Driving innovation: Partnerships between diagnostic labs and medtech companies

Dipanngshu Sannyal, Chief Business Officer, Oncquest Laboratories emphasises that the partnership between technology companies and diagnostic labs can significantly accelerate healthcare capacity expansion and the adoption of new technologies. Flexible commercial models can reduce fixed costs and improve service levels, while medical technology companies can serve extended patient communities

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of partnerships and collaborations in achieving healthcare goals through a solution-based approach. Collective effort benefits all stakeholders, including patients, and there is a growing awareness that collaboration among healthcare players is a win-win situation. Healthcare players, including diagnostic labs and medtech players, are collaborating to overcome barriers to access, awareness, and inter-connectivity, aiming to improve public health. Partnerships are crucial for accelerating results, and hospitals and healthcare technology companies are increasingly forming to meet patient needs.

The partnership between technology companies and diagnostic labs can significantly accelerate healthcare capacity expansion and the adoption of new technologies. Flexible commercial models can reduce fixed costs and improve service levels, while medical technology companies can serve extended patient communities. Strategic priorities for both stakeholders include operational and clinical care optimisation to reduce procedure costs and improve patient outcomes.

These days, India’s diagnostic labs are increasingly partnering with healthcare technology companies to improve patient care through innovative technologies like AI tools for disease prediction, high-precision robotic surgery, 3D-printed anatomical models, and customised implants. These partnerships are also raising awareness about non-communicable diseases like stroke, cancer, and Parkinson’s disorder.

Medical laboratory technologists (MLT)

With steady integration of technology in diagnostic labs, there has been a transformation of the role of lab technicians, who can now be referred to as Medical Laboratory Technologists. MLT is a healthcare professional who performs complex laboratory tests and analyses on patient samples like blood, urine, and tissue using sophisticated equipment, computerised instruments, and microscopic analysis. They work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, research laboratories, and private diagnostic laboratories, and may specialise in areas like hematology, microbiology, serology,  immunology, molecular biology & Next generation sequencing.

Role of MLTs

An MLT plays a vital role in patient care, as their tests are used to diagnose and treat various medical conditions. They collect and prepare patient samples, such as blood, urine, and tissue, following strict protocols to ensure accuracy. They perform various laboratory tests, ranging from basic blood counts to complex genetic analyses. After the tests are complete, MLTs analyse the results, providing accurate reports to healthcare providers. They maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment, keeping accurate records of all tests and equipment maintenance. They also collaborate with healthcare providers to ensure they understand test results and can make informed treatment decisions. MLTs may also assist in developing new laboratory tests and procedures. Overall, their work is crucial for patient care and the development of effective treatments.

How medtech + diagnostic labs drives innovation

Partnerships between diagnostic labs and medtech companies bring about innovative solutions and advancements in healthcare. Medtech companies frequently develop cutting-edge medical devices and technology. Collaborating with diagnostic labs allows them to test, validate, and improve their innovations in real-world clinical settings. Diagnostic labs possess extensive data and domain expertise. They can offer valuable insights and contribute to the development and validation of new technologies. The medtech-diagnostic lab partnership often leads to the creation of more efficient and accurate diagnostic tools. This could include anything from advanced imaging technologies to new testing methods.

Also, collaborations can provide opportunities to reach a broader market. For instance, a diagnostic lab might incorporate a new medtech solution, making it more widely available to healthcare providers and patients. Joint efforts often lead to research and development of new solutions that address unmet needs in healthcare, fostering a cycle of continuous improvement. For instance, a medtech company might develop a new imaging technology, and a diagnostic lab could test its efficacy and accuracy in real clinical settings. Their collaboration could lead to refining the technology for better patient outcomes.

By combining resources and expertise, these partnerships can optimise costs associated with research, development, and implementation of new technologies. Such partnerships often pave the way for strategic alliances, potentially leading to further collaborations or joint ventures to explore additional areas of innovation in healthcare. The synergy between medtech companies and diagnostic labs can result in breakthroughs that have the potential to revolutionise the way diseases are diagnosed and treated.

Ways to integrate medtech with diagnostic labs

Integrating medtech with diagnostic labs involves merging technology with laboratory processes to enhance diagnostic capabilities. Joint initiatives between medtech companies and diagnostic labs can foster the creation of new tools, devices, and software tailored for diagnostic purposes. Upgrading existing lab equipment with medtech innovations like automated sample processing, AI-based analysis, or IoT-connected devices can streamline and enhance lab operations. Developing systems that enable seamless data sharing between medtech devices and diagnostic lab systems ensure efficient analysis, interpretation, and reporting of results.

Establishing protocols that integrate medtech tools with lab processes can ensure smooth and standardised operations, reducing errors and improving overall efficiency. Also, conducting workshops, training sessions, and educational programs for lab technicians and staff can help them adapt to and effectively use new medtech tools. Incorporating medtech solutions that allow for remote monitoring and diagnostics can extend the reach of diagnostic labs, especially in telemedicine and remote healthcare settings. Implementing medtech solutions for quality control and assurance processes can enhance accuracy, reliability, and consistency in diagnostic tests.

Ensuring that the integration of medtech meets regulatory standards and complies with healthcare regulations is crucial for maintaining quality and legality. Leveraging AI and data analytics tools in conjunction with medtech devices can help analyse and interpret complex data, aiding in more accurate diagnoses and predictions. Furthermore, establishing ongoing communication and collaboration between medtech companies and diagnostic labs is vital to continually improve and refine integrated solutions based on real-world usage and feedback.

Challenges to integrate medtech with diagnostic labs

Collaborations between medtech companies and diagnostic labs offer advantages but face challenges such as integration complexity, data standardisation, regulatory compliance, privacy and security concerns, resource and financial constraints, differing objectives and timelines, resistance to change, lack of communication and collaboration, and limited scalability.

These challenges require a balanced approach, clear communication, and shared commitment from both parties. Solutions involve technology adaptation, regulatory alignment, effective data management, and cultural changes within the collaborating organisations. Balancing these needs against potential returns can be challenging, especially for smaller labs or medtech startups.