KPIs: Continuous improvement in the laboratory

What are laboratory KPIs?

The Key Performance Indicators o KPIs are essential tools for measuring and evaluating the performance of an analytical laboratory. These indicators monitor the efficiency, quality and productivity of laboratory operations through quantifiable metrics and help identify areas for improvement.

What are the most important KPIs for a laboratory?

The correct definition of KPIs, kpi for laboratory manager, is very important for correct measurement and interpretation. An error in definition, or the definition of indicators that do not provide information, may result in the laboratory not knowing how to evaluate or correct incorrect procedures.

Depending on the sector, quality indicators need to be adapted for clinical, veterinary or industrial laboratories.

Among the key performance indicators or laboratory kpi metrics, within a laboratory common to all sectors, we can define the following laboratory kpi examples:

Response times

Total time from the moment a sample is received until the final result is delivered. This indicator reflects the speed of sample processing while maintaining the quality of the results. Reflecting results on kpi for lab technician.

Percentage of Rejected Samples

Percentage of samples rejected due to errors in any of the following processes: collection, receipt, labelling, handling or sample quality. This indicator reflects whether the laboratory has efficient sample control and handling.

Regulatory Compliance Ratio

The extent to which the laboratory complies with internal and external standards and regulations (such as ISO 17025, ISO 15189, ISO 9001, GMP or GLP) is quantified. This indicator reflects whether the quality and reliability of results are ensured in accordance with international regulations.

Percentage of results that Fail to meet Specifications

% of results that do not comply with the quality limits or specifications of the analysis carried out according to the type of sample. This indicator measures whether analyses are being conducted accurately and within the established standards. Special importance is kpi for lab chemist.

Efficiency of equipment use

Measuring the time that equipment is effectively used compared to the total time it is up and running. This indicator allows productivity to be measured by checking whether equipment is working effectively or sitting idle.

Percentage of non-conformities

Measuring the percentage of incidents or non-conformities in any of the laboratory processes, whether analytical, logistical, administrative, etc. This indicator measures the control and compliance of the quality system.

Customer Satisfaction Rate

Measuring the level of customer satisfaction with the laboratory's services, mainly in terms of accuracy, speed and reliability of results. This indicator helps to maintain the laboratory's competitiveness and reputation.

Cost per Test

Calculation of the total cost associated with performing each test or analysis in the laboratory. This kpi in laboratory allows costs to be adjusted and opportunities to be identified while maintaining a commitment to quality.

Production Capacity

Number of samples a laboratory can process in a given period (day, week, month, year). This indicator shows whether the laboratory can take on more work or is already working at maximum capacity.

Repeatability of Results Rate

Measuring the number of times an analysis is repeated due to inconsistent results or processing errors. This lab kpi provides insight into the consistency of analyses and control of laboratory processes and equipment.

Find out why Zendo Lims is a Lab Quality Control Software.

Benefits of defined quality indicators

Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) play a critical role in audit preparation and execution, sample and process traceability, and secure data handling. Here's how a LIMS helps in these key areas

Audit Preparation and Implementation

LIMS maintains a detailed record of all laboratory activities, allowing easy access to these records and even the creation of lists or reports that meet audit requirements.

Traceability of Samples and Processes

Samples can be tracked throughout their laboratory processing, recording the processes performed and maintaining a history of changes made.

Security in Data Management

A LIMS implements security measures for access to information. These include data encryption, role-based access control and user authentication. Cloud LIMS already include procedures for backing up data, which is very beneficial because the lab is no longer responsible for doing so.

Quality and Efficiency Optimisation

By automating processes, manual data entry is reduced. In addition, data validation ensures data integrity.

Regulatory Compliance Management

A LIMS ensures that all documentation and records comply with industry regulations and standards. It also facilitates internal and external audits.

How a LIMS helps to monitor KPIs

A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is an essential tool for tracking Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in a laboratory. Its ability to centralise, automate and analyse data provides a clear, accurate and objective view of laboratory performance, facilitating informed decision making and the pursuit of continuous improvement.

Data collection and centralisation: LIMS automatically retrieves data from multiple sources in real time. This is done in less time and without the errors associated with manual processes.

Real-Time Tracking: A LIMS allows KPIs to be tracked in real time, giving laboratory managers an up-to-the-minute view of laboratory performance. Any problems or trends can be quickly identified and corrective action can be taken immediately.

Reporting & Analysis: A LIMS generates customised reports and analyses that facilitate the monitoring and evaluation of indicators. These reports can include graphs, tables and other elements that make the data easier to understand.

Trend analysis and continuous improvement: By storing large amounts of historical data, a LIMS enables trend analysis. This helps to identify patterns over time, which is essential for continuous improvement.

Traceability and Regulatory Compliance: A LIMS enables the integration of laboratory regulations and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This ensures that all processes are carried out in accordance with quality standards and that compliance-related KPIs are maintained at optimum levels. In addition, document management helps to maintain a clear record of quality audits and certifications, making compliance easier with international standards.

Automatic alerts and notifications: LIMS allows automatic alerts to be sent when certain quality indicators are not met, such as when a sample is outside the established parameters or when turnaround times are being exceeded. This allows any problems to be corrected before they affect the quality of results or service.

Integration with other systems: A LIMS can be integrated with other quality management or quality control systems to centralise all information related to quality indicators. This provides a more complete and accurate picture of the laboratory's performance and facilitates comprehensive quality management.

In short, a LIMS makes to track quality indicators easier by automating data collection and analysis, ensuring regulatory compliance, optimising the use of resources, and providing tools for real-time monitoring. This not only improves laboratory efficiency, but also ensures that high quality standards are maintained at all times.