV-2 genes. The aim of this study was to validate and verify the GeneFinder™ COVID-19 PLUS RealAmp kit on the ELITe InGenius® instrument and compare to the national reference method. MethodsGeneFinder™ COVID-19 PLUS RealAmp kit was evaluated against the routine WHO in- house Real-Time PCR assay, which is also the national reference method in the Netherlands and used in our laboratory. The sensitivity was tested using the analytical panel from Qnostics (Glasgow, United Kingdom) and the specificity was tested with patient material comprising of other seasonal respiratory viruses. In addition, 96 clinical samples initially analyzed by routine Real-Time PCR were tested using the GeneFinder™ COVID-19 PLUS RealAmp kit on the ELITe InGenius® instrument. ResultsThe GeneFinder™ COVID-19 PLUS RealAmp kit had a similar performance compared to routine in-house testing, with a limit of detection of 500 dC/mL for the RdRp-gene and E gene. Meanwhile, the N gene showed a limit of detection of 50 dC/mL. The SARS-CoV-2 test was highly specific and detected no other respiratory viruses. The results of the clinical samples were comparable between both assays with similar Ct values observed for the in-house Real-Time-PCR and the GeneFinder™ COVID-19 PLUS RealAmp kit for the N gene. ConclusionThe GeneFinder™ COVID-19 PLUS RealAmp kit on the ELITe InGenius® instrument had an appropriate sensitivity and specificity that could be used in small scale laboratories or during night shifts where accurate diagnostics are crucial.

What factors are associated with improvements in productivity in clinical laboratories in the Asia Pacific Region?

IntroductionClinical laboratories usually have a quality management system such as ISO 15189, which provides a framework for quality and competence to perform medical testing and internal systems such as audit and nonconformance to ensure consistent processes. However, organizations need to have access to internal procedures and external competitors' performance to improve their operations. These are often seen as commercial or areas where it is difficult to agree on an acceptable goal. MethodIn 2019, 1158 laboratories from 17 countries/regions in the Asia Pacific Region answered the survey, including 399 Chinese sites. The survey collected information on quality, turnaround time and productivity. ResultsMedian productivity for laboratories in the Asia Pacific Region not including Chinese sites was 25 samples/FTE/day for small laboratories (workload: <250 samples/day), 100 for medium-sized laboratories (workload: 251–1000 samples/day) and 220 for large laboratories (workload: >1001 samples/day). The parameters associated with increased productivity in some laboratories were automation, middleware, Lean Six Sigma quality improvement activities and International Accreditation. ConclusionThis survey provides evidence of an association of quality improvement activities on laboratory productivity. There are differences in the effect of these activities in Chinese and non-Chinese laboratories in the Asia Pacific Region. The survey confirmed that the implementation of automation is associated with increased median productivity in all sites. Implementation of Lean Six Sigma and International Accreditation is associated with increased productivity in large laboratories.