Specimen Storage Challenges Coming to a Head by Michelle Urban

In an ideal world, all laboratories would regularly evaluate operational processes as part of a broader operations optimization effort. Yet with so many resource intense, high priority initiatives, it's not surprising that few organizations focus on the re-evaluation or re-engineering of foundational underlying processes, such as specimen storage. In fact, a lab's approach to storing specimens can go years, if not decades, with little to no significant changes or advancements. Unfortunately, this results in what began as minor inefficiencies growing into largely unaddressed but significant organizational space, productivity and resources challenges. A few common challenges according to a series of qualitative interviews with Lab Managers, Directors and Vice Presidents across the country are as follows:

Finite Space: The ever-growing number of slides and blocks labs must manage today leave them facing a tough decision: invest in more space onsite or evaluate offsite storage options. Onsite has long been the preferred method. However, for many labs the amount of time, money and resources required to upgrade or build an appropriate space isn't easy to achieve, especially in this error of declining reimbursements.

Spill Over Struggles: Given storage space is finite; onsite specimen storage often spills over into additional rooms, departments, and buildings. These spaces vary in quality. Some are uniquely constructed for specimen storage, equipped with access controls, racking and air conditioning. While others are nothing more than an open basement. What's more, misplaced slides are not uncommon as it is difficult to maintain control and visibility as to who is accessing what' in this fragmented environment.

Inherited Inefficiencies: Like so many other professionals, lab directors inherit legacy processes and systems that can be riddled with inefficiencies and gaps. Yet the day-to-day management of the business is so all consuming, it can be difficult to find the time, budget or resources to address them.

For many organizations these may sound more like norms than challenges. However, given the state of the economy and pending Medicare reimbursement rate cuts, laboratories can no longer afford to maintain the status quo. To effectively compete, labs will need to consider how these challenges can be cost-effectively addressed in the short term, and how to more strategically leverage finite resources in the long term. The industry as a whole is feeling the pressure to explore innovative ways to contain costs, do more with less, and improve overall productivity. Specimen storage management is no exception.

For more information, read the rest of the blogs in this series and the whitepaper Could Specimen Storage Outsourcing Help Labs Compete in Today's Cost Conscious Environment?

LINK:	http://blogs.ironmountain.com/2015/uncategorized/specimen-storage-chal...
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