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Independent labs are the fastest growing sector, largely driven by offering
low-cost routine testing. Stand-alone labs remain steadfast in establishing their
market share by acquiring outsource services to hospitals and their ability to
offer complex esoteric testing. Small medical labs are viable in areas where there
are few medical facilities and can offer specialized testing. Statistics show there are
more than 200,000 clinical laboratories providing testing services in the United States.
Hospital-based labs account for 55% of lab volume, independent stand-alone
labs 32%, clinic-based labs 8%, and other labs 5% (shown in Fig. 1).

Marketing analysis and data reporting from reputable marketing/research firms offer a glimpse into probable
market trends, statistical data, drivers, challenges, and reliable facts to steer the clinical laboratory into identifying
new opportunities to optimize maximum business growth potential. For hospitals and healthcare systems,
the future in diagnostic testing will remain fragmented, compounded by ongoing low reimbursements.
It will take determination from lab management to plan and construct a sustainable blueprint to endure
in a competitive and unpredictable marketplace.

Figure 01