For diagnostic laboratories handling high testing volumes, ensuring speed, accuracy, and workflow efficiency is essential for delivering reliable results. However, manual monitoring of analyzer alerts can slow down processes and increase the risk of missed discrepancies.
Arpan Diagnostic Centre LLP, a 21-year NABL-accredited diagnostic laboratory, faced delays in high-volume testing and similar operational challenges while managing hematology workflows. Pathologists and technicians often had to check analyzer flags directly on the instrument screen, which interrupted routine workflows and added unnecessary manual oversight.
To address this, the laboratory implemented CrelioHealth LIMS with automated interfacing for Sysmex XN-series analyzers, enabling analyzer flags to transfer directly into the LIMS reporting module alongside test results.
The results were significant.
- 90% reduction in reporting errors
- 50% reduction in turnaround time (TAT)
- 30% faster sample analysis
- Ability for pathologists to review and sign reports remotely
By automating analyzer flag visibility within the reporting workflow, Arpan Diagnostic Centre achieved faster analysis, improved accuracy, and greater operational efficiency.
Lab Profile
Arpan Diagnostic Centre LLP
Arpan Diagnostic Centre LLP is an established diagnostic laboratory with more than two decades of experience delivering high-quality testing services.
Core specialties include:
- Pathology
- Histopathology
- Microbiology
The laboratory operates multiple branches and collection centers, ensuring accessible diagnostic services for a wide patient base. As a National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accredited facility, Arpan Diagnostic Centre maintains strict quality and accuracy standards in all diagnostic processes.
The lab is known for its rapid turnaround times, accurate diagnostics, and adoption of advanced laboratory technologies.
Mission
To deliver accurate and reliable diagnostics using world-class laboratory equipment, modern methodologies, and advanced digital systems.
The Operational Challenge
Before implementing analyzer flag interfacing, Arpan Diagnostic Centre encountered several workflow inefficiencies during hematology testing.
Manual Monitoring of Analyzer Flags
During routine hematology analysis, the laboratory team needed to physically check the analyzer display to review warnings or error flags.
This created several challenges, such as:
- Technologists had to interrupt workflows to check instrument screens.
- Pathologists relied on manual oversight to ensure no abnormal alerts were missed.
- Critical flags could potentially be overlooked during high testing volumes.
Increased Manual Verification
Certain hematology scenarios, such as low platelet counts or platelet clumping, require manual slide examination to confirm results.
The team at Arpan Diagnostics, Rajkot, noticed the following challenges:
- Technologists spent additional time reviewing instrument screens.
- Manual verification steps increased.
- Workflow interruptions slowed down reporting.
Workflow Inefficiencies
Arpan Diagnostics noticed several workflow inefficiencies due to the operational gaps in the system. These operational gaps created several limitations, such as:
- Frequent movement between the workstation and the analyzer
- Slower reporting processes with manual interventions
- Greater dependency on manual oversight
The laboratory team recognized that automated analyzer interfacing was essential to streamline operations and improve reporting efficiency.
Why Analyzer Interfacing Was Critical
Dr. Anil Savaliya at Arpan Diagnostic Centre shared that the machine interfacing through CrelioHealth LIMS was an important step towards improving operational performance.
Automated analyzer integration helps Arpan Labs to:
- Eliminate manual transcription errors
- Automate instrument-to-LIMS data transfer
- Improve testing throughput
- Increase staff productivity
- Ensure accurate reporting workflows
By enabling seamless data flow between the analyzer and LIMS, the lab significantly reduces manual monitoring and accelerates diagnostic reporting.
The Solution: Sysmex Analyzer Flag Integration with CrelioHealth LIMS
To address these challenges, Arpan Diagnostic Centre implemented a Sysmex hematology analyzer interfacing with CrelioHealth LIMS. The integration introduced several powerful workflow improvements.
“Even normal interfacing is useful, but transferring analyzer flags along with test data makes the integration extraordinary,” shared Dr. Anil Savaliya.
Automated Flag Transfer
Analyzer error alerts and abnormality flags are now automatically transferred into the LIMS along with test results. This ensures that every result analyzed by the pathologist includes instrument-level diagnostic alerts.
Flag Visibility Within the Reporting Module
Pathologists can immediately view:
- Instrument warnings
- Abnormal test indicators
- Quality control alerts
All of this information appears directly within the reporting interface, eliminating the need to manually check the analyzer screen.
Remote Monitoring and Access
The integration also enables laboratory staff to review test reports and analyzer flags directly through the LIMS platform, allowing pathologists to monitor results even when away from the analyzer workstation.
How Flag Interfacing Improved Arpan Lab’s Diagnostic Workflow
“The flag interfacing helps us analyze results directly within LIMS without checking the analyzer every time. Reporting is faster, workload is easier to manage, and we do not miss any flags during analysis.”
— Dr. Anil Savaliya, Arpan Diagnostic Centre
1. Faster Result Analysis
Because analyzer flags now appear alongside test data in the LIMS interface, technologists and pathologists can quickly identify abnormal samples and take necessary action. This significantly reduces the time required for result interpretation.
2. Reduced Manual Instrument Checks
Staff no longer need to walk to the analyzer repeatedly to verify flags. This minimizes interruptions and allows technologists to focus on testing workflows.
3. Smarter Smear Examination
Analyzer flags provide early indicators for samples that may require:
- Manual slide review
- Peripheral smear examination
This allows pathologists to prioritize samples that need additional attention.
4. Better Handling of Platelet Alerts
One common hematology scenario involves low platelet counts accompanied by platelet clumping alerts. Previously, technologists had to manually verify analyzer alerts before deciding whether to perform a slide review.
With automated flag interfacing:
- The platelet clumping flag appears directly within the LIMS report.
- Pathologists can immediately determine if manual slide verification is required.
This prevents unnecessary manual counts and speeds up result validation.
Operational Advancements Achieved
Additional Operational Advantages
Remote Report Authorization
“We can review and sign reports remotely, which makes reporting much more flexible.”
– Dr. Anil Savaliya
One practical benefit highlighted by Dr. Savaliya was the ability to review and authorize reports remotely. Pathologists can now access reports and analyzer flags through the LIMS system even when they are not physically present in the laboratory.
This capability improves:
- Pathologist availability
- Reporting flexibility
- Faster report delivery to patients
Clinical Benefits Observed by Pathologists
Beyond operational efficiency, the integration also supports clinical decision-making.
Pathologists benefit from:
- Immediate visibility of abnormal analyzer flags
- Faster diagnostic decision-making
- Improved sample prioritization
- More efficient smear examination workflows
- Reduced risk of missing critical discrepancies
Key Takeaways
By integrating analyzer flags directly into the reporting workflow, CrelioHealth LIMS helped Arpan Diagnostic Centre transform hematology operations.
The implementation enabled:
- Automated quality control monitoring
- Faster diagnostic workflows
- Improved reporting accuracy
- Reduced manual intervention
- Better operational efficiency for pathologists
For modern diagnostic laboratories, analyzer-LIMS integration is no longer just a convenience; it is a critical component of efficient, accurate, and scalable laboratory operations.
