How Synlab Austria Improved Laboratory Efficiency with Pre-Analytical Sample Tracking

Laboratory efficiency often depends on what happens before samples reach the analyzer, especially when pre-analytical sample tracking is limited or fragmented.

In this case study, Synlab Austria shows how digitizing the pre-analytical phase with end-to-end sample tracking enabled earlier administrative processing, reduced turnaround time (TAT), and significantly improved staff satisfaction.

The Challenge at Lab Entry

Before implementing S4DX, Synlab Austria’s laboratory teams could only start key administrative tasks once samples physically arrived at the laboratory. These tasks included preparing internal lab equipment and completing quality and documentation steps.

On average, these activities required 3–5 minutes per pick-up per collection site, creating bottlenecks at lab reception and delaying the transition to the analytical phase.

Project Goals

The objective of the project was to introduce a solution that would:

• Support ISO 15189–compliant pre-analytical processes
• Enable electronic order verification in advance
• Allow administrative tasks to start during sample transportation
• Provide visibility into collection site pick-ups per transport and per day
• Improve planning of transport, resources, and administrative workloads
  

How S4DX Transformed Pre-Analytical Sample Tracking

With the S4DX platform, Synlab Austria digitized and optimized the pre-analytical phase by enabling real-time access to sample and pick-up data.

As soon as samples are picked up from collection sites, laboratory staff can immediately initiate administrative processes using the S4DX Webservices application, specifically the Pick-ups module. Tasks are confirmed digitally with time-stamped actions and comments, ensuring transparency and proper documentation.

By shifting administrative work from sample arrival to sample pick-up, Synlab Austria transformed sequential processes into parallel ones—significantly shortening the overall processing chain.

Measurable Results

Time Optimization Through Pre-Analytical Tracking

• Administrative tasks anticipated by approximately 46 minutes
• 3–5 minutes saved per pick-up
• 4–6 hours of administrative work optimized daily
• Faster transition from sample arrival to analysis
• Reduced overall laboratory turnaround time (TAT)

“With the S4DX sample tracking system, we optimize up to 6 hours daily on administrative work in our lab.”
— Jürgen Weghofer, COO, Synlab Austria

Process Optimization

• Reduced bottlenecks at sample reception
• Balanced workload distribution across teams
• Clear digital records of completed administrative steps
• Improved transparency and accountability

Administrative steps are now completed in parallel with transport instead of accumulating at lab entry, ensuring smoother sample processing.

Staff Satisfaction

• Increased predictability of daily work
• Improved collaboration through real-time task visibility
• Reduced stress during peak reception times
• Greater autonomy, allowing staff to focus on other tasks—or even finish earlier

A More Efficient Pre-Analytical Workflow

By making pre-analytical data available in real time, Synlab Austria can now plan resources in advance, improve internal organization, and ensure that samples reach the analyzer faster and without unnecessary delays.

This case demonstrates how digitizing the pre-analytical phase with full sample traceability can deliver measurable efficiency gains while supporting compliance and staff well-being.

Learn More

If you want to explore how end-to-end sample tracking can improve pre-analytical workflows in your laboratory, discover how S4DX supports laboratories in achieving full visibility and control across the sample journey.