How to Start a Medical Laboratory

First and foremost when making a decision to start a Medical Laboratory in Jamaica, the individual should have the right motives when taking such a major step. There is no secret magic formula to really starting a medical lab and, magically, it becomes a profitable venture in Jamaica especially with the current government regulations such as accreditation.The lucid economic reality is that equipment for Clinical laboratories are very costly and so are the reagents to run the tests on these machines. Laboratory automation is a key area of study for many who delve into the realm of Medical Diagnostics especially in Jamaica. In this epoch of Technological advancement, many Physicians as well as Medical Technologists seek advice as to the most affordable and rational means of starting a medical lab. Certainly the entrepreneurial spirit of many have been crushed when realizing the cost of creating a full service medical lab in Jamaica. Most times, the only solution for a Medical Technologist regarding affordability issues is to partner with a Medical Doctor.

Once the motives for starting a lab are right then one should go ahead with the first step which may vary from person to person. Ensure that you are aware of the long-term expenses associated with maintaining the equipment in the lab after making the purchase. Firstly, write a business plan then, source finances and afterwards, it is advisable to contact Ministry of Health in order to obtain legal registration after finding a spot for your lab and outfitting it. Location, space, proper design (floor plan) and the right equipment are vital factors to start a successful medical lab in Jamaica. A Medical Doctor or Medical Technologist making the decision to start a medical lab should ensure that the spot they choose can house all the clinical laboratory equipment. There should be areas for the processing of samples as well as a clean area which is a place for lab employees to store personal belongings such as bags, etc. There should be a front office as well as a waiting room for patients.The building should have a storage area for the clinical laboratory equipment reagents and parts as well as sample collection supplies. Your location should have adequate space, water supply, and disposal access to get rid of waste. Electric plugs should be abundant for all of the laboratory analyzers, i.e. haematology and chemistry analyzers, and it is wise to get an electric stand-by generator for electrical back up. All laboratories should have a fire extinguisher, fire blanket, first-aid kit, exit/enter signs, wash station as well as display of evacuation procedures.

The installation of the Clinical laboratory analyzers should be done in such a way and configuration that allows the greatest possible mobility of the Medical lab personnel from one analyzer to the next. The space of the room is pivotal as well as the ventilation because the lab analyzers produce a lot of heat. This area designated as the laboratory should be air-conditioned since the monitoring of temperature in the medical lab is of great significance. The criteria for accreditation of your Medical laboratory can be sourced from JANAAC (Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation-http://www.janaac.gov.jm/).

The hiring of appropriate personnel for the operation of your medical laboratory in Jamaica is very pivotal. Ensure that your employees have the requisite educational qualifications to work in the lab, i.e. Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology from either the University of Technology or the Northern Caribbean University. For leadership positions in the laboratory, the hiring process is important. A pathologist can oversee the scientific aspects of the medical laboratory whilst the Lab Manager oversees the budgeting and personnel aspects of the medical lab.

Advertise your medical laboratory services to the local Physician offices, hospitals; clinics and explain to them the types of testing that you will offer and the cost. Visit our Website: http://gavmedsolutions.com/index.html