Biotech-listed company KIM FOREST has partnered with Chang Hua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), to successfully launch a new “Laboratory 2.0” model. The project features the implementation of Roche Diagnostics’ most advanced fully automated testing systems, creating a highly efficient and intelligent testing workflow within a limited space, and setting a new benchmark for smart healthcare in Taiwan.

This initiative not only highlights KIM FOREST’s capabilities in integrating smart healthcare solutions but also expands its presence in the market for automated medical equipment in healthcare institutions. The success of this collaboration enables KIM FOREST to replicate this high-efficiency operational model across medical facilities nationwide, boosting its brand visibility and market penetration. Additionally, stable equipment supply and long-term maintenance service contracts are expected to generate predictable revenue growth and enhance customer retention.

In response to space limitations within the hospital, Chang Hua Hospital and the KIM FOREST team jointly developed the innovative “1-Ping Automated Laboratory” model. Hospital Superintendent Dr. Tseng Kung-Yen, who has long prioritized testing quality and clinical efficiency, was directly involved in the overall planning and implementation, demonstrating his commitment to medical innovation and public health.

The high-end equipment introduced includes the cobas pro, cobas pure, and cobas 5800 systems, integrated with an automated track system to enable fully intelligent process management.

The new system covers all key testing stages: sample receipt, automated pre-processing, centrifugation and classification, blood analysis, report generation, and sample transport, ensuring continuous 24/7 automated service. Samples are transported via overhead tracks to corresponding devices for testing, significantly reducing manpower needs and minimizing human error.

According to measured results, the 95th percentile turnaround time (TAT) for emergency tests dropped by 7.84%, time from registration to first scan was reduced by 29%, and time from analysis completion to report issuance was shortened by 14%.

The laboratory now handles over 2,000 samples daily, effectively supporting large-scale events such as “health checkups for ten thousand people.” Dr. Yu Ya-Yen, Director of the Department of Laboratory Medicine at Chang Hua Hospital, noted that with the overhead sample transport system, each sample is automatically delivered to the appropriate equipment for testing—greatly reducing manual labor and minimizing error rates.

During the implementation phase, the lab team conducted a one-week Rapid Improvement Event (RIE), integrating 5S site management and problem-solving processes to successfully establish a culture of continuous improvement and efficient operations.

KIM FOREST stated that after the launch of “Laboratory 2.0,” the medical care experience for Changhua County’s 320,000 residents will be significantly enhanced, including:

• Improved emergency care: Faster test result turnaround accelerates critical diagnoses, with uninterrupted 24-hour services.
  
• Enhanced outpatient convenience: Same-day testing and reporting reduce patient travel time.
  
• Optimized inpatient care: Rapid results enable physicians to promptly adjust treatment plans.
  
• Support for remote areas: Expanded sample logistics network ensures that rural residents benefit from medical center-level testing quality.
  

Superintendent Dr. Tseng emphasized that this collaboration allows residents to access world-class diagnostic services close to home, without needing to travel to major cities. He stated that medical innovation should be integrated into the lives of all citizens, not just remain a slogan.

KIM FOREST’s participation in the project showcases its strong capabilities in project integration and medical innovation deployment. The team brings extensive experience in international diagnostics equipment integration, offering a one-stop solution from equipment planning and process design to on-site execution. They are skilled at implementing the most effective solutions even in constrained spaces. KIM FOREST has also earned the medical community’s trust for its excellence in quality management, after-sales service, and customized support. By introducing Roche’s fully automated testing systems, the company has helped comprehensively upgrade testing quality and efficiency, laying a stable and flexible foundation for smart healthcare within the hospital.

Resource: 金萬林-創攜手部立彰化醫院，打造台灣首座「一坪自動化實驗室2.0」