Many phlebotomy labs are characterized by tight real estate, lots of supplies densely packed in that space, and a steady stream of staff and patients flowing in and out of the room. Blood draw areas are often procedurally driven, so swift turn-around is critical for a productive and profitable clinic.
By applying the 5S Lean methodology (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain) phlebotomy leaders can reduce wasted steps. This saves time on process and permits more time for quality. Here are some products developed to help realize that goal.
1. Sort
Start with sorting supplies in your phlebotomy area. Separate the frequently used from the infrequently used. Separate the important from the unnecessary. Designate space for sorting. Do it quickly.
These are the basic, straight-forward instructions to get started. Once items have been sorted accordingly, look for storage containers whether it be shelving, bins, drawers, or totes like the one shown here by MarketLab, that will enable you to move on to the next step: Set in order.
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2. Set in Order
Now take the medical supplies you've sorted and set them into shelves, lockers, carts, bins, drawers, and totes that make sense for your workspace. Less frequently used and unimportant items should be stored further away while the more important, frequently used supplies should have top priority in your most accessible storage spaces.
Every item should have it's own location, and labeled clearly so that staff can find them in a hurry. The labeling system you use, and the way you set the supplies in order, (literally how you position the items in the drawer or on the shelf for example), should be easy to understand for a new staff member with minimal training, and it should reduce the chance for human error to allow someone to mistakenly grab the incorrect item.
An excellent product idea would be the acrylic tube rack shown here. It takes advantage of vertical space, and can be set on a countertop or mounted to the wall. The acrylic is easy to wipe down and keep clean, the shelves are slanted to prevent the blood drawer vacutainer tubes from falling out, and the compartments keep the color-coded blood serum collection tubes separated, labeled by color, and categorized for quick access in an easy to follow manner.More »
3. Shine
Establishing a high standard for keeping the phlebotomy area clean is essential for infection prevention, efficiency, and safety. Simply by maintaining an organized work area, you've started the Shine process. Like the other "S"'s in 5S, this process is never complete. All of them are ongoing for the staff. That's why 5S Lean should be thought of as a "mindset" rather than a "program".
Another important aspect of "Shine" however is keeping the phlebotomy work and storage areas clean. There are various disinfectant wipes that are sold in accessible and convenient tubs that can be mounted to the wall or set on a countertop. Keep them handy.These antimicrobial wipes should be part of the daily workflow, every day. Wipe down chairs, countertops, and other surfaces. Choose phlebotomy carts that have plastic drawers so that they can be wiped down over the long-term without getting rusty. I like to choose carts and drawers that have rounded corners on the outside for staff safety, and rounded corners on the inside of drawers so that dirt and germs can be wiped out by staff. The right angle corners make it too easy for dirt and bacteria to build up and hide from cleaners.More »
4. Standardize
One way to standardize the methodology and ensure it happens every day is to use supplies that make the rules and the process steps visible. In "Turn Your Waiting Room Into a 5S Lean Showcase" I provide product ideas that can be used to post your standards in a visible and organized way. It leaves a great impression on your guests, whether they be patients, family members, executive leadership, or JCAHO inspectors.More »
5. Sustain
If you've done a good job with setting your standards, and getting your phlebotomy staff to buy into the fact that these daily routine tasks of sort, set in order, and shine are habitual, then you are on the right path to lead them toward sustaining the mindset. Like the other steps above, this is a continuous process. The proper mindset is to constantly be on the look out for supplies to sort and separate, for areas to clean, and for ways to make new small improvements to your work processes. Then implement these incremental process improvements as the new standard to sustain. Until you improve again.More »