Dataset Information

Lean Principles to Improve Quality in High-Throughput COVID-19 Testing Using SwabSeq: A Barcoded Sequencing-Based Testing Platform.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To describe and quantify the effect of quality control (QC) metrics to increase testing efficiency in a high-complexity, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-certified laboratory that uses amplicon-based, next generation sequencing for the clinical detection of SARS-CoV-2. To enable rapid scalability to several thousands of specimens per day without fully automated platforms, we developed internal QC methods to ensure high-accuracy testing.

Methods

We implemented procedures to increase efficiency by applying the Lean Six Sigma model into our sequencing-based COVID-19 detection.

Results

The application of the Lean Six Sigma model increased laboratory efficiency by reducing errors, allowing for a higher testing volume to be met with minimal staffing. Furthermore, these improvements resulted in an improved turnaround time.

Conclusion

Lean Six Sigma model execution has increased laboratory efficiency by decreasing critical testing errors and has prepared the laboratory for future scaling up to 50,000 tests per day.

SUBMITTER: Jones J

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8499806 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Lean Principles to Improve Quality in High-Throughput COVID-19 Testing Using SwabSeq: A Barcoded Sequencing-Based Testing Platform.

Jones Janae J Saul Rosita R Sathe Laila L Xie Joanna J Marquette Dawn D Arboleda Valerie A VA

Laboratory medicine 20220101 1

<h4>Objective</h4>To describe and quantify the effect of quality control (QC) metrics to increase testing efficiency in a high-complexity, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-certified laboratory that uses amplicon-based, next generation sequencing for the clinical detection of SARS-CoV-2. To enable rapid scalability to several thousands of specimens per day without fully automated platforms, we developed internal QC methods to ensure high-accuracy testing.<h4>Methods</h4>We implemented p ...[more]

PMID: 34436601

Similar Datasets

Project description:BackgroundLean management has been successfully employed in healthcare to improve outcomes and efficiencies. Facilitation is increasingly being used to support evidence-based practice uptake in healthcare. However, while both Lean and Facilitation are used in healthcare quality improvement, limited research has explored their integration and the sustainability of their combined effects.ObjectiveTo improve hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening rates among persons born between 1945 and 1965 through the design and evaluation of a multi-modal Lean-Facilitation intervention (LFI) for Department of Veterans Affairs primary care community clinics.DesignWe conducted a mixed methods quasi-experimental evaluation in eight clinics, guided by the integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework.ParticipantsWe engaged regional and local leadership (N = 9), implemented our LFI with clinicians and staff (N = 68), and conducted summative interviews with participants (N = 13).InterventionThe LFI included six implementation strategies: (1) external facilitation, (2) stakeholder engagement, (3) champion activation, (4) rapid process improvement sessions, (5) Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles, and (6) audit-feedback.MeasuresThe primary outcome was rate of new HCV screening among previously untested patients with a primary care visit. Using interrupted time series, we analyzed intervention and time effects on HCV testing rates, and administered organizational readiness surveys, conducted summative qualitative interviews, and tracked facilitation events.ResultsThe LFI was associated with significant, immediate, and sustained increases in HCV testing. No change was detected at matched comparison clinics. Staff accepted the LFI and the philosophy of "bottom-up" solution development yet had mixed feedback on its appropriateness and feasibility. Enablers of implementation and early sustainment included lower satisfaction with baseline HCV testing processes and staff culture, while later sustainment was related to implementation climate support, measurement, and evaluation.ConclusionsHigh-reach and relatively low effort, but persistent intervention led to significant improvement in guideline-concordant HCV testing rates which were sustained.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02936648.

Dataset Information

Lean Principles to Improve Quality in High-Throughput COVID-19 Testing Using SwabSeq: A Barcoded Sequencing-Based Testing Platform.

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Publications

Lean Principles to Improve Quality in High-Throughput COVID-19 Testing Using SwabSeq: A Barcoded Sequencing-Based Testing Platform.

Similar Datasets

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