Four Time Management Tips to Apply to Your Work in the Lab

When you work in diagnostic medical testing laboratories, time is critical element to your job.  You want to perform the tests accurately and timely in order to produce results for your medical clients.  When you work with our diagnostic dermatopathology in Pittsburgh, PA, you will learn time management strategies that can make you an efficient lab technician.  There are ways you can save time and increase productivity when working in the lab to perform diagnostic testing.  By following these four tips, you will be able to manage your time while working in the lab.

Get the Big Tasks Done First

When you begin your work day, you typically set the tone for the entire day within the first hour.  Before you even sit down at your desk, you should be aware of what task you want to accomplish first.  Choose the tasks the evening before so that you are aware of what to do the moment you walk in the next day.  This will help you to begin running an experiment before you check in for the day.  By tackling the big or difficult tasks first, you will be more likely to accomplish them before the end of the work day is over.  This enables you to reach more productivity and not let tasks linger.

Plan and Organize Your Space

By keeping your lab work space clean and clear of clutter, you will be able to focus at the tasks at hand instead of organizational duties.  Also, by keeping a schedule of tasks to accomplish daily or weekly, you will be able to cross them off as you do them.  If you are not a fan of creating to-do lists, find an organizational system that works for you.  Create a calendar, write down goals, or track progress, but make sure to find a way to be accountable for what you accomplish at work each day.  Focusing on the output of work will help you achieve more tasks in any given day.

Use Time Management Strategies

Each day, you will likely repeat similar experiments or tasks.  This means that you can duplicate certain situations or materials.  By using simple time-saving strategies, you can help save time throughout your work day.  This may involve making large batches of commonly used mixes and reactants, labeling everything clearly, and restocking supplies during any down time.  Also, using spreadsheets or software to organize your data is strongly recommended.  Keeping everything in the same place will help you curb time spent on analyzing data after the experiments are complete.

Invest in Training

When you are first hired, or anytime there are any changes in your laboratory, you will want to check with management to see if there is any training available.  These trainings can help you get acquainted with the policies and procedures of your new workplace.  They can also offer time-management strategies from people who have already become accustomed to laboratory work.  Listen to those who have performed similar tasks as you, and follow their tips for success.  If you have difficulty meeting deadlines or working efficiently, talk with your manager to receive advice on how you can improve.

By following these four tips, you will realize how easy it can be to manage and save time working on your laboratory tasks.  When our technicians are working in our diagnostic dermatopathology in Pittsburgh, PA, they are trained on time management techniques to be able to deliver the best diagnostic services to our clients. Contact us today to hear about our lab services.