Laboratory Specimens and the Not So Normal Storage Norm by Michelle Paster

We all have them. Those things in our everyday work life that drive us absolutely bananas but we've come to accept as normal simply because it's always been that way. The strange filing or reporting logic we inherited from our predecessor, the copier that has never worked right but continues to work enough that we simply can't justify getting rid of it, or antiquated inventory (or data) management system that requires headache-inducing workarounds because it wasn't designed to meet department specific needs. In many cases, budget are simply too tight or life is simply too busy to focus our limited resources on addressing minor inefficiencies. In fact, only when triggered by some undeniable driving need do we take dollars from our already overextended budget or time from our over packed agendas to tackle these peripheral priorities.

Labs are no different. Like so many other professionals, lab directors inherit legacy processes and systems that can be riddled with inefficiencies and gaps but also like so many other professionals, many laboratory employees have either come to view these not so normal every day headaches as the norm or are simply so consumed in the day to day management of the business that they are unable to find time to address them. The storage of glass slides and wax blocks is perfect example of this. Riddled with complexity, cost, and risk, the storage of glass slides and paraffin blocks is an often overlooked crack in the foundation when it comes to resource and space efficacy. Keep in mind there can be numerous slides in a single accession (or case group) making them difficult to store and track. And, the weight and fragility of slides in itself limits how and where they can be stored. Likewise, storage of paraffin blocks, while far less numerous, comes with its own unique set of challenges. To ensure the wax does not begin to soften, or worse melt, paraffin blocks must be stored in a controlled environment where temperature does not drop below 60 or rise above 80 degrees. Due to these complexities, onsite storage imparts a heavy burden on resources and premium space that could otherwise be allocated to revenue driving functions. Yet, like many other processes riddled with minor inefficiencies is has been widely accepted as the norm - at least until recently.

Given the state of the economy, the laboratory segment, like many others, is being forced to re-evaluate the status quo and explore new and innovative ways to contain costs, do more with less, and improve overall productivity. Specimen storage is no exception. Labs are now reassessing the norm and learning there are productivity gains to be had and value to be realized by exploring alternatives - and particularly by working with an offsite storage vendor. Offsite storage vendors are increasingly demonstrating a clear, if not an expert, understanding of the nuances of tracking, transporting and storing glass slides and wax blocks. Whereas before labs may have had apprehensions about the safety and accessibility of transporting such fragile assets offsite, innovative solutions such as Iron Mountain Pathology Storage Management are quickly extinguishing those concerns with real time inventory tracking technology and durable transport containers equipped with E-por inserts customized to insulate and secure slides and blocks while in transit. In fact, given the storage expertise and dedicated resources of offsite vendors, it's actually becoming progressively difficult for in-house operations to mirror the sophistication or efficiencies of their workflow and facilities.

Perhaps historically it's made sense or simply been easier to deal with the pain of onsite storage than to spend precious time and resources shaking up old processes. But no more. Given today's economy and the recent advancements in offsite storage services, labs are beginning to question the not so normal storage norm. And given the offsite alternative enables more strategic re-allocation of onsite space and resources to offset growing operational expenses, realize higher productivity, and drive more value to the bottom line this re-assessment could prove invaluable.

To learn more about offsite storage advancements and innovations click here.

LINK:	http://blogs.ironmountain.com/2014/industry/healthcare-information-man...
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