Seized-drug Analysis Cycle Time Project Example

Drug Analysis Service (DAS) of Health Canada Six Sigma project reduced both the backlog and the drug analysis cycle time to ultimately improve service standards--The Drug Analysis Service (DAS) of Health Canada analyzes a variety of suspected illegal drugs seized by Canadian police forces. The four regional DAS labs are charged with determining chemically whether or not the exhibits are controlled substances. Since 2005, both the costs and backlog associated with analysis have been increasing, due in part to a growing demand for laboratory services – 5 percent to 7 percent annually. Moreover, a lack of resources and space to respond to the increased workload has compounded the problem. This case study summarizes the Lean Six Sigma approach undertaken at one of the labs, from February 2007 to August 2008, to reduce both the backlog and the drug analysis cycle time to ultimately improve service standards. Define In 2007, the total cycle time to provide drug analysis results to law en