Streamlining workflows: How labs can achieve accurate and efficient throughput in autoimmune and allergy diagnostics

Streamlining workflows for autoimmune testing is becoming increasingly essential within the broader landscape of medical diagnostics. Diagnosing autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, presents unique challenges.

A shortage of medical technologists, allergists, and rheumatologists have led to delays in the diagnostic process, meaning patients are waiting longer than ever for an accurate diagnosis and presenting more advanced forms of the disease.

Lab directors are faced with significant demand and test volume are increasingly challenged to achieve more throughput with fewer resources. The specialized assays that labs often rely on to accommodate high autoimmune and allergy testing volumes often require different instruments, which can take up valuable lab space and often lead to inefficient workflows.

To meet patients’ needs and improve outcomes, lab managers must streamline instruments and methodologies to reduce redundancy and optimize workflows, which in turn can enhance both employee efficiency and patient care.

Achieving higher throughput requires more efficient workflows

Allergic and autoimmune diseases are on the rise, and with this increased prevalence comes a heightened need for testing. However, for autoimmune diseases, it can take a patient more than four years to receive an accurate diagnosis. This delay is due to the need for a series of complex tests, including autoantibody panels, antinuclear antibody (ANA) tests, and comprehensive metabolic panels.¹

Streamlining lab processes can significantly reduce patient wait times, optimize resource usage, and minimize errors. Yet, for workflow changes to be effective, it’s crucial to consider the human element involved in accepting and integrating these improvements. Given the high levels of burnout among clinical lab staff and providers, they may harbor fears about potential disruptions to existing workflows and the added complexity that changes may bring to their day-to-day tasks. Additionally, there may be pressure from management to ensure a smooth integration that quickly demonstrates value.

One effective strategy for addressing initial fears and resistance is offering tailored, hands-on training that focuses on the specific needs and concerns of staff. Clearly communicating and demonstrating how the benefits of new technologies will alleviate short-term burdens can help foster staff buy-in. Providing support through comprehensive implementation plans can also mitigate issues stemming from information gaps.

Moreover, having a technology partner available to ensure a smooth transition and address any concerns or questions is invaluable.

Ultimately anticipating and proactively addressing staff concerns can lead to greater satisfaction, making the experience both exciting and rewarding for everyone involved.

The importance of change

In conclusion, diagnostic labs that invest in automation and workflow efficiency will be well-positioned to meet heightened testing demands and establish a new standard for excellence in diagnostics. Streamlining workflows not only helps to reduce delays in the diagnostic process, but also minimizes potential errors and improves patient outcomes, thereby enhancing the overall quality of healthcare. By refining diagnostic processes, labs can ensure more accurate, timely, and accessible patient care, effectively managing the complexities of allergy and autoimmune disease testing. This focus on efficiency ultimately empowers labs to improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of care they deliver.

Reference

1.     Autoimmune disorders. Mount Sinai Health System. Accessed October 16, 2024. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/autoimmune-disorders.