Projects & Initiatives

Continuous Improvement

DSM’s comprehensive strategy for achieving and maintaining diagnostic efficiency and excellence takes into consideration both people and processes and strives to maximize all resources. Using the methodologies of Lean and Six Sigma, DSM has been successful in improving processes within DSM’s labs which increase capacity and productivity, reduce errors, optimize space utilization, maximize use of resources and reduce cost. The result is improved patient care and customer service.

Process Improvement Successes

Emergency Lab Services Improved at HSC
After a successful pilot project which showed improvement of emergency lab service delivery, DSM added the permanent support of two Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA) to the day and evening shifts in the HSC Emergency Department (ED). The MLAs assist nurses with phlebotomy (blood collection) and specimen preparation, provide a direct link to the lab and have been invaluable in ensuring specimen collection quality, reducing specimen collection errors and effectively reducing patient risk.

HSC Central Accessioning
A Lean Project in Central Accessioning at DSM’s HSC site successfully reduced Turn Around Time (TAT) despite a workload increase. The team is equipped with the tools to continue monitoring TAT and ensure that these positive changes are not only sustained, but continue to be improved upon.

HSC Biochemistry
A Six Sigma Project in HSC’s Biochemistry Lab has successfully reduced TAT for Potassium tests. TAT continues to be monitored and the team is working to apply the same principles to decrease TAT for other routine Biochemistry tests.

SBH Pathology
A Six Sigma Project in SBH Microtomy has improved the overall quality of slides which are reviewed by Pathologists. Improved slide quality will continue to reduce TAT, workload and costs.

Westman Transfusion Medicine
A Lean Project in Transfusion Medicine at Westman Laboratory has improved patient safety through reduced pre and post analytical errors and a more efficient workflow.

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