Clinical Lab Automation: 3 Key Considerations for Successful Implementation

Clinical laboratories in the US have long operated under significant pressure and challenges, and these have only intensified in recent times. Many laboratory leaders are now facing issues around workflow, staffing, and productivity. Improving the patient and customer experience is also a growing concern, so how can clinical laboratory leaders address these challenges quickly and smoothly?

The main challenges affecting workflows

First, it is crucial to understand the main challenges affecting workflows today. To start, simplifying and digitizing the customer/patient journey is essential to create a convenient and easy experience for those interacting with the lab. Next, standardizing processes is also key to enhancing productivity and efficiency across operations. Finally, better integration and connection of end-to-end processes is necessary to avoid suboptimization along the entire value chain. 

Automation and artificial intelligence have been widely discussed as possible solutions to staffing and productivity challenges. However, lab managers must first take the time to assess the specific needs of their staff and identify the root causes of the issues they face. By doing so, they can determine whether automation or digitization is the right solution, setting clear expectations for how these technologies can meaningfully enhance operations.

With rising test volumes and staff turnover, many labs are stretched thin and actively seeking ways to take the pressure off their operations. While the strategic use of automation holds great potential to transform the way labs operate, successful implementation requires strategic planning and consideration. 

Before implementing lab automation, consider these 3 key factors for success:

1. Prioritize open communication with frontline staff

Open and transparent communication with frontline staff is essential to a lab’s operations. When employees are involved in the change process, they are more engaged and invested. Keeping an open line of communication can also help ease concerns around job security, which are common when automation is introduced. 

2. Tailor automation to your lab’s specific needs

Each lab has different inputs, outputs, and operational priorities. While automation can solve a variety of problems, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution—some labs may benefit from full automation, while others may only need targeted workflow improvements. Partnering with an automation expert can help identify the right approach for your lab before making significant capital investments or operational changes. 

3. Think end-to-end for true optimization

Any improvements should be made with the complete end-to-end lab workflow in mind to ensure full optimization of the value stream for both customers and suppliers. The key to successful automation is understanding where it adds value, the risks involved, and how to manage those risks. Not every automation solution makes economic sense, especially for low-volume operations. 

Don’t forget to invest in people and culture

While automation and technology are powerful tools, ultimately, the most important thing to remember is that people are the heart of the lab. Investing in staff and fostering a strong workplace culture are equally important—because at the heart of every clinical lab are its people. Efficient lab operations depend on collaboration between staff and technology, something that can be achieved even with limited resources as long as lab leadership is engaged and communication is clear.