Reagent Rental Programs Help Low Budget Labs Boost Productivity

Labs with budget constraints find it difficult to purchase advanced equipment designed to offer quick and accurate test results. They would even have to postpone tests. All of this would affect their productivity. It is to resolve this problem that leading lab equipment suppliers offer reagent rental programs, a option for labs with financial limitations. These programs allow them to utilize advanced models of laboratory equipment in exchange of the guaranteed reagent usage for a specific period - without having to pay for the device upfront.

What a Reagent Rental Plan involves?

The program is a Cost per Test (CPT) plan that the lab equipment supplier offers the laboratory. It is valid for a specific time period. Labs can acquire the laboratory instrument offered under the plan in exchange for the guaranteed reagent purchase from the laboratory equipment store for the period of the plan.  The payment is spread out as convenient monthly installments. This ensures that the lab can utilize the equipment it needs without having to pay for it upfront. This is a great option for low budget labs.

Advantages of Reagent Rental Plans

Technology is advancing at a rapid pace and if laboratories want to stay competitive, they must take advantage of these developments. However, new devices that incorporate the latest technology which can enhance lab productivity to a great extent are very expensive. Even labs that wish to upgrade to new systems find it difficult to afford them. The reagent rental program allows labs to utilize brand new models without worrying about funds for purchase. Once the period of the agreement expires, they can enroll in a new reagent rental plan to acquire a more advanced model. The important benefits of this arrangement are

• No need for a huge one-time investment
• Avoids the complexities of bank loans
• Convenient monthly payments
• Enhanced turnaround time
• Reduced costs per test
• Improved patient care with minimal expense
• Enhanced test efficiency and an improved balance sheet

Such rental plans are based on the exclusive purchase of reagents from the supplier that offers the lab equipment and labs should know purchasing reagents from another source would nullify the agreement and require the return of the equipment.

It is important that labs wishing to enroll in a reagent rental plan opt for one offered by a reliable supplier. The reagent rental programs that reputable dealers offer would cover advanced lab equipment such as chemistry and immunoassay analyzers from leading brands such as DPC/Siemens, Beckman Coulter, and Tosoh.

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Abbott i-STAT Helping Labs Maintain Regulatory Compliance

A portable handheld blood analyzer by Abbott Laboratories that has revolutionized and simplified patient-side testing, the Abbott i-STAT is designed to provide the clinician with lab-quality test results in a matter of minutes. However, what is really impressive about this laboratory equipment is that helps labs maintain regulatory compliance.

• Integration with LIS/EMR
• Addresses documentation challenges
• Ensures patient health information (PHI) confidentiality

Other features which allow labs to stay compliant with regulations are

• Management of operator certification and device lockout
• Reports on operator performance
• Reports on liquid as well as equivalent quality control
• Reports on reagent usage
• LIS interfacing

The Abbott i-STAT comes with high-end cartridge technology. Each test cartridge features chemically sensitive biosensors on a silicon chip that are set up to perform specific tests. Testing is simple. Just 2 to 3 drops of blood are applied to a cartridge which is inserted into the i-STAT handheld system. Before running a test, each cartridge initiates a series of preset quality control diagnostics to evaluate the quality of the sample and validate the reagent.

This point-of-care blood analyzer is also user-friendly and cost-effective. It weighs only 18 ounces and requires no special sample preparation or user calibration. Ergonomically designed soft keys assure comfort and ease of use. Maintenance is minimal.

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Things to Consider When Buying Autoclaves

Autoclaves provide superior sterilization of medical instruments by destroying pathogens and microorganisms like viruses and bacteria. They come in all shapes and sizes, starting from small counter top models to huge ones used sized 50 feet long and 10 feet wide. You might not require some thing that large, but with such a wide variety available in market, how do you choose the best one for your lab? Here are some considerations that can help you choose the autoclave model to meet your requirements.

Ease of Operation

Always look for automated and user friendly autoclaves which are very easy to operate. You don't want complicated equipment which will take up your time and money. The device should ideally be one that can automatically run to completion without much manual supervision. It should have options that allow you to customize it for your different needs and activities.

Economy of Space and Innovative Designs

Space is an important consideration while choosing laboratory autoclaves. If your lab has space constraints, choose a model that does not take up too much space. But on the other hand, you must not compromise on utility as this would have a negative impact on your operations. The answer lies in choosing a well researched innovative benchtop model that occupies minimal space saving and offers good functionality. A wide range of quality benchtop research autoclaves. They are space efficient and come with chambers can accommodate a variety of laboratory items.

Safety and Affordability

Safety is of foremost importance when it comes to medical laboratory equipment. So while buying autoclaves, look for safety features like mechanical and electrical safety interlocks which prevent the door from opening while the pressure is still on. It's also important to think about your budget. If you are an organization with small budget you could consider buying recertified equipment. Used lab devices are purchased and refurbished so that quality, accuracy and performance are the same as brand new equipment. These devices are very cost effective compared to new.

Reliable Dealer

While there are many options when it comes to the purchase of autoclaves, it is crucial that you partner with a leading dealer in this industry. Choose to purchase your devices from an established online lab equipment store. This would provide you with many features like the facility to compare prices and features of different models from leading industry brands. A reliable dealer would also provide efficient post-sales service. You can also purchase recertified equipment with limited or extended warranty from an established store.

Due regard for these considerations when buying autoclaves will help you make the right decision and acquire an efficient device that offers accurate and prompt results.

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Criteria to Find the Perfect Chemistry Analyzer

Chemistry analyzers play an indispensable role in medical laboratories. These innovative devices have exceptional technical capabilities to measure various chemicals present in the biological samples. They provide optimum results within a minimum time span. As there are a number of branded products in the market, you need to consider certain important criteria to find the perfect chemistry analyzer for your purpose.

Often, physicians need to figure out the properties of blood and other fluid samples to diagnose various human ailments. Biochemistry analyzers, hematology analyzers, and other devices are required to carry out the assays. Let us now pinpoint some standard applications of this chemistry lab equipment.

• The device is used to verify the level of components such as enzymes and proteins in the body.
• To determine hematology values like prothrombin, hemoglobin etc.
• To perform routine tests for identifying chemistry analytes such as uric acid, bilirubin, albumin, creatinine, iron, and glucose.
• Conduct tests to diagnose HIV, cancer, thyroid problem, diabetes, and many more

Some Tips to Find Clinical Chemistry Analyzers

Before investing in chemistry analyzers, you need to understand the different models available in the market. The main qualities that you need to consider while purchasing are precision and reliability. Here are a few tips that will help you choose an ideal product.

• Select only branded products from reliable chemistry laboratory suppliers.
• Always consider features such as dispense station, operator control panel, detector, sensor, and interface.
• Check the various guidelines to operate the lab equipment
• Consider the safety measures available
• Find information regarding test menu, specimen dilution, reagent facility, and calibration details.

If you go by the above specified criteria you can find the perfect chemistry analyzer, and be sure that you are making a good investment.

Article Source:  Criteria to Find the Perfect Chemistry Analyzer