Chapter 25 : Selection and Implementation of New Equipment and Procedures

Abstract:

This chapter provides a list of factors used to select new laboratory equipment and procedures. It reviews the need for input on the selection of procedures and instrumentation from multidisciplinary committees, and describes the selection criteria used to evaluate laboratory equipment and the components of the decision process used to select instrumentation. The selection of new laboratory equipment frequently requires an oversight committee or laboratory advisory board or council (LAB) to provide the final approval. This is important because the final level of equipment decision making typically involves senior managers, and possibly clinicians, who may not be familiar with the technology under consideration. The distribution of an annual laboratory survey gives providers an opportunity to praise and critique laboratory services and request new procedures or assays. The survey responses returned to the laboratory, either signed or anonymous, enable the gathering of important information on the directions the laboratory should take with the services it offers. The ultimate decisions of how the laboratory operates must come from laboratorians focused on being receptive to the needs of their customers. Initially, the selection and implementation process must assess the needs of the end users, the availability of the assay in the community, the labor and operational requirements, and the overall cost associated with the implementation of an instrument.