In our last post we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of processing all of your molecular diagnostic PRC testing in-house. Now, in part three, we will discuss why you would want to do some of your molecular diagnostic PCR testing in-house and send out the rest of it to a reference lab.
Today we live in a generation where one-stop shopping is on the mind of every person. That holds true when dealing with the medical industry and laboratories, as well. In fact, the one word that sums that phenomenon up is “convenience.”
After all, what is more convenient for a provider or patient than getting all of their tests done at one lab?
In theory it sounds great, but the only true labs with that capability are the Quests and Lab Corps of the world, which come with their own set of problems.
Thus, the solution is splitting between testing samples in-house and using a reference lab.
Do you…
- Not offer a panel for every infection category?
- Perform certain panels very well but not others?
- Have concerns about validating certain panels?
- Know if you will have enough volume if you bring on a new test?
If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, you’re not alone. There were many people at the Executive War College Conference on Laboratory and Pathology Management in New Orleans asking those same questions.
Our recommendation is to do what you do best:
- Continue to process the panels you have in-house
- Use a reference lab to white label the other panels for you
We have found some labs are hesitant to reference anything out because they want the perception that they can do it all. The truth is most labs can’t do it all, and that’s ok.
Actually, the truth is that hospitals and providers “can benefit from diagnostic expertise at commercial labs and save 10%–20% annually by outsourcing their hospital lab management services,” according to the American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC).
Referencing out samples for a specific infection category that you don’t have an assay for allows you to attract new clients, keep your existing clients happy, and still make money.
Of course, you still have the option to create your own assay and switch from send-out services if you choose, but the size of the pie is huge for the molecular diagnostic PCR testing industry. Not only is there more than enough pie to go around, but we all get more pie from working together.
Plus, “with 80% of the nation’s 322,488 clinical laboratories operating as small businesses, the sector is a significant contributor to local jobs and economies,” according to the American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA).
Here at NCF Diagnostics & DNA Technologies, we take pride in being pioneers of the molecular diagnostic PCR testing industry. We have large, curated panels that are fully-validated in every infectious disease category.
Our standard panels test for 20-30 bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic pathogens and are all customizable so that you can choose to add from any of our 150+ pathogens. Focus on what you do best and let us handle the rest.
Ready to learn more? Contact NCF Diagnostics & DNA Technologies today by calling (352) 375-5553 or emailing info@ncfdna.com.
