Diagnostic and testing laboratories: problems we solve
27 problems diagnostic and testing laboratories bring us, each with the cause, what it costs and what we build to fix it.
Diagnostic and testing laboratories problems
27 articlesHow Can Our Laboratory Stop Retyping Every Paper Request Form at Sample Reception?
Sample reception in a testing lab retypes paper request forms into the LIMS. We build capture that reads forms and client orders so staff check, not type.
Why Does Our Lab Spend So Long Putting Together Test Reports and Certificates of Analysis?
Testing labs assemble certificates of analysis by hand from LIMS exports and Word templates. We build report generation from approved results for sign-off.
How Can Our Lab See Which Samples Are About to Miss Their Turnaround Time?
Testing labs find late samples only when clients complain. We build turnaround tracking that shows each sample's due time and flags risks while there is time.
How Do We Stop Clients Ringing Our Lab All Day to Ask About Sample Status?
Clients phone testing labs all day asking about sample status. We build a client status portal and alerts from your LIMS so they can check progress themselves.
How Can Our Testing Lab Keep Chain of Custody Records Complete Without Paper Forms?
Chain of custody forms in testing labs are paper sheets that end up incomplete or lost. We build digital custody records with scans and a clear audit trail.
How Can Our Laboratory Turn Testing Quotes Into Registered Work Without Retyping?
Testing labs build quotes in spreadsheets, then retype them when samples arrive. We link quotes, orders and LIMS registration so tests and prices carry over.
Why Does Our Laboratory Keep Under-Billing for Tests and Extras It Has Actually Done?
Testing lab invoices miss add-on tests, reruns and surcharges logged in the LIMS. We connect completed work to your accounts so chargeable items are billed.
How Can Our Lab Take Sample Collection Requests Without Phone Tag and Missed Pickups?
Testing labs book sample collections by phone and email, and pickups get missed. We build online collection booking and driver runs linked to incoming samples.
How Can Our Testing Lab Manage Sample Kit and Bottle Orders Without Running Out or Sending the Wrong Ones?
Testing labs send sample bottles and kits from emailed requests and memory. We build kit ordering tied to test suites, with packing lists and stock alerts.
How Do We Stop Analysts Retyping Instrument Results Into Our LIMS and Spreadsheets?
Analysts in testing labs retype instrument results into the LIMS and spreadsheets. We build data capture that parses output files and loads results for review.
How Can Our Laboratory Stay on Top of Calibration Checks for Every Balance, Pipette and Instrument?
Labs track calibration due dates for balances, pipettes and instruments in spreadsheets. We build a calibration register with reminders and bench-side checks.
How Can Our Lab Stop Scrambling for Evidence Before Every Accreditation Assessment?
Accreditation assessments send testing labs hunting for records across drives and binders. We build an evidence hub so audits and validations are ready.
How Do We Keep Track of Which Analysts Are Signed Off for Which Methods in Our Lab?
Testing labs track analyst training and method sign-off in a spreadsheet matrix. We build a competence register linking people, methods and LIMS worklists.
How Can Our Lab Track Reagent and Standard Lot Numbers and Expiry Without Paper Logs?
Labs log reagent lots, standards and expiry dates on paper and find expired stock too late. We build stock tracking with scanning, lot records and alerts.
How Can Our Laboratory Make Sure Every Non-Conformance and Corrective Action Is Closed?
Lab non-conformances and corrective actions sit in a spreadsheet and stay open for months. We build a CAPA log with owners, due dates and trend reports.
How Should Our Lab Record Unsuitable Samples and Tell Clients Quickly?
When a testing lab rejects a leaking or unlabelled sample, clients hear late by phone. We build rejection logging with photos and prompt client notices.
How Do We Keep Track of Samples Our Lab Subcontracts to Other Laboratories?
Tests sent to partner labs vanish from view until results arrive by email. We build subcontract tracking that dispatches, chases and imports results.
How Can Our Lab Keep Track of Proficiency Testing Rounds, Deadlines and Follow-Up?
Proficiency testing rounds in a lab are tracked in calendars and email, and deadlines slip. We build a PT tracker with schedules, scores and follow-up.
How Can Our Lab Find Retained Samples Quickly and Dispose of Them When Retention Ends?
Retained samples fill a lab's fridges with no clear record of location or disposal date. We build storage tracking with locations and disposal lists.
How Do We Manage Clients' Recurring Monitoring Schedules So No Sampling Round Is Missed?
Recurring monitoring contracts in testing labs run on spreadsheets, so sampling rounds get missed. We build schedules that plan rounds and check arrivals.
How Can Our Lab Make Sure Clients Hear Quickly When a Result Is Outside Their Limits?
Testing labs rely on analysts noticing results outside a client's limits and phoning them. We build limit checks and logged alerts so clients are told promptly.
How Can Our Testing Lab Onboard New Clients Without Weeks of Forms and Setup?
New client setup at a testing lab means credit checks, forms, price lists and LIMS accounts done by hand. We build one onboarding flow for all of it.
How Can Our Lab Managers See Workload, Backlog and Turnaround Without Building Reports Every Week?
Lab managers export LIMS data into spreadsheets each week to see workload and backlog. We build live dashboards from your LIMS and accounts data.
How Should Our Lab Handle Amended Reports So Clients Always Know Which Version Is Current?
When a testing lab amends a report, old versions stay in circulation and reasons go unrecorded. We build versioned reissue with approvals and notices.
How Can Our Lab Link Online Home Test Kit Orders to the Samples That Come Back?
Labs selling home test kits online struggle to link orders, returned samples and results. We build kit activation and matching so results reach the buyer.
How Can Our Lab Keep Track of Sub-Samples and Aliquots Once the Original Sample Is Split?
When a lab splits samples into aliquots, handwritten labels and lost links cause mix-ups. We build parent-child labelling and tracking at the bench.
How Can Our Lab Make Sure Everyone Uses the Current Version of Every SOP and Method?
Labs keep SOPs on shared drives, and printed bench copies go out of date. We build document control with approvals, versions and read records.