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Writer's pictureDr. Jessica Chung, DNP, NP-C

Guide to Starting Your Own Point of Care Lab Business

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author's employer, organization, committee, or other group, entity, or individual. The information in the text is not to be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice.

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In the medical industry, point of care laboratories are held to a high standard of accountability. A client's problems are diagnosed and treated by lab tests and analyses, and labs assist healthcare professionals in comprehending a client's ailments throughout the course of treatment.


Extensive planning and study are needed before starting a lab business. Additionally, it's crucial to employ qualified staff members who can adhere to regulations so that your point of care lab can keep its accreditation or obtain it.


1. Gather Information and Draught a Business Plan

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Research is the basis of every successful business. After that, you put this research together into a business strategy. Your plan, which outlines your objectives and how you intend to meet them, aids in your success planning.

It will be easier to direct and then organize your research if you are aware of the components of a business plan. Any good point of care laboratory business strategy will have such essential elements.

The biggest section of your strategy, the executive summary, presents the most important ideas from the whole thing. The components of your executive summary should include the following:

  • Products and services: Cover costs as well as special features and advantages

  • Market analysis: Cover details on your target audience, your competition, and any potential changes in the sector that might have an influence on your business

  • Marketing plan: Specify how your lab will draw in and keep clients

Planning a budget and your finances involve thinking about future expenses and how to handle them. Include a pro forma statement outlining expected future earnings and costs.


2. Layout the Organizational Structure

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Choose the organizational structure for your lab. The structure sets the legal obligations, tax liabilities, and permitted business operations for your lab. To assist you decide which structure best meets your business needs and goals, get professional legal and tax counsel.


The simplest type of business structure is a sole proprietorship, which entails just one person running the business. The owner's tax return includes business earnings and outlays.


The simplest organizational structure for a business with two or more proprietors is a partnership. For commercial debts, the partners are individually accountable.


3. Provide Money for the Point of Care Laboratory

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In such guide to building your own point of care laboratory business, the next stage is to decide who would finance your venture. If you decide to self-fund, you may borrow money from family, friends, or investments, as well as from your savings. However, you'll probably want to use investor funds or bank loans to finance your lab. As you decide how to finance your lab, seek the guidance of a financial expert.


Sharing your business proposal with potential investors and negotiating the terms of your financial agreement are necessary steps in obtaining venture funding. It's a good idea to make a presentation that contains graphics that highlight why they should invest in your firm because the potential investors will read through your business plan. Additionally, anticipate sharing your business plan and financial forecasts for the following five years with banks or other lenders in order to obtain a business loan.


4. Find the Lab Place

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It's time to choose a location for your lab and purchase equipment after you've funded it. Consider the site location when you consider your facility options. Select a location that facilitates your work rather than hinders it. Consider, for instance, the distance samples will need to travel to and from your lab as well as their intended destinations.


The size of the facility is another factor to think about. You need to strike a balance between your space requirements and pricing in order to prevent renting premises that won't accommodate your future expansion.


Consider your lab's plumbing and electrical requirements as well. Compared to other facilities, labs use more electrical power. Additionally, you must equip your area with unusual plumbing devices like floor drains, emergency shower stations, and handwashing sinks.


5. Invest in Equipment

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It's time to buy lab and office supplies once you've chosen the location. To ensure that you get equipment with characteristics you'll use, consider strategically what you want your lab equipment to achieve.


Find merchants and decide to get brand-new equipment straight from the supplier. You will gain from the warranty and service contract in this way or you might get reduced gadgets from independent sellers. This makes it simple for you to compare features and prices because these merchants frequently sell products from many manufacturers.


Request equipment demonstrations from your vendors and negotiate with them after you've reduced the pool of potential suppliers so you can acquire favorable terms, longer warranties, or better service agreements in case the equipment breaks down after the purchase.


6. Engage Staff

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As you produce communication tools like employee handbooks, compose job descriptions, and develop employee benefits, abide by federal and state employment and labour laws.


In order to staff your lab at all levels, from technicians to directors, you might collaborate with a lab consulting firm. You'll soon assemble a group of experts that are capable of handling all the tasks your lab requires. The firm can also assist you in hiring seasonal or travelling workers as your business expands and your staffing requirements change in the future.


Starting a business is a tricky and intimidating option, especially if you're considering switching fields or starting a side hustle. Our course helps you begin your path with an educated mindset that knows the ins and outs of the industry.

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