In the realm of diagnostics, one universal truth prevails—no laboratory instrument is infallible. Yet, some decision-makers still pursue the ideal of a machine that operates flawlessly forever, without any breakdowns or errors. It’s a comforting notion, but let’s examine the reality.
At Meridian Bioscience, we recognize what truly matters: performance, support, and partnership—especially when challenges arise.
The Reality of Lab Equipment: Failure is Inevitable
Even the most advanced diagnostic instruments, such as PCR analyzers and molecular platforms, are intricate machines. Like any sophisticated tool, they can and do experience failures. Whether it’s a software glitch, mechanical issue, or calibration problem, equipment downtime is an expected aspect of laboratory operations.
A study by Frost & Sullivan highlighted that lab managers ranked instrument maintenance and downtime as their top challenges, underscoring the inevitability of equipment issues in laboratory settings (Lab Manager, 2023).
Deciding What to Buy: It’s About More Than Just Performance
When laboratories evaluate new instruments like the Revogene system, they consider more than just technical specifications:
- Ease of Use
- Cost of Ownership
- Test Menu
- Footprint and Scalability
- Reliability and Uptime
- Training and Technical Support Availability
- Regulatory and Quality Compliance
Once acquired, most platforms perform as expected—for a time. However, issues can arise, such as recurring problems, ambiguous error codes, or unexpected results.
Error: Instrument, or Operator?
Determining the root cause of a malfunction is crucial. Is it the machine’s fault, or is human error to blame?
Research indicates that a significant portion of laboratory errors stem from human factors, including inadequate training and procedural lapses (Plebani, 2006).
This prompts important questions:
Are your technicians fully trained?
Are they using the equipment as specified in the Instructions for Use (IFU)?
Could a refresher course or re-certification reduce preventable errors?
Laboratory leadership might benefit from an internal review before considering a vendor switch—a proactive approach that can yield significant improvements.
When the Instrument Is the Issue: What Now?
Even with a well-trained team, not all issues can be prevented. When equipment fails, your vendor’s response becomes your laboratory’s lifeline.
The Revogene system is supported by prompt, knowledgeable assistance and a customer success team dedicated to minimizing downtime. The objective? Rapid resolution with minimal disruption.
This is where vendors differentiate themselves—not just in the performance of their instruments, but in the speed and efficiency with which they help you recover from setbacks.
Should You Switch Vendors?
Switching platforms is a substantial undertaking: new training, validation processes, potential downtime, and inherent risks.
How many errors are too many? That depends on your current vendor’s responsiveness.
A study by Lippi and Da Rin (2019) concluded that laboratories with strong vendor partnerships and effective internal processes experienced better long-term outcomes compared to those frequently switching vendors in response to equipment malfunctions.
Partnership fosters resilience, trust, and can lead to product improvements driven by your feedback.
The Smarter Path: Backup and Partnership
Instead of switching vendors, consider adding redundancy to your laboratory. A backup Revogene system, for instance, can maintain throughput and alleviate concerns during maintenance or repairs.
Collaborating with your vendor—sharing insights, escalating concerns, and co-developing features—positions you as a partner in innovation, contributing to the advancement of diagnostic solutions.
Final Thought: Play the Long Game
Laboratory equipment isn’t flawless—that’s a given. However, how we respond to challenges reveals our commitment to excellence and innovation.
Our recommendation? Stay. Collaborate. Solve. And let’s build the future of diagnostics—together.
Explore the Revogene System
References
Lab Manager. (2023). Looking Beyond Routine Lab Equipment Maintenance. Retrieved from https://www.labmanager.com/looking-beyond-routine-lab-equipment-maintenance-31226
Lippi, G., & Da Rin, G. (2019). Advantages and limitations of total laboratory automation: a personal overview. Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM), 57(6), 802–811. https://doi.org/10.1515/cclm-2018-1212
Plebani, M. (2006). Errors in clinical laboratories or errors in laboratory medicine? Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM), 44(6), 750–759. https://doi.org/10.1515/CCLM.2006.123