Service Delivery Determinants of Laboratory Turnaround Time in Hospital-Based Laboratories

This study determined the service delivery determinants of laboratory turnaround time in hospital-based laboratories and proposed evidence-based recommendations for improving laboratory efficiency. A descriptive-correlational research design was used among 79 medical technologists from public and private hospital-based laboratories in Sorsogon Province, Philippines. Total population sampling was employed, and data were gathered using a validated researcher-made questionnaire covering professional profile and six service delivery determinants: patient preparation, specimen collection, specimen processing, equipment utilization, reporting and recording of results, and staffing. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, while the Mann–Whitney U test was applied to compare perceptions between public and private hospital-based laboratory personnel. Findings showed that most respondents were 26–30 years old, female, college graduates, and had 1–3 years of service. Both public and private hospital-based laboratory respondents strongly agreed that all six service delivery areas influence laboratory turnaround time. Specimen processing obtained the highest overall mean among the determinants, indicating its central role in timely laboratory service delivery. The Mann–Whitney U test showed no significant difference between public and private respondents’ perceptions. The study recommends standardized pre-analytical procedures, workforce optimization, lean workflow redesign, laboratory information system integration, automation, continuous monitoring, and strengthened interdepartmental coordination.