Just-In-Time vs. Batch Processing in the Medical Lab: Examining the Pros and Cons

In a newly released article posted by Forbes Business Council, LigoLab CEO Suren Avunjian weighs the pros and cons of Just-In-Time testing in healthcare. In the article, he argues that the Just-In-Time Method gives anatomic pathology groups and clinical and reference laboratories more efficiency and flexibility, and faster turnaround times. 

Admittedly, all three points are valid ones when you consider the current challenges facing the lab industry, but Avunjian took the argument even further by calling out other large benefits that may sometimes be overlooked, namely a reduction in medical waste and its associated cost. 

Avunian starts building his case for the Just-In-Time Method by first focusing on the massive amount of healthcare data generated worldwide and the fact that analysts say a staggering 30 percent of the world’s data volume can not only be attributed to healthcare, but that percentage is also going up annually at an alarming rate. 

He next defines what medical waste actually is, and he shares examples like contaminated blood (infectious waste), human organs and tissues (pathological waste), and reagents and solvents (chemical waste). 

“Medical waste is defined by the World Health Organization as "waste generated by healthcare activities. In the U.S. alone, it’s estimated that more than 5.9 million tons of medical waste are generated each year.”

Suren Avunjian, LigoLab CEO

Avunjian next segues to the billions of tests performed by clinical labs annually and existing internal (staff shortages) and external pressures (reduced reimbursements and rising supply costs) to show how the current situation is untenable. He calls for action if large healthcare organizations are to successfully manage their critical healthcare data while at the same time implementing efficient and cost-effective lab workflow to reduce medical waste. 

Next, Avunjian draws a clear comparison between the Just-In-Time Method and Batch Processing, the two distinct ways lab operators can manage lab workflow. He then encourages, based on his own experiences, large-scale clinical labs to implement JIT because of its many advantages. 

Just-In-Time (JIT) - A procedure that involves the processing and testing of specimens as soon as they arrive at the laboratory.

Batch Processing (BP) - A method that involves an accumulation of multiple specimens over a period of time and then testing of all of them all at once.

“With the JIT method, the primary benefits are that it can significantly reduce medical waste while also improving operational efficiency, minimizing errors, and saving money.”

Suren Avunjian, LigoLab CEO

After that, Avunjian does a deeper dive into the advantages, highlighting how the JIT method gives clinical labs more efficiency, flexibility, speed, and customer satisfaction.

Avunjian wraps up the article by noting that the JIT method might not be the perfect fit for every medical lab and every lab workflow, pointing out that in some cases, for instance when a clinical lab runs only certain types of very high-volume tests (like complete blood count tests), batch processing might be the best option. 

“If your lab runs critical time-sensitive tests and also wants to help minimize medical waste, I encourage you to consider adopting the JIT method.”

Suren Avunjian, LigoLab CEO

To read the article in full, click on the following link.

Reducing Medical Waste and Cost With Just-In-Time Testing

LigoLab’s Laboratory Information System Software Enables Just-In-Time Lab Workflow

For Avunjian and LigoLab, the Just-In-Time Method is more than just a lab workflow process, it’s a core concept that’s been built into its all-in-one laboratory information system (LIS) and lab revenue cycle management (RCM) platform. As noted above, the JIT method (which is fully supported by LigoLab Informatics Platform) reduces medical waste, lab mistakes, and lab supply costs while also improving productivity across the board. 

As part of any LigoLab laboratory information system implementation, LigoLab’s Implementation Team works closely with its new client, not only training them on the new LIS system’s features and functionality but also identifying and suggesting new and more efficient JIT workflows when appropriate. To learn more about LigoLab’s approach to implementations and how it differs from other LIS vendors, click on the following link.

LigoLab’s Approach to Project Management and LIS System Implementation

Checkout These Other Forbes Business Council Articles

Avunjian is a highly sought-after lab industry voice and a regular contributor to the Forbes Business Council, a networking organization that caters to business owners and leaders. 

Lab leaders may also be interested in his other recent Forbes Business Council posts, included below. 

The Impact Of Current Technology On The Future Of Medical Laboratories

Funding Versus Bootstrapping For An Enterprise Software Company

About the Author

Suren Avunjian is a Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at LigoLab Information Systems, a company that specializes in licensing advanced laboratory information systems (LIS) for medical laboratories nationwide.

Avunjian oversees all business growth and operations for the LIS company while leading a team of best-in-class personnel. He’s also the creative force behind LigoLab’s strategic vision to build the most comprehensive and infinitely configurable laboratory information system available, and then deliver and support that LIS platform with unlimited and unmatched customer service.