Inventory Management

By Deborah Labb

How are clinical lab leaders addressing critical industry challenges? Through conversations with lab leaders across the country last year, we were able to glean important insights into how they’ re operating. From overcoming staff shortages to keeping up with medical lab technology, lab leaders had a lot to talk about. It’ s no wonder— the US lab market is valued at $ 85 billion. 1

So what were the primary insights? And how are lab leaders tackling their most pressing issues? Let’ s start by examining the four problem / solution themes that surfaced.

1. Problem: Staff shortages in the lab due to continuous decline in career interest“ In this market, you have to be the best place to work. There aren’ t enough people to go around.”

Solutions:

• Automation via third-party implementation to reduce administrative burden

• Communication and collaboration to ensure all team members have a voice

• Anonymous surveys to provide input

• Creation of an MLS intern program

• Partnering with academic institutions to provide clinical experience for future laboratorians

• Employee engagement team providing activities to reduce burnout and increase wellness

2. Problem: Lab staff is consistently searching for ways to optimize processes to keep up with demand“ The biggest waste of time in lab is poor collaboration with nursing, cancelling tests and having them reorder those tests.”

Solutions:

• LUM deliveries

• Creating more efficient specimen workflow

• Automatic temperature monitoring

• Phone trees to triage calls

• Automation

• Swab consolidation

• Roombas for cleaning

• Consolidating tests and / or locations

• Workspace environment ren- alvarez / E + via Getty Images

16 SUPPLY CHAIN OPTIMIZATION Issue 10 / 2025