Next Decade in Lab Technology industry is in a state of constant evolution. Technological advancements, shifts in healthcare delivery, and changing patient needs are driving transformative changes that promise to reshape the landscape over the next decade. In this article, we take a glimpse into the future to envision what the laboratory industry might look like in the next 10 years.
Over the past several years, the laboratory instruments business has seen a significant change in trends and innovations. Every sector in the world is demanding new and inventive laboratory items due to the enormous development in clinical research activities and scientific and technological breakthroughs. A rapid rate of new technology and items flooding the market. This business is expanding as a result of the rising demand from the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and life science sectors.
The size of the global market for laboratory supplies was estimated at USD 30.6 billion in 2020 and is anticipated to increase at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2021 to 2028. The market is primarily driven by rising financing and investment in R&D activities in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Due to the consistent and reliable supply of laboratory equipment, the market is anticipated to expand steadily over the next several years. Research on coronaviruses has increased as a result of the Covid-19 epidemic. Future trends in the laboratory sector include those listed below.
Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is already making significant strides in laboratory settings, assisting in data analysis, interpretation, and automation. In the coming years, AI will become even more integral to laboratory processes. AI algorithms will be capable of identifying complex patterns in vast datasets, aiding in diagnostics, drug discovery, and treatment planning.
Automation and Robotics
Laboratory automation will reach new heights of sophistication. Handling repetitive tasks with unprecedented precision, reducing human errors and increasing throughput. Automation will extend to sample handling, testing, and result reporting, enabling laboratories to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively.
Telepathology and Remote Diagnostics
Telepathology, enabled by high-speed internet and remote diagnostic tools, will facilitate virtual consultations and collaborative diagnostics. Pathologists and specialists from around the world can remotely examine specimens, accelerating diagnosis and improving access to expert opinions.
Point-of-Care Testing
Multiple experts strongly think that additional testing at the point-of-care (or close to the patient) will be a trend in laboratory medicine in the future. In addition, additional testing would be done at home and point-of-care tests would be incorporated into patient management plans and care pathways. Point-of-care testing has a number of advantages, including affordability, mobility, ease of use, flexibility, and integrated quality control.
Genomics
Future pharmaceutical businesses and private laboratory services may anticipate seeing a lot more genomics. DNA probes, newborn genetic screening, viral load monitoring, high-density SNP diagnostic assays, electrochemical detection of infectious agents, study of gene mutations, and gene and protein profiling will all be widely used. The completion of the human genome project is also anticipated to lead to the creation of new diagnostic procedures.
Proteomics
Future diagnostic procedures may be based on proteomics. It is anticipated that hundreds of thousands of different proteins will be able to be tested using analytical techniques. Human cells contain between 250,000 and 1,000,000 proteins. Many of them have not yet been examined, but they may one day serve as the foundation for brand-new diagnostic tests.
Sustainability and Green Laboratories
Environmental consciousness will play a significant role in laboratory design and operation. “Green labs” will focus on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing of laboratory materials. Sustainable practices will not only reduce costs but also align with growing societal concerns about the environment.
Data Security and Privacy
As laboratories generate and manage vast amounts of sensitive patient data, data security and privacy will be paramount. Robust cybersecurity measures and strict adherence to data protection regulations will be essential to safeguard patient information.
Global Collaboration and Data Sharing
In an increasingly connected world, laboratories will participate in global collaborations for research and diagnostics. Data sharing across borders will accelerate scientific discoveries and broaden our understanding of diseases.
The Impact of Industry 4.0 On Laboratories
The design, production, and usage of laboratory equipment will be significantly impacted by the industry 4.0 revolution. IoT, cloud computing, and AI are examples of Industry 4.0 technologies that are enhancing laboratory operations. Due to the constant introduction of new technology and applications, laboratory instrumentation is evolving. Smaller, compact, and more user-friendly laboratory equipment solutions are in increasing demand, and this trend is expected to continue. Laboratory equipment is under higher stress as a result of the processes in laboratories becoming increasingly sophisticated. Future-proofed devices will need to be considerably more user-friendly and incorporated into current lab operations.
The Human Element
Despite automation and AI, human touch remains irreplaceable in laboratory settings. Skilled laboratory professionals will continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test results. Continuous training and upskilling will be essential to meet evolving industry demands.
Conclusion
The laboratory industry is on the brink of transformative change. Over the next decade, we can anticipate an industry characterized by AI-driven insights, automation, and a commitment to sustainability and ethics. As laboratories adapt to these changes, the primary goal remains unchanged: to provide accurate, timely, and patient-centered diagnostic services.
At Kwipdeals, we are committed to staying at the forefront of these developments, providing cutting-edge laboratory equipment and solutions that empower laboratories to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.
~ Warm regards,
Dr. Dipti Charisma Ekka, MBBS, MD, MHA
