Optimisation and success: Implementing a LIMS in the veterinary sector
This real-life success story explains how implementing a LIMS system enabled a veterinary laboratory to improve sample traceability, reduce operational errors and optimise analysis and report delivery times in under two months.
Table of contents
Introduction
Zendo Lims has been successfully implemented in the analytical laboratory of Pride Veterinary Referrals, a leading multidisciplinary veterinary hospital for small animals based in Derby, United Kingdom. Victoria Snape is the laboratory manager and she has been with the company since 2012.
Victoria Snape recounts her experience with Zendo Lims during her testimony and answers various questions.
Below, you can read the transcript of the video with all her answers:
What were the reasons behind the choice of Zendo Lims, and how was the implementation process handled?
"We searched pretty hard for a system to replace our previous one, we wanted to make sure is gonna be right for us. A lot of the LIMS that we looked up were quite overly complex for our needs, and they also came with quite a high price tag, which didn't really fit in in our projects so, when we came accross Zendo, we went really excited. It seemed to meet our needs perfectly, so we signed up, started using it in February, once we'd initially set up the basics with the team of Zendo, who really helped with that and provided us with the training. And since that, we've built on those initial foundations, which is another great feature of Zendo."
Can new features and analysers be added when required?
"You can continue to build on it, add things, use more of the functions as time goes on, and as time allows for you to set those things up and also, as your budget allows you to do more. So you can integrate as many analyzers as you want, whenever you like. So, as your budget allows, you may want to integrate more in there in the future, which is how we've done things which is working really well so far."
Is it possible to modify data in Zendo Lims without technical assistance?
"Another good feature of it is that you can as the end user, you can edit and change things within Zendo as and whenever you want to, so if we make any changes to our pricing, our profiles, add new tests, change reference ranges, anything like that, all of those configurations added to all by us and would have an immmediate effect within the system, so we don't need to wait for any assistance from the provider, we can do it all ourselves, which is great."
Has your workflow been enhanced since you began using Zendo Lims?
"Since we've been using it, it's hugely improved our eficiencies within the lab, specially with the admin side of things, our turnaround times now on results are a lot faster, so we've probably saved around 10 minutes of the turnournd times for most patients results, and probably saved around 3 hours a day just in admin tasks that now Zendo does automatically, or it's a lot more simpler to use, which is been great. And it's improved our quality management within the lab timefault: our traceability of requests, and samples, is a lot more ables now."
Does Zendo Lims allow traceability within the system?
"Zendo has a great auditor feature, where any small change or edit that happens within Zendo is locked by the auditor, it shows you who's done it, what day, what time, so that is brilliant."
Is it possible to import information into Zendo Lims automatically?
"Transcription errors now don't exist really, Zendo does everything automatically, there's no manually importing of results, so mistakes tend to not happen where they did before, which is great."
Which Zendo Lims features do you like the most?
"Also, from my management point of view, Zendo has great functions for statistics and the management of requests, so it's really easy to see what's left outstanding, the priority of those requests, and we can work out the workflow of the day, who's doing what, what needs to be done first, to make sure everything gets done as efficiently if possible, so that is great."
Would you recommend Zendo LIMS to other laboratories?
"I genuinely really recommend Zendo to anyone that's in a similar position to us, so anyone that wants a simple, while effective, easy to use system that still has all the necessary functions and features in order to smoothly run a busy lab on a day to day basis, I would recommend you go with Zendo!"
Are you considering implementing a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) in your laboratory? Join Zendo LIMS and optimise your response times!
Laboratory Context
The analysis laboratory is part of Pride Veterinary Referrals and aims to respond as quickly as possible to analysis requests for both outpatients and inpatients. The hospital provides a 24-hour service, 365 days a year.
Existing problems prior to the implementation of LIMS
One of the laboratory's major problems was the time wasted on data entry and the resulting delay in delivering results.
Another major issue was that it was not possible to configure reference values according to species, breed and sex for each analysed test. This meant that pathological results could not be displayed or validated correctly.
As they could not integrate with analysers, all results had to be entered manually, which led to transcription errors. This affected the reliability of the entered information.
They had no way of tracking existing information, tasks carried out, or samples analysed.
Hospital management and laboratory management did not have statistical and monitoring tools for decision-making.
Objectives of the LIMS implementation project
The project aimed to address the shortcomings of the laboratory's daily routine.
Working with a LIMS that enables full laboratory digitisation and integration into hospital workflows.
Automate the laboratory by connecting to analysers to incorporate results.
Ensure the traceability of results throughout the entire analysis process.
The ability to make decisions based on real data.
LIMS implementation process
For the implementation of Zendo Lims, a traditional methodology commonly known as the 'waterfall methodology' was used, combined with an 'agile methodology'.
Combining these two methodologies has enabled us to determine all phases of implementation clearly, while also facilitating rapid verification cycles and greater interaction between our staff and those at Pride Veterinary Referrals.
We initially determined the implementation phases and applied an Agile methodology to establish sub-processes or sprints within each phase. This enabled us to deliver the adaptations in stages, involving laboratory staff at all levels and establishing easily achievable milestones. We held regular follow-up meetings to show that the objectives were being met, and to maintain effective communication and an efficient validation and implementation process.
All these actions enabled the rapid and effective implementation of Zendo Lims.
LinkedIn Publication
As proof that the implementation process was successful, Rachel Tring, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Technician at Pride Veterinary Referrals, published an article on LinkedIn with the following transcript:
"Exciting news from Pride Veterinary Referral Diagnostic Laboratory! 🎉 We are delighted to announce the launch of Zendo LIMS, our advanced Laboratory Information Management System, designed to revolutionise the way we manage and process veterinary diagnostics. 🐾 Zendo LIMS is a powerful and easy-to-use platform that streamlines the entire analysis process, from sample reception to the issuance of results reports. Whether for small or large animals, Zendo guarantees efficiency, accuracy, and ease of use every step of the way. This system is designed to improve the way we work, ensuring smoother operations and faster results for our customers and their beloved pets.. 🐶🐱🐴 Stay tuned to find out how we're continuing to improve veterinary diagnostics management with Zendo LIMS!"
You can access the LinkedIn post directly We're thrilled to announce the launch of Zendo LIMS – our advanced Laboratory Information Management System... | LinkedIn
LIMS implementation: Optimise your results delivery time.
Metrics and results obtained
The following table shows a clear comparison of the main key indicators before and after the implementation of the LIMS system in the laboratory.
| Indicator | Before LIMS | After LIMS |
|---|---|---|
| Sample Registration | Manual / Excel | Automated with LIMS |
| Daily time saved throughout the administrative process | 0 hours | 4 hours |
| Time saved per sample when delivering results. | 0 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Daily time saved in delivering results | 0 hours | 6 hours |
| Sample traceability | Without trazabilidad | Complete (100%) |
| Automation | Without automation | Complete (100%) |
Thanks to the implementation of LIMS, the laboratory managed to save up to 10 hours per day in administrative tasks and results delivery, as well as ensuring complete traceability of 100% of samples.
Conclusion
Implementing Zendo LIMS enabled the laboratory to optimise sample management comprehensively, eliminating manual processes and significantly improving operational efficiency. The complete automation of workflows and full traceability of the sample lifecycle enabled the laboratory to reduce administrative time, speed up the delivery of results, and increase control over critical processes.
The results obtained after implementing Zendo LIMS demonstrate the direct impact of a well-implemented LIMS system on laboratory productivity. Daily savings were achieved in administrative tasks and results issuance, and the centralisation of information improved data reliability and facilitated compliance with applicable quality and regulatory requirements.
This real-life success story confirms that Zendo LIMS is an effective solution for laboratories looking to digitise their processes, improve sample traceability and automate laboratory management in a scalable and secure way. Implementing a LIMS such as Zendo LIMS optimises daily operations and prepares laboratories for audits, growth and new challenges.
Are you considering implementing a LIMS in your laboratory?
Find out how Zendo LIMS can help you optimise sample management, improve traceability, and boost the operational efficiency of your laboratory.
Susana Martín Castaño
International Sales Consultant
With over 20 years of experience in the UK and Spain, she is a laboratory IT expert specialising in Zendo LIMS implementations. As the current head of international sales department, she has optimized operations for around 40 laboratories in nearly 50 countries.
