A leading clinical pathology laboratory specializing in critical diagnostic services faced a growing challenge. As its volume of samples increased, the laboratory’s existing structure struggled to keep up, jeopardizing its ability to deliver timely results.
With patient outcomes hanging in the balance, the lab sought to enhance its capabilities through a comprehensive renovation of its surgical pathology suite. Partnering with D.A.I. Scientific, the lab embarked on a journey to address its limitations and better serve its patients.
THE CHALLENGE
The laboratory’s surgical pathology suite was becoming a bottleneck to its operations. The facility’s ventilation system was outdated, creating an unsafe environment for staff. Furthermore, the lab’s physical space was unable to support modern workflows and was insufficient to handle the increasing volume of diagnostic samples. This lack of space caused significant delays as staff struggled to keep up with their workload.
These delays had a ripple effect, leading to longer turnaround times for critical diagnostic information. For patients awaiting results, these delays were more than an inconvenience — they had serious implications for health and treatment outcomes. Addressing these issues was not just a matter of operational efficiency; it was a necessity to ensure timely care for patients.
THE SOLUTION
D.A.I. Scientific brought a wealth of expertise to this project, drawing on our extensive experience in designing and equipping clinical surgical pathology suites. From the outset, we collaborated closely with the laboratory’s stakeholders to craft a solution that addressed both immediate challenges and long-term needs. The new design centered on creating a more efficient workflow by enabling staff to maintain visual contact and easily communicate with one another during their work — a key factor in preventing backlogs and improving operational efficiency.
To achieve these goals, we provided a wide range of specialized equipment tailored to the lab’s requirements. This equipment list included:
- Grossing stations
- Tissue storage cabinets
- Custom stainless steel casework
- Refrigerators
- Freezers
- Fume hoods
Each piece of equipment was carefully selected to enhance the laboratory’s functionality and align with its operational goals.
This project, which began in 2018, required meticulous planning and coordination across multiple teams and phases. We worked hand-in-hand with end users, general contractors, procurement departments and manufacturing engineering teams to account for every detail. This collaborative approach enabled us to navigate the complexities of a large-scale, multi-departmental renovation, allowing for the seamless integration of equipment and design.
Customization was a cornerstone of this project. Recognizing the client’s unique needs, we met with manufacturers to adapt standard products to suit that facility’s specific layout and workflow. Thanks to our vast portfolio and deep knowledge of clinical projects, we were uniquely positioned to manage the client’s project scope and deliver tailored solutions that addressed every challenge.
THE RESULTS
The partnership between the clinical pathology laboratory and D.A.I. Scientific resulted in a state-of-the-art facility that exceeded expectations. From initial layout design to the final delivery and certification of equipment, our involvement was pivotal to this project’s success. The upgraded facility is now equipped to handle the laboratory’s growing sample volume efficiently and safely. Staff benefit from a streamlined workflow and safer working conditions, while patients receive faster and more reliable diagnostic results.
The new facility was also designed with the future in mind. With the capacity to accommodate increasing patient volumes for at least the next decade, the lab is well-prepared to meet evolving demands. Most importantly, these efficiency and capacity improvements directly contribute to better patient outcomes, underscoring the critical role of timely and accurate diagnostics in healthcare.
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