<![CDATA[The external audit findings of the Quality Control Laboratory indicate that the chemistry and microbiology laboratories share the same operational area, causing overlapping flows of activities, personnel, and materials and increasing the risk of cross-contamination. This study aims to develop an improved laboratory layout in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017, evaluate its operational performance using ProModel, and assess time efficiency and potential labor cost savings. CORELAP was used to generate an initial layout based on activity proximity, while CRAFT was applied to refine the layout based on movement frequency and inter-area distances. The proposed layouts included a new microbiology laboratory and a redesigned chemistry laboratory. The Total Load Distance of the chemistry laboratory decreased from 371.50 to 341.50, representing an 8.08% reduction, while the microbiology laboratory decreased from 617 to 389, representing a 36.95% reduction. Simulation results showed that the proposed layout reduced the Average Time in System for 6 of 7 sample types, with the highest efficiency reaching 68.07%. The reduced processing time also indicated potential labor cost savings, based on the actual sample volume and the labor cost per minute. Therefore, the CRAFT-generated layout provides an alternative to improve contamination control, process efficiency, and laboratory operating costs.]]>
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