LABORATORY ORGANIZATIONS
Organizations that want to achieve world-class performance understand the need to develop efficient business and operational processes. Nexus blends Lean, Six Sigma, and Quality Management disciplines to develop highly effective processes that support the underlying objectives of our clients’ organizations.
Performance Reviews
A Nexus Performance Review is an in-depth, on-site, tactical review of your laboratory operation. We look at every process within the value stream, from specimen acquisition to resulting. The end result is a detailed “Blueprint” of where your laboratory is today and where it could be in the future in terms of over-all effectiveness, quality, and profitability.
Laboratory Design and Planning
A well designed and properly configured laboratory delivers significant benefits in terms of capacity, productivity, and workflow. Nexus can help with redesigning an existing facility / department or develop a layout plan for a new facility. Nexus utilizes the latest in Computer Aided Design (CAD) technology and “Lean Thinking” to design highly functional and efficient layouts that get the most out of any laboratory space.
Technology Selection
Selecting the appropriate level of technology and automation for your laboratory can be an exhausting process. It is difficult to decide on the “best option” when facing limited budgets and conflicting opinions from both internal and external resources. Nexus helps wade through this process by providing independent and objective advice based upon your operation’s unique needs and goals.
Lean and Six Sigma Training
Lean and Six Sigma have become the gold standard for continuous improvement programs. While these disciplines have been used for decades in other industries, they are still relatively new within healthcare. Nexus is certified in both Lean and Six Sigma and has been applying these powerful tools within diagnostics for years. We can assist your organization with both internal training efforts as well as implementation.
Performance Metrics
A critical component to a successful and thriving laboratory organization is the use of effective Performance Metrics. Nexus can assist your organization in developing and deploying metrics that are meaningful to your operation, empowering both management and lab personnel.
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Lab Project Examples
The following is a representative example of the type consulting engagements completed by Nexus over the last three years. Due to confidentiality and non-disclosure requirements, client details and project specifics are not provided. However, client references can be provided as requested.
Regional Reference Laboratory
Client Description: Reference facility with three separate operational divisions covering a five state area providing services to skilled nursing facilities, physician offices, hospitals, clinics, outpatient/same day services, and corporations.
Project Specifics: Nexus conducted a comprehensive strategic and tactical analysis of the entire operation, developed a project plan, provided implementation guidance & on-going consulting support. The operation realized an EBITDA improvement of almost 15%.
Project Scope: Assist client to increase efficiency and profitability (15% EBITDA) across all divisions by incorporating Lean and “Smart Design” principles into its laboratory operations.
Sample Transport / Courier Network
Client Services / Call Center
Specimen Processing / Pre-Analytical
Lab Practices
Bar Coding Technology
Laboratory Automation
Supply Management
Organizational Structure / Communication
National Reference Laboratory – Transfusion Medicine
Client Description: National Donor Testing Services (DTS) operation with multiple laboratory locations. Blood specimens transported via airline to regional hub operations where they are processed utilizing state of the art technology with FDA licensed test kits and reagents.
Project Specifics: Nexus conducted in-depth analysis of current automated testing platforms and provided comprehensive recommendations regarding quantity, SOPs, physical configuration, and staffing models designed to maximize operational efficiency.
Project Scope: Assist client to “Right Size” testing automation, develop Best Practices and Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) and design enhanced laboratory layout utilizing Lean principles.
International Testing Laboratory – Clinical Trials
Client Description: One of the largest and most comprehensive international drug development services companies with annual revenues greater than $1.7 billion, global operations in more than 25 countries, and more than 9,800 employees worldwide. Offering drug development solutions from preclinical through commercialization.
Project Scope: Lead the client’s Business Redesign Team with the implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System. Client used the introduction of new ERP System as driver for the redesign of clinical trial management and lab operations. Primary goal for the project was to increase productivity, efficiency, capacity, and accuracy
Project Specifics: Nexus provided Lean training and led an international Business Redesign team in the acquisition of operational data and the development of current state maps across the entire organization. Data was gathered at international locations via direct observations and targeted interviews of client staff conducted by Nexus. Future State Maps were then developed based upon operational realities, customer service needs, and ERP system requirements. Nexus and client teams then established an implementation and rollout plan of the new business model based on the projected future state.
Major Metropolitan Hospital – Diagnostic Laboratory
Client Description: Major West Coast hospital with new diagnostic lab. Earthquake damage required both the clinical lab and transfusion medicine lab to occupy new lab space.
Project Scope: Complete workflow analysis of transfusion medicine lab and recommend new floor plan to emphasize safety and throughput. Provide recommendation on feasibility of establishing new reference lab.
Project Specifics: Nexus completed a re-design of transfusion medicine lab and a re-organization of clinical lab which facilitated improved workflow. Nexus provided data supporting the establishment of an off-site reference lab and the changeover of the existing lab to a rapid response facility.