In the lab industry, staying competitive requires continuous improvements in efficiency and service offerings. Whether your lab is small or large, here are three strategies that can help boost competitiveness while minimizing operational costs:

1. Increase Throughput with High-Capacity Setups

One of the most effective ways to enhance your lab’s competitiveness is by increasing throughput without significantly increasing operating costs. For example, in PCR labs, switching from a 96-well plate to a 384-well plate can quadruple your throughput without any added reagent or consumable cost. This results in faster turnaround times and greater testing capacity, all while keeping operational costs stable.

In addition, upgrading from single-channel to multi-channel pipettes can speed up sample preparation, allowing your lab to process more samples in less time. This setup works for both small labs and large facilities looking to maximize efficiency without major upfront investment.

2. Offer Comprehensive Testing Panels to Broaden Your Client Base

Instead of focusing on individual tests, offering comprehensive testing panels can help your lab appeal to a wider range of clients. By validating a single test panel that covers multiple targets—such as respiratory pathogens or a broader infectious disease panel—you can service a more diverse client base without the need for multiple validations.

This not only positions your lab as a flexible, full-service provider but also allows you to be more efficient with the resources and processes you already have in place.

3. Quick, Flexible Changes for Long-Term Gains

Sometimes the smallest changes can make the biggest difference. Consider:

• Optimizing sample management workflows by reducing manual steps and digitizing tracking.
• Switch to reagents that have faster run times to become an ideal choice for providers.
• Cross-training staff to ensure greater flexibility in handling different tasks during peak times.