OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of HemoCell™ Specialized Lab Automation implementation in the Clinical Laboratory of University Medical Center (UMC) in Lubbock, Texas, US.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was developed for the hemostasis laboratory’s data to identify the impact generated by HemoCell™ implementation in the laboratory. A non-experimental study was conducted on patient’s samples turnaround time (TAT) for the Prothrombin time (PT) test to evaluate the Mean and SD in a growing laboratory’s setting from 2017 to 2019 without increasing staff or impacting patient’s results.

RESULTS: A 7-step process was identified in 2017 at UMC’s hemostasis laboratory. The process was manual, and the technologists spent an average of 87 seconds/sample on pre-analytical preparation, including sample transportation and centrifugation. HemoCell™ implementation allowed the elimination of six manual steps making the process an only one-step process in 2019. The TAT mean was reduced by 13% and 52% for standard deviation (2017 TAT Mean: 31 minutes SD: 29 minutes; 2019 TAT Mean: 27 minutes SD: 14 minutes) allowing the laboratory to deliver 90% of the test results in 35 minutes (2017: 62 minutes to provide 90% of the test). This gave the staff time to research and implement new technologies and bring additional specialty testing in-house (e.g., heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, proteins), for additional cost savings of 67%.

CONCLUSIONS: Implementing HemoCell™ Specialized Lab Automation has enabled the laboratory at UMC to meet the demand in testing volume due to the increased bed-size. Also, they achieved their goals for reduced turnaround time, testing standardization, improved auto validation rates, and reduced calls for results.