The ability to test a specimen is not only integral in the process of identifying/diagnosing bacterial, fungal, or viral pathogens but — more importantly — it is sometimes the lynchpin in determining how best to treat a patient.
That being said, not all labs have the resources or technological capabilities to perform molecular diagnostic testing on their own.
And that’s where molecular diagnostic reference labs come in:
What is a Molecular Diagnostic Reference Laboratory?
A “‘reference laboratory’ is defined as the laboratory that receives a specimen from another laboratory and that performs one or more tests on such specimen,” according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
As such, molecular diagnostic reference laboratories — also known as PCR reference labs or send-out labs — can perform tests using validated panels that…
- Are more cost-effective
- Are high volume
- Have quick turnaround times for results
- Test a multitude of pathogens
- And more
Reference Laboratory Growth
In 2001, Clinical Lab Products (CLP) Magazine reported that reference labs were the ”fastest-growing segment in [the laboratory] industry.”
This was largely attributed to the fact that more and more physicians’ offices were adopting the use of the internet, thereby integrating computer technology and enhancing their ability to receive both testing results and reports more rapidly than ever before.
Thus, “the clinical reference laboratory services market [was] expected to post a CAGR of almost 7% during the period 2021-2025,” according to a 2021 press release written and distributed by Technavio.
Now, however, it will likely grow beyond that, thanks in great part to the rise of PCR lab set-ups and easier access to validated panels.
After all, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic effectively overwhelmed the overall capacity of existing labs — both in-house and outsourced locations — thereby enhancing the demand for reference laboratories.
Choosing Your Molecular Diagnostic Reference Lab
At the end of the day, you can’t put a price on your providers’ needs and their patients’ health… but that doesn’t mean superior testing and optimized results should come at an unreasonable price.
That’s why, when you choose to partner with NCF Diagnostics & DNA Technologies for molecular diagnostic testing, you’ll receive competitive pricing in addition to same-day results, white label services at your convenience, and more.
Additionally, we provide curated, fully validated rtPCR panels in all infection categories, including COVID-19 and…
So, are you ready to enhance patient-physician relationships while also streamlining your overall testing processes? Then reach out to NCF Diagnostics & DNA Technologies today by calling (352)375-5553!
Our enhanced technology, your trusted reference lab.
