How to Start a Medical Lab Business (2)

Accreditation and Personnel


      1 Check with your State's department of health for any licensing required to operate the laboratory. Certain cities and local governments may also requiring licensing and monitoring of the lab.
In addition to licensing, federal statues require that laboratories be accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Organizations (or an equivalent accreditation agency). Without accreditation, the laboratory cannot charge certain public and private insurance programs for services.


      2 Hire all the necessary personnel for the operations of the laboratory. Make sure that they all meet the qualifications set forth by your state, including education and licensing. Medical technologists are qualified to supervise departments within the lab. Medical laboratory technicians are qualified to operate the analyzers and do testing.


      3 Hire the appropriate people for the positions of leadership. A pathologist, who is a physician with specialized training in laboratory medicine, will oversee the scientific aspects of the lab. A lab manager, who will have business management training, will oversee the budgeting and personnel aspects of the lab. Support staff, such as administrative assistants and sample processing staff, are also key.


      4 Advertise your services to the local physician offices, hospitals, and clinics. Explain to them what types of testing you will perform at the laboratory, the cost, and why your laboratory is better than others.