Add a lab: How to get started with in-house testing

For many outpatient settings, adding an in-house diagnostic lab is a strategic way to meet those goals.

On-site lab testing enables faster clinical decisions, helps to improves workflow efficiency and helps to enhance the patient experience. It also creates opportunities to lower costs, helps improve financial performance and maintains greater control over testing processes.

Why you should start a lab

Bringing diagnostic testing in-house can have a meaningful impact on both patient care and practice performance. From faster results to greater operational control, starting a lab offers clear clinical and business advantages.

Support timely diagnosis and support improved outcomes

In-house testing allows providers to deliver same-day results, helping to enable faster diagnoses and more timely treatment decisions. For patients, this means less waiting and greater peace of mind. For providers, it can help lead to supporting improved health outcomes, higher satisfaction and better patient retention.

Increase operational efficiency and revenue

When you perform tests in-house, you reduce reliance on external reference labs — minimizing sample transport, decreasing the likelihood of lost specimens and lowering the need for repeat draws. This shift also reduces administrative workload, freeing up staff to work on more value-driven tasks.

Differentiate your practice

Offering on-site lab services positions your practice as a leader in comprehensive care. It can help strengthen your reputation with referring providers and attract patients who value convenience, efficiency and timely results.

How to get started

Launching an in-house lab may seem complex, but with a trusted partner and a clear roadmap, it’s easier than you think! Below are some key steps to consider.

Assess your diagnostic needs

Start by evaluating which tests are most commonly ordered for your patient population. High-volume, low-complexity diagnostics — such as flu, strep, urinalysis, glucose, hemoglobin A1C and COVID — are often ideal for initial implementation. Taking into account patient volume and testing frequency will help ensure your investment aligns with your practice’s clinical needs and growth potential.

Evaluate space and equipment requirements

Many outpatient practices can repurpose an existing space to accommodate a lab setup. Compact and modular solutions are available when space is limited. Once your space is defined, you can begin selecting instruments and supplies that match your test menu and workflow needs.

Understand regulatory requirements

Most outpatient labs require Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certification. The type of CLIA certificate you need depends on the complexity of the tests you plan to perform. In addition to federal requirements, your state may have specific regulations¹.

To learn more, refer to McKesson Medical-Surgical’s guide on CLIA-waived lab requirements.

Engage trusted guidance

Getting started with in-house testing is easier with a trusted partner. McKesson’s Diagnostic Sales Consultants — part of our MedSol® Laboratory Consulting team — offer personalized support to help your lab succeed from the start. They provide expert guidance on lab design, regulatory requirements, equipment selection, test menu development and more — helping to ensure your solution is aligned with both clinical and operational goals

Adding testing capabilities

Once your plan is in place, the next step is to implement the testing options for your practice. Starting with a focused test menu helps enable you to deliver immediate value while building a foundation for future growth.

Start with foundational testing

For most practices, the ideal starting point includes tests that offer both clinical value and operational simplicity. These might include respiratory tests, urinalysis, glucose and A1C testing and other CLIA-waived diagnostics. Over time, your test menu can evolve based on patient needs, volume trends and return on investment.

Integrate systems and supplies

McKesson provides access to more than 49,000 lab products, including instruments, tests, consumables and controls. Our lab solutions cover key clinical areas, including respiratory health, sexual health and chronic condition management.

Access ongoing support

From initial training and equipment setup to maintenance and compliance, McKesson’s team of lab experts is available to support your practice at any stage. Whether your goal is to help improve patient care, increased throughput or long-term sustainability, we’re here to help you meet your objectives.

Tools and resources for success

The tools and expert support can make a difference when building and maintaining an in-house lab. McKesson offers proven resources to guide you through setup, integration and ongoing optimization.

MedSol® Lab Consulting

McKesson’s MedSol® Lab Consulting service provides personalized guidance to help your lab navigate regulatory requirements, optimize workflow and align with clinical and financial goals.

Lab information systems

Solutions like Orchard Software and Relaymed™ integrate lab results with your Electronic Health Records, streamlining workflows and enhancing data accuracy. These tools support greater efficiency while reducing manual entry and reporting errors.

Step-by-step checklist

Use this checklist to guide your lab implementation:

• Identify your most-needed tests
• Evaluate your physical space and infrastructure
• Understand CLIA and state compliance requirements
• Plan for staffing and training
• Select appropriate equipment and software integrations
• Consult with McKesson for tailored support

Why now is the time to add a lab

Bringing lab services in-house can have a transformative impact on your practice, helping to deliver faster diagnostics, help improve patient outcomes and streamline operations. With a strong partner like McKesson Medical-Surgical, you gain access to advanced expertise, comprehensive product offerings and ongoing support designed to set your lab up for success.

Interested in exploring your lab options? Contact McKesson Medical-Surgical today to speak with a dedicated lab specialist and take the next step toward a more efficient, patient-focused future.