Reducing Immunohistochemistry Laboratory Turnaround Time by 20% Using Lean Six Sigma Methodology

Turnaround time for immunohistochemistry (IHC) stains in the laboratory of a 500 bed tertiary care, Level I trauma center was 6.4 hours for morning orders and 19.3 hours for afternoon orders, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment of patients. Reducing turnaround times would give physicians hours of extra time to interpret, diagnose and begin treating patients.

Using Lean Six Sigma process improvement methodologies, the lab was able to eliminate non-value-added waste from the process and reduce IHC turnaround time by 23 percent on morning orders and 20 percent on afternoon orders. Patients benefit from these improvements by having potentially life-changing results communicated more quickly, as well as beginning life-saving treatment sooner.

This case study is part of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association's annual Quality Excellence Achievement Awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals and health systems in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These organizations are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim—improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction), improving the health of populations, and reducing the per capita cost of health care—and the Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement—safe, effective, patient centered, timely, efficient, and equitable. To learn more, visit https://www.ihaqualityawards.org/javascript-ui/IHAQualityAward/