Cost analysis in the clinical chemistry laboratory in the era of automation:  A prospective observational study.

Manish Kumar  Sinha; Ratna  Priya; Chandan  Kishore; Madhu  Sinha

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2209

Authors

Manish Kumar Sinha Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Patna Medical College, Patna, Bihar, India
Ratna Priya Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Patna Medical college, Patna, Bihar, India
Chandan Kishore Professor, Department of Radiology, Narayan Medical College and Hospital, Jamuhar, Sasaram, Bihar, India
Madhu Sinha Professor and HOD, Department of Biochemistry, Patna Medical college, Patna, Bihar, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i9.2209

Keywords:

Laboratory Automation, Clinical Chemistry, Cost-analysis, reagent wastage, operational cost

Abstract

Background

By standardizing the entire testing procedure and minimizing repetitive operations that could result in human mistakes, laboratory automation systems were created to enhance laboratory performance. To deliver high-quality services at a reasonable cost in the modern day, clinical laboratory administration surely depends on sound financial management.

Objectives

By comparing important metrics like turnaround time, test volume, labor cost, reagent waste, and maintenance expenses before and after automation, the study aims to assess how laboratory automation affects operational efficiency and cost parameters in a clinical chemistry laboratory.

Materials and Methods

It was a prospective, observational study. The study was carried out at the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), Patna, Bihar, India. The study was conducted for 12 months, i.e., from August 2024 to July 2025. In all, 150 patients were enrolled in the study. Participants had to be at least eighteen years old, have clinical specimens processed by PMCH's clinical chemistry laboratory throughout the study period, and have given their informed consent for participation and the use of anonymised data.

Results

The mean age of participants was 45.8 ± 13.4 years (pre-automation) and 46.5 ± 12.7 years (post-automation). Males constituted 56.0% of the pre-automation group and 53.3% of the post-automation group. Average tests per patient increased from 6.6 to 8.5 following automation. Monthly labor cost decreased from ₹4,00,000 to ₹2,60,000, and reagent wastage declined from 18% to 7%.

Conclusion

Automation significantly improved operational efficiency, reduced labor costs, increased test throughput, and minimized reagent waste.

Recommendation

Adoption of laboratory automation is recommended for tertiary-care laboratories to improve cost-effectiveness and workflow efficiency.

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