Abstract
The present study is based on a computer simulation package called SIMLAB V 3.0, which we have developed specifically for the needs of laboratory automation and reorganisation. Since the central laboratory of the German Heart Center in Munich is facing major changes after moving into a new building and increasing its workload capacity, we performed a computer study reflecting some future scenarios, thus allowing for detailed planning without spending money for trial installations or staff recruitment.
In a first step we recorded the workflow of a specific day (April 8, 1997) via an interface between SIMLAB and the LIS of the German Heart Center and established a calibrated model of the laboratory (scenario A). In an initial experiment, we doubled the daily workload (scenario B), thus creating a “break-down” of the performance characteristics as described in terms of turnaround-times, staff utilisation, etc.
We then improved this situation in a stepwise approach by introducing more people, or installing automation equipment like the Tecan Genesis or various pre-analytical automation modules, which are presently under development at Tecan.
It was shown that comparable results were obtained either by hiring four technicians or by installing appropriate equipment and hiring only one person.
Turnaround times were optimized on the computer in a stepwise process. Doubling the workflow caused a dramatic increase of turnaround times (B vs. A). Introducing an automatic aliquotter (Tecan Genesis) for coagulation testing and a loader for the clinical chemistry instrument, improved the situation considerably without hiring any people.
Addition of one medical technician and installation of robotic devices for sorting primary samples into the hematology instrument and the centrifuges restored the TAT to below normal (D). Without any changes of the existing equipment, comparable improvements could only be achieved by hiring four technicians (E).
