Why has Athelas's blood test turnaround time increased by 30% over the past month?

Introduction

Athelas's blood test turnaround time increase of 30% over the past month is a critical issue that demands immediate attention. This significant slowdown in processing time could impact patient care, customer satisfaction, and the company's competitive edge in the medical diagnostics market. I'll approach this problem systematically, focusing on identifying the root cause, validating hypotheses, and developing both short-term fixes and long-term solutions.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Looking at the timing, I'm thinking there might be a recent change in the process. Has there been any new equipment or software implemented in the last 1-2 months?

Why it matters: Recent changes often correlate with performance shifts. Expected answer: Yes, a new automated sample processing system was introduced. Impact on approach: If true, I'd focus on the new system's integration and performance.

• Considering the scale of the increase, I'm wondering about volume changes. Has there been a significant increase in the number of tests processed recently?

Why it matters: Volume spikes can strain capacity and increase turnaround time. Expected answer: Test volume has increased by 20% due to a new partnership. Impact on approach: I'd investigate capacity planning and resource allocation.

• Given the nature of blood tests, I'm curious about any changes in test complexity. Have there been any new types of tests added to the panel recently?

Why it matters: More complex tests could slow down overall processing time. Expected answer: No new tests have been added to the panel. Impact on approach: If no changes, I'd focus on existing processes and potential bottlenecks.

• Thinking about the end-to-end process, I'm considering staffing levels. Has there been any significant change in lab personnel or their training in the past month?

Why it matters: Staff changes can impact efficiency and processing times. Expected answer: There's been a 15% turnover in lab technicians. Impact on approach: I'd look into training programs and knowledge transfer processes.