How to Choose a Pathology Lab Location in India

When planning for a new pathology laboratory or expanding your current operation, sometimes location can limit availability, or size can impact the structural capability of a space. Every site will have pros and cons. 

Dr. SMART wanted to open a pathology lab in India. After researching and analyzing various factors such as accessibility, competition, and target market, he chose a location that was easily accessible, had low competition, and had a high demand for pathology services using the below Drlogy Pathology Lab Setup Guide to get every solution of his problems. 

Also Check: AI & Cloud Based Pathology Software For Lab Growth

5 Tips For Site/Location Selection for Starting a New Pathology Lab

Here are 5 tips to consider when choosing a location for a new pathology lab.

Consideration 1: Location

Location impacts site selection in a number of ways. 

• The location of your pathology lab should be easily accessible to your target customers or patients.
• The location should be in an area with a high population density, so there is a sufficient number of potential customers or patients.
• Check for existing competition in the area and consider setting up the lab in a location with low or no competition.
• Ensure that the location has good infrastructure and facilities, such as reliable power supply, water supply, and waste disposal.
• Check the regulatory requirements for setting up a pathology lab in a specific state or city, and ensure that the location meets all the requirements.
• Consider setting up the lab near hospitals or clinics, as this can increase the likelihood of referrals from healthcare professionals.
• Choose a high metropolitan site where electricity and public transportation are available in area 24*7.
• Evaluate the cost of setting up and operating the lab in different locations and choose a location that is cost-effective and offers a good return on investment.
• When vetting different sites, consider how the surrounding area supports the science to be completed in the lab and how the local/regional infrastructure impacts transportation logistics.
• If the lab performs time-sensitive testing, the location can be the most important consideration during site selection. 
• Another very important factor is the available workforce. 
• Do potential employees have the right skill set or are there nearby training centers to develop those skills in the region?

Interesting Facts Regarding Pathology Lab Location in India

• India has one of the largest healthcare systems in the world, with over 80,000 Government and private sector hospitals and over 1250000 registered doctors. 
• The India has nearly 1.1 lakh medical laboratories and still growing.
• The city of Mumbai in western India is home to several renowned pathology labs, which have the highest revenue per capita in India.

Consideration 2: Size

• Whether new construction or renovation, size is a major consideration in site selection. 
• When determining how big of a space you need, try to plan for the future, not just your current operation. In five years, will this space still be what you need? 

Here are some key factors to consider when determining the size of a pathology lab in India.

• Determine the range of services you plan to offer and the equipment and space needed to provide them.
• Estimate the volume of samples that you expect to receive each day and plan the lab size accordingly.
• Consider the potential for growth in the future and plan for additional space to accommodate increased demand.
• Determine the budget you have for setting up the lab and plan the size accordingly.
• Check the regulatory requirements for the size of a pathology lab in the specific state or city, and ensure that the lab meets all the requirements.
• Design the lab to ensure that space is used efficiently, with minimal wastage or redundancy.
• Plan the lab size based on the workflow, ensuring that there is enough space for sample collection, processing, testing, and storage.
• Ensure that the lab has adequate space for safety and hygiene measures, such as separate areas for hazardous waste storage, hand hygiene, and personal protective equipment (PPE) donning and doffing.
• Sometimes, multi-tenant space can be a good solution for size flexibility because it could come with the first right of refusal to an adjacent space in the building.
• Growing out of the facility too soon and having to relocate again will almost always cost more than selecting a site that is large enough for growth, but may need a greater initial investment. It can often come down to when and how you want to invest in your facility.

Interesting Facts Regarding Pathology Lab Size in India

• The size of a pathology lab can vary greatly in India, from small, independent labs with just a few staff members to large, multi-site labs with hundreds of employees.
• Despite the trend towards larger labs, there are still many small and medium-sized labs operating in India, particularly in rural and remote areas where larger labs may not be feasible.
• India is home to some of the largest pathology labs in Asia, such as Thyrocare Technologies Ltd., which is based in Mumbai and has over 3,300 collection centers across India, as well as a presence in several other countries.

Consideration 3: Site Utilities

Pathology Laboratory functions typically require more complex and powerful utilities than an average building provides. 

• The buildings that are or have been renovated for labs can help you save a significant amount of capital. These savings can give your budget greater flexibility for tenant improvements.
• The large amount of equipment needed in a laboratory places an extremely high and critical demand on electrical systems. 
• Likewise, clean power could be required for highly sensitive instruments because a spike in voltage can damage expensive equipment.
• Ensure that there is a reliable and uninterrupted power supply to the lab to prevent disruptions to operations.
• Ensure that there is a reliable source of clean water for use in lab operations, such as sample processing and equipment cleaning.
• Ensure that the lab has appropriate systems for waste segregation, disposal, and management, in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Ensure that the lab has an appropriate HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning) system to maintain optimal temperature, humidity, and air quality for sample processing and storage.
• Ensure that there is a reliable and high-speed internet connection for data transfer, communication, and electronic record keeping.
• Ensure that the lab has appropriate security measures, such as access control systems, CCTV cameras, and alarm systems to protect the lab and its equipment.
• Ensure that the lab has access to emergency services, such as ambulance and fire services, in case of any emergencies or accidents.
• Ensure that there are appropriate backup systems in place for critical utilities, such as power and water supply, to prevent disruptions to operations in case of any breakdowns or outages.
• Clean rooms and isolated testing require an intricate air supply system that can impact other areas of design. For most laboratories, floor space is considered “prime real estate” and it may not make economic sense for it to be utilized for major mechanical equipment.
• Therefore, the best option for housing mechanical equipment is usually above the ceiling or on the roof.  This places additional demand on the building’s structural system.

Interesting Facts Regarding Pathology Lab Site Utilities in India

• Power outages are common in many parts of India, which can be a major challenge for pathology labs that rely on a continuous power supply to run equipment and store samples. To address this issue, many labs have installed backup generators or invested in renewable energy sources like solar power.
• In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards green building practices in India, with many new pathology labs incorporating energy-efficient features like natural lighting, energy-saving appliances, and rainwater harvesting systems.
• Many pathology labs in India are located in commercial buildings or complexes that offer a range of utilities and services, such as security, housekeeping, and parking. This can provide a convenient and cost-effective solution for labs that need to be set up quickly and efficiently.

Consideration 4: Structural

While a large open space may be ideal because of the amount of available floor space, several of those building types will require a reinforced structure to support roof-top mechanical equipment.

• Plan the layout of the pathology lab carefully to ensure optimal use of space, with separate areas for sample processing, testing, and storage.
• Choose flooring materials that are durable, easy to clean, and non-slip to prevent accidents.
• Ensure that the lab has adequate lighting to enable accurate sample processing and testing, as well as to create a comfortable and safe working environment for staff.
• Ensure that the ceiling height is adequate to accommodate the equipment and systems required for lab operations, as well as to allow for proper ventilation and lighting.
• Ensure that the lab has appropriate ventilation systems to maintain optimal air quality and prevent the buildup of hazardous or unpleasant odors.
• Consider soundproofing measures to minimize noise and vibration from lab equipment, which can interfere with accurate testing and cause discomfort for staff.
• Ensure that the lab is designed to be accessible for all, including people with disabilities or mobility issues.
• Ensure that the lab has appropriate fire safety measures, such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and fire suppression systems.
• Ensure that the lab is designed and constructed to withstand seismic activity, as India is a high-risk seismic zone.
• Ensure that the lab meets all regulatory requirements for building codes and standards, such as the National Building Code of India (NBC), and any local building regulations.

Interesting Facts Regarding Pathology Lab Structural Points in India

• Due to the high cost of real estate in many Indian cities, some pathology labs are opting to set up in unconventional locations, such as converted residential properties or even mobile labs that can be transported to different locations as needed.
• Many pathology labs in India are designed with patient comfort in mind, with features like air conditioning, comfortable seating, and soothing lighting to help reduce anxiety and stress during sample collection.
• Traditional Indian architecture and design elements are often incorporated into the structural design of pathology labs in India, such as bright colors, intricate patterns, and decorative elements like arches and domes.

Consideration 5: Long-term planning and projected growth

Try to use a data-driven planning approach to site selection. 

• The Lab business method determines potential growth scenarios and outlines the priority of specific criteria to facilitate the site selection process.
•  If you don’t consider how the operation will need to expand or fully understand its lifespan before selecting a facility, you could end up investing too much money in space. 

Think about your operational procedures. 

1. Will you need more lab or office workspace in two to five years?
2. How about five years? 
3. What about storage?

Here are some key points to consider for long-term planning and projected growth when setting up a pathology lab in India:

• Develop a comprehensive business plan that includes a vision for the future and a detailed roadmap for achieving growth and sustainability.
• Conduct a thorough market analysis to identify potential opportunities for growth and expansion, and tailor your services to meet the needs of your target customer base.
• Ensure that the lab is designed and constructed to be scalable, with room for expansion as demand grows.
• Plan for future staffing needs and ensure that you have a strategy for hiring and training staff as the lab grows.
• Invest in the latest technology and equipment to ensure that your lab remains competitive and can keep pace with advancements in the field of pathology.
• Build partnerships and collaborations with other healthcare providers to increase referrals and expand your customer base.
• Develop a long-term funding strategy that enables you to invest in growth and sustainability, such as through partnerships, grants, or loans.
• Implement a robust quality assurance program to ensure that your lab maintains the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, and builds trust with customers and healthcare providers.
• Foster a culture of innovation and creativity within the lab, encouraging staff to explore new ideas and approaches to improve the quality and efficiency of lab operations.
• Engage with the local community and build relationships with healthcare providers, patients, and other stakeholders to increase awareness and promote your lab's services.

Interesting Facts Regarding Pathology Lab Future Growth In India

• With the increasing focus on preventive healthcare in India, there is likely to be a growing demand for pathology labs that offer advanced screening and diagnostic tests to detect diseases at an early stage. This could lead to significant growth opportunities for labs that specialize in these services.
• As the Indian population continues to age, there may be a greater need for pathology labs that focus on geriatric care and age-related diseases. This could include specialized services like memory testing, bone density scans, and cancer screening for older adults.
• With the increasing adoption of digital health technologies like telemedicine and remote monitoring, there may be a growing demand for pathology labs that offer remote testing and virtual consultations. This could help to improve access to healthcare in rural and remote areas, where there may be a shortage of pathology labs and healthcare providers.

Pathology Lab Setup Guide

A comprehensive guide to help you set up your own or start a new pathology lab from scratch to explore a full pathology lab growth potential like Dr. SMART for opening a new lab in India with detailed information.

Bonus:

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Best Pathology Lab Software in India

Conclusion:

Long-term planning and projected growth are crucial for lab success, requiring a proactive approach to define needs and prepare a roadmap for creating the best operational space.

 

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