Turnaround time in surgical pathology: influencing factors and process improvement strategies

Turnaround time (TaT) is a key performance indicator for surgical pathology quality and efficiency. Identifying factors that influence TaT is crucial to achieve high-quality and resource-efficient performance. The implementation of process management methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma in surgical pathology laboratories is expanding, improving quality and productivity, reducing TaT, and leading to greater satisfaction and reduced costs. This systematic review aimed to summarize the literature on factors that influence TaT and estimate how process improvement methodologies can be used to decrease it in the pathology laboratory setting. Findings demonstrate that prolonged TaT arises from intrinsic specimen characteristics and suboptimal process management, including workflow inefficiencies and resource constraints. Given that intrinsic specimen characteristics are difficult to modify, emphasis should be placed on process optimization. Lean and Six Sigma methodologies have been successfully implemented to optimize workflows, eliminate waste, standardize processes, and ultimately decrease TaT. In conclusion, TaT remains a cornerstone key performance indicator and an essential measure of quality in surgical pathology laboratories. Its optimization improves patient satisfaction, enhances treatment effectiveness, and reduces costs.