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Commentary
& Opinion by R. Lewis Dark, Founder & Publisher
Everyone
in the clinical lab business knows that our business will soon be dominated
by genetic and molecular testing technology. However,
most lab administrators and pathologists believe that we are several years
away from the widespread clinical use of such technology in laboratory
testing.
In principle, I would agree with that part of the popular wisdom.
Widespread clinical use of genetic and molecular test technology is
probably five years away. But I predict that there exists today a
"killer application" technology in someone's research lab that
will find its way into diagnostics and transform at least one important
area of laboratory medicine. My premise is simple: whatever this
"killer application" technology is, its potential to
outrageously improve the current medical standard of care will cause it to
"fast track" through clinical trials and regulatory
approval. laboratories will find themselves with a new clinical tool
which doctors want.
Ask me what this technology is and I cannot answer. My business
intuition sifts through the cascade of announcements concerning
genetic-based discoveries and tells me that something big is lurking
beneath the public eye. When this scientific breakthrough surfaces,
its impact will be swift and pervasive.
But let me offer just one example of how new discoveries in genetics are
leading us to a diagnostic testing revolution. last week,
researchers at Gemini Genomics PLC and Sequenom Inc. reported that they had
identified a pair of previously unknown genes which seem to play an
important role in heart disease. Using genetic data gathered from
thousands of pairs of twins, the two companies found one gene which
appears to be associated with high cholesterol levels, and another gene
which appears to be related to high density lipoprotein (HDL). The
companies are preparing to license this knowledge to pharmaceutical and
diagnostic companies for the purpose of developing drugs and lab tests to identify
and treat various forms of heart disease.
This announcement is just one of a steady stream. We are in the
early stages of the exponential curve for genetics-based medical
procedures and diagnostic tests. It demonstrates why I predict that
the tidal wave of genetic and molecular diagnostics is much closer than
any of us understand.
Year's
Ten Biggest Stories Reveal Modest Changes
2000
was not a year of momentous events as labs & vendors focused on
different goals
CEO SUMMARY:
In many ways, 2000 was a relatively quiet year for laboratory
organizations. This list of the ten biggest stories in the lab
industry for 2000 demonstrates that the most innovative laboratory
organizations in the United States are "raising the bar" for
service and quality in the
competitive marketplace. This will change
the status quo in many regions of the United States.
Ortho-Clinical
Diagnostics Embraces New Test Services
Transformational
Potential of Internet and
Molecular Technologies
CEO SUMMARY:
Despite a decade of consolidation, competition among the world's largest
diagnostics manufacturers remains intense. In response to this
competition, Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics (OCD) is preparing a variety of
new products and services for its clinical laboratory customers.
It's already exploring diagnostic opportunities in the emerging field of
pharmacogenomics. In the field of laboratory management, OCD has
brought to market a consulting service built upon "Six Sigma"
and "lean manufacturing" principles. Here's an exclusive
look at how Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics sees the future of laboratory
medicine.
The
Dark Index: Dynacare's IPO is Funded, Specialty Labs' IPO is next
Premier's
Lab Vendors Hooking Up Via Internet
Goal
is to move lab purchasing functions onto medibuy.com's transaction service
site
CEO SUMMARY:
Laboratory members of Premier will soon be purchasing instruments,
reagents, and supplies through medibuy.com's Internet healthcare
e-commerce site. Four major lab industry suppliers are actively
working to link with the medibuy.com and Premier Web sites. For
Premier, this is part of a comprehensive effort to upgrade the services it
offers its member hospitals and laboratories.
Intelligence:
Late-Breaking Lab News
Evidence
continues to grow that consumers are using the Internet to actively
intervene in their health care....
Proposal
to Expand Medicaid Eligibility for 23 Million People
Executive
Change at Quest Diagnostics: Vijay Aggarwal
Hired
by Luminex: Gail Page
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