Figure 1. A Workflow pre-intervention period and B. workflow post-intervention period, route of clinical samples according to staff functions.

By using the information obtained from our observations and interviews with laboratory personnel (PMT: Paramedic technician; MT: Medical technologist), we redesigned the preanalytic process using Lean management principles. In the process redesign, we were used the same laboratory space and personnel for preanalytic functions, although with a redistribution of functions. Moreover the request form would remain together with the sample during the entire entry into the system and labelling process to generate a continuous and unidirectional flow. The resesigned process map is shown in B.