There are many factors to consider when setting up a laboratory. Our laboratory consulting services have helped clients meet their laboratory necessities when setting up a new clinic or improving their current lab. In this blog post, we will identify the most important or common elements to consider to install a lab successfully.
1. Planning your lab
Planning is the first step when setting up a medical laboratory. It is here where you decide what types of services your lab will provide, consider the size of the space, the equipment needed, the number and qualifications of the staff, salaries, legal requirements, and safety protocols. Legal requirements are important to note on this stag to ensure all federal and state certifications and licensing requirements are met.
2. Lab equipment options
The lab equipment needed will depend mostly on the services you offer. It’s important to note that all equipment will need maintenance, calibration schedules, and standard operating procedures so your staff can use them. When it comes to choosing between new or remanufactured equipment it is best to consult with a company that provides laboratory consulting services. This way you’ll have a better idea of what equipment will help you optimize and run the laboratory as efficiently as possible.
3. Staff
Hiring qualified technicians who are certified for the appropriate lab positions will be crucial for the success of the laboratory. Also, keep in mind paying your staff a competitive salary and providing them with ongoing training. We know how important having a quality team is for any business, that is why we assist with staff training, as well as test and instrument validation.
4. Lab Inspections
To ensure that a lab performs accurate and safe tests, different federal and state regulators will conduct investigations to check for compliance. It is best to always be prepared for a surveyor’s visit. Refer to our compliance and inspection preparation services to learn more.
5. Regulatory Standards
To stay operating, labs must regularly prove they meet requirements (CLIA, CAP, OSHA, etc.) that cover all aspects of their work.
Installing a lab and getting the proper certification requires following a complex bureaucratic process that requires extensive planning. Any mistake can cost you time, money, and even having patients go elsewhere. That’s why it’s important to know everything that you need to set up your lab and keep it running successfully. At Click on Lab, our laboratory consulting services will have your back with compliance, inspections, test validations, and everything you need to have a lab up and running smoothly. Contact us today!