Running a laboratory of any size requires a large budget for laboratory supplies
. This can be especially true if you are running a small laboratory inside your clinic. During cold and flu season you can go through hundreds of strep tests or strips for urinalysis, or any CLIA-Waived supplies. Being able to find enough of the supplies you need but still stay within a budget can be a challenge.
Checking with other facilities like your own may be a good place to start your research for finding the laboratory supplies you need. You may even consider forming a co-op if there are several like clinics in a limited radius. This would enable you to buy supplies in bulk and probably be able to reduce the overall cost for everyone in the co-op.
The internet is probably your best bet in finding discount laboratory supplies. Most companies now have a website where you can purchase directly from them eliminating the need for a salesperson and lowering your cost. If you use the internet be sure to carefully check out the company from which you are purchasing your laboratory supplies. Read the description provided for the products carefully and make sure you understand exactly what you are ordering. The pictures shown next to the description of the laboratory supplies do not always match. You don't want to be surprised when you get your discount laboratory supplies by finding out what you get is not what you expected.
Something else to consider when purchasing your medical supplies from the internet is the cost of shipping. If the shipping is high it might actually be less expensive to buy from a local vendor. If you can purchase in bulk with other clinics you may be able to negotiate the cost of each item and the cost of shipping. It may be the same shipping cost to ship 100 items as it is 50 items. If you can afford the 100 items the overall cost will be reduced.
Whether it is from the internet or from a local vendor talk to a person and start developing a relationship with the company. If you just order online the company will not get to know you or your laboratory. If you become a regular customer they may let you know when there are going to be sales. This will give you an opportunity to stock up on frequently used items. Again, this will save your laboratory money.