How to Reduce Cost per Test in the Lab

The Need to Increase Efficiency and Reduce Cost Per Test

Changes in clinical laboratory dynamics, from laboratory consolidation to labor constraints and the need to reduce overall costs, to name just a few, are forcing laboratories to work more efficiently than ever.¹ There is a trend towards simplifying complex panel testing because labs understand the clinical utility of obtaining multiple results with one simple test versus multiple individual tests. Labor shortages continue to drive the need for automation.

The constant pressure to keep costs down and work more efficiently, all while increasing result output and decreasing turnaround time, presents an opportunity for laboratories to introduce multiplex instruments and panels. From analytical to operational processes, multiplex technology enables laboratories to optimize several aspects of their day-to-day activities.

The Solution: the Bio-Rad BioPlex 2200 System

The BioPlex 2200 System is a fully automated, random access, multiplex system that allows laboratories to maximize their efficiency, save time and money, increase throughput, and reduce errors. Multiplex technology allows a laboratory to generate multiple results with a single test and add results to a report without rerunning the test.

Together with a vast autoimmune, infectious disease, and specialty immunoassay test menu, the BioPlex 2200 System offers large onboard testing capacity and can automatically process up to 1,400 results per hour.^†

Cost-Saving Opportunities Around Every Corner

There are many factors laboratory managers must consider when it comes to reducing test cost.²

Analytical Cost Savings

Analytical cost involves the laboratory testing environment, which encompasses test ordering patterns. With a cost per reportable (CPR)* financial option, the laboratory only pays for the test results that are reported. All materials required to run the test are included in the CPR model. A laboratory that chooses a cost per kit (CPK) option pays a flat fee for a test kit, including the controls. It is the laboratory manager’s job to determine the model that fits best, which brings an opportunity to cut down on day-to-day analytical costs.

Operational Cost Savings

Operational cost, defined as system and assay maintenance, should also be considered. An example of operational costs is the cost associated with running calibrators and controls. Managers must consider overall laboratory efficiency when it comes to determining the cost per test. Multiplex testing can reduce assay maintenance costs by simultaneously running multi-analyte controls or calibrators. Additionally, the ability to connect instruments to a total laboratory automation (TLA) and a laboratory information system (LIS) also provides optimized operational processes that impact workflow efficiency.

Personnel Cost Savings

When computing the cost per test, managers must also consider the cost of personnel.³ This includes the cost of losing personnel and retraining new hires. Overall laboratory efficiency can be improved with multiplex assays, and that can mean reduced manual labor costs. Expanding the test menu with options like those offered with the BioPlex 2200 System can enable internalization of send-out assays, thereby reducing administrative costs. Integrating a TLA system and automated assays not only reduces the need for manual labor but can also decrease overhead and the cost of errors.

Conclusion

Today’s clinical diagnostics laboratories face increased pressure to lower costs and work more efficiently. Laboratories must consider several factors when trying to reduce costs, including analytical, operational, and personnel costs—all of which can be optimized to reduce cost per test. Finally, laboratories can also choose to introduce multiplex instruments like the BioPlex 2200 System and panels to their routine testing.

Do more with less. Learn more about how the BioPlex 2200 System can help your laboratory optimize costs and work more efficiently.