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1/ If you happen to read news stories, or see social media posts, claiming that labs should be charging far less for #COVID19 tests (eg, $10), here are some of the factors that contribute to the cost of a lab test:
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Swabs and transport media - many labs put together collection kits that are provided to sites collecting samples from patients. During #COVID19 many labs are having staff make transport media. This takes time, money for the components to make the transport media, and shipping
Swabs and transport media - many labs put together collection kits that are provided to sites collecting samples from patients. During #COVID19 many labs are having staff make transport media. This takes time, money for the components to make the transport media, and shipping
3/
Once the sample is collected, it often has to be transported from the collection site to the lab. This requires shipping containers (with cold packs), the shipping truck and the driver. And commercial labs receiving samples from other states are paying for air transportation
Once the sample is collected, it often has to be transported from the collection site to the lab. This requires shipping containers (with cold packs), the shipping truck and the driver. And commercial labs receiving samples from other states are paying for air transportation
4/
Once a sample arrives at the lab, lab staff unpacks the boxes of samples and then needs to “accession” the samples into the lab information system (an IT software) and prep them to be tested.
Once a sample arrives at the lab, lab staff unpacks the boxes of samples and then needs to “accession” the samples into the lab information system (an IT software) and prep them to be tested.
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One of the first steps in most #COVID19 tests is nucleic acid extraction, which requires lab staff, reagents, consumables (plates, pipette tips, waste bags) and costly equipment (ranging from thousands to tens of thousands per instrument).
One of the first steps in most #COVID19 tests is nucleic acid extraction, which requires lab staff, reagents, consumables (plates, pipette tips, waste bags) and costly equipment (ranging from thousands to tens of thousands per instrument).
6/
After the nucleic acid is extracted, the PCR is set up. Labs either have to purchase commercial reagents (which can cost anywhere from $10-50 per PCR reaction), or use their own laboratory-developed test (LDT) protocol.
After the nucleic acid is extracted, the PCR is set up. Labs either have to purchase commercial reagents (which can cost anywhere from $10-50 per PCR reaction), or use their own laboratory-developed test (LDT) protocol.
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If using an LDT, the reagents typically cost less, but keep in mind that 100’s of hours of hard work, reagents and equipment go into developing these tests.
If using an LDT, the reagents typically cost less, but keep in mind that 100’s of hours of hard work, reagents and equipment go into developing these tests.
8/
Whether the test is a commercial assay or an LDT, it requires expensive instrumentation, costing tens-to-hundreds of thousands of dollars. During the #COVID19 pandemic, it has become common for labs to have to purchase multiple pieces of equipment just to keep up
Whether the test is a commercial assay or an LDT, it requires expensive instrumentation, costing tens-to-hundreds of thousands of dollars. During the #COVID19 pandemic, it has become common for labs to have to purchase multiple pieces of equipment just to keep up
9/
The equipment has to go somewhere, so space is required. Facilities, electrical, and all of the overhead required for a laboratory aren’t free. In fact, they’re quite expensive.
The equipment has to go somewhere, so space is required. Facilities, electrical, and all of the overhead required for a laboratory aren’t free. In fact, they’re quite expensive.
10/
Oh, and the amazing lab staff. Those unsung heroes who are working around the clock, on shifts they’ve never had to work before. They’re missing their kids, their friends and family. They need to be paid too.
Oh, and the amazing lab staff. Those unsung heroes who are working around the clock, on shifts they’ve never had to work before. They’re missing their kids, their friends and family. They need to be paid too.
11/
Once the PCR test is complete, lab staff have to report the result so it can be acted on. This takes place using a laboratory information system and an electronic medical record that typically costs hundreds-of-thousands to millions of dollars for a healthcare institution
Once the PCR test is complete, lab staff have to report the result so it can be acted on. This takes place using a laboratory information system and an electronic medical record that typically costs hundreds-of-thousands to millions of dollars for a healthcare institution
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And finally, there’s a lab supervisor or director who helps to troubleshoot the myriad of problems that can occur on a daily basis with running hundreds or thousands of #COVID19 tests. These lab leaders have often worked for decades to gain the expertise needed to run a lab
And finally, there’s a lab supervisor or director who helps to troubleshoot the myriad of problems that can occur on a daily basis with running hundreds or thousands of #COVID19 tests. These lab leaders have often worked for decades to gain the expertise needed to run a lab
Lab professionals are working their tails off during this pandemic, and I can guarantee you, it’s not about the money. It’s about helping patients and bringing this pandemic to an end.
