Laboratories are essential for the scientific development of conceptual and theoretical knowledge, as well as the learning of scientific experiments and procedures. Nothing remains the same in science for very long. In the science and technology sector, trends change quickly and laboratories are a key part of it.

The scientific community and related professions have been experimenting with the concept of constructing a 'lab of the future' in recent years.

The newest advances demonstrate how India has benefited numerous IT businesses in their efforts to establish competence in cutting-edge technology such as artificial intelligence. India is a preferred location for creating AI laboratories and research centres due to its vibrant ecosystem and big pool of expertise.

The modern lab will revolutionize how testing are conducted and biopharmaceutical drugs are developed. These labs will bring the latest innovations, advanced concepts, and technologies to the benefit of clinicians and patients, with a broad focus on validation, knowledge management, new assay development, contract research, new technology evaluation, and R&D services in the field of Genomics and Proteomics. In R&D, it will routinely and totally automate heretofore inaccessible, tiny, and complicated experiments. Furthermore, in terms of quality control, the usage of extended reality to assure tech transfer, train and provide technical assistance on new approaches will become ubiquitous.

The following are the key issues that labs face:

Vulnerability due to human error

Metrics and data flow through a number of phases before being assembled into the final report. Manual data recording and transposition offers the door to a slew of human errors, jeopardizing not just the lab's reputation but also human lives.

Prolonged turnaround

The difficulty of small and independent labs to generate rapid (and accurate) reports is maybe one of the most significant obstacles that cause them to lose ground to competitors. Between processes in manual labs, a large amount of time is lost. Automated laboratories, on the other hand, transpose data in real time so that it is ready for the next procedure, as well as analytics and trend monitoring.

Redundancy

Small labs struggle to minimize redundancy, which is one of the most basic elements of efficiency. When data is stored manually, it is very hard to avoid duplication. As a result, when data is updated in one location, the changes are rarely replicated in all of the other locations where it is stored.

Reorganization

Consolidation of data, like data duplication, is a Herculean effort for small and traditional labs. A cloud-based laboratory information system can help with this. It combines and consolidates all data to eliminate redundancy and waste while establishing the lab as a top-notch medical facility.

Archive and storage

Because laboratories generally have limited room, preserving old patient reports may be impossible. Everything is stored on the cloud in a lab software system, where it is easily accessible for cross-checking or if a patient requests it.

Collaboration with other healthcare organizations

Standalone labs that are not connected to other healthcare providers via a network, such as hospitals, are isolated and hence unable to provide patients with much-needed convenience.

Here labs suffer from stalled growth and less opportunities in a business that is exploring new and better ways to give a nice and comfortable experience to patients.

Innovative technologies have not only made POCT devices more portable, but they have also enhanced specimen collection techniques to make them as unobtrusive as possible. Because of advancements in disposable test cartridges and microprocessor-based analyzers, this technology is generally user-friendly. Another expanding component that is redefining laboratories is home testing. It is decentralized, with patients submitting test findings manually or entering them into shared data-monitoring systems. These home testing kits are relatively inexpensive and may be purchased over-the-counter.

Future labs are expected to integrate at-home rapid testing into patients' medical regimens, allowing them to take a more active role in their care. It will come as no surprise that patients will be able to contribute critical information to their medical records using digitally linked hand-held devices designed for home usage. In view of the expanding number of endemics and difficult testing, future labs will face stiff competition from advanced hospitals and independent laboratories.

Clinical laboratories are undergoing a technology revolution aimed at increasing efficiency, improving quality, and reducing errors in health-care delivery. Many laboratory functions will be automated, resulting in significant changes in laboratory worker requirements. Experts to monitor and service robotic technology, as well as experienced IT professionals and allied health professionals, are anticipated to be in high demand.

In India, there is a growing need for high-quality, low-cost healthcare and the fast expanding healthcare market is offering enormous potential for health-tech businesses and start-ups. As a result, broader trends are forming in areas such as preventative healthcare, pathology, analytics, testing facilities and emergency services. Healthtech start-ups are doing amazing things, from offering instant support from doctors over the phone to integrating AI into healthcare and generating low-cost tailored healthcare.