SpeedsPath Glossary of Terms

Workflow

Workflow refers to the structured, step-by-step sequence of tasks, processes, and decision points that guide how specimens, data, users, and reports move through a pathology laboratory. In lab software, workflow automation ensures that every stage—from specimen accessioning to result reporting—is streamlined, trackable, and compliant.

What Is Workflow?

Workflow refers to the structured, step-by-step sequence of tasks, processes, and decision points that guide how specimens, data, users, and reports move through a pathology laboratory. In lab software, workflow automation ensures that every stage—from specimen accessioning to result reporting—is streamlined, trackable, and compliant.

Key Points / Bullet Description

• Step-by-step process design: Defines how each lab task flows from one stage to another.
• Automates routine operations: Reduces manual entry, errors, and turnaround time.
• Improves specimen traceability: Tracks every movement and status update of each sample.
• Standardizes procedures: Ensures consistent lab operations and compliance with CAP/CLIA/NABL requirements.
• Optimizes workload distribution: Automatically assigns tasks to appropriate users, instruments, or departments.
• Enhances communication: Integrates clinicians, technicians, pathologists, and instruments into a unified system.
• Supports decision rules: Applies logic for reflex tests, auto-verification, QC checks, and routing.
• Real-time monitoring: Provides dashboards for pending tasks, delays, and performance KPIs.
• Reduces operational bottlenecks: Identifies inefficiencies across pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical stages.
• Enables audit trails: Logs every action for compliance, review, and quality assurance.

FAQs

1. What is a workflow in pathology lab software?
   A workflow is the predefined sequence of steps that moves specimens and data through the lab, ensuring standardized and efficient operations.
2. Why is workflow automation important in a lab?
   It reduces errors, improves turnaround time (TAT), enhances compliance, and ensures every task is completed in the correct order.
3. Can workflows be customized for different lab departments?
   Yes. Histopathology, cytology, microbiology, clinical pathology, and molecular labs often have individualized workflows.
4. Does workflow management help reduce specimen mix-ups?
   Absolutely. Barcode tracking, automated accessioning, and digital chain-of-custody features prevent mix-ups and missing samples.
5. Can the system auto-route tasks to the right technologist or pathologist?
   Yes. Rules can be configured to assign tasks based on department, priority, workload, or user roles.
6. How does workflow impact turnaround time (TAT)?
   By eliminating manual delays, providing real-time task visibility, and enabling auto-verification, workflow automation significantly reduces TAT.
7. Can workflows include integration with analyzers and instruments?
   Yes. Analyzer interfaces feed results directly into the LIS workflow, reducing manual entry and improving accuracy.
8. What happens if a workflow step is delayed or skipped?
   The system triggers alerts, escalations, or blocks downstream steps to maintain compliance and ensure process integrity.
9. Is audit logging part of workflow management?
   Yes. Every action—status changes, edits, assignments—is automatically logged for regulatory and quality assurance needs.
10. Can workflows support reflex testing or conditional rules?
    Yes. Workflow engines can apply logic such as “If X result is abnormal, add test Y” to improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.

Want to learn more? Explore our LIS Glossary or check out our expert blogs on Anatomic Pathology, Molecular Diagnostics, Cytology, and Lab Information Systems.