Choosing laboratory analysers
How to match analyser throughput, chemistry, running cost and service to your laboratory’s real workload — and avoid the most expensive specification mistakes.
Start with your workload, not the brochure
The single most common laboratory-equipment mistake is choosing an analyser by brand or feature list rather than by workload. Begin with the numbers: how many samples per day at peak, which tests, and what turnaround your clinicians need.
Throughput & menu fit
Match the analyser’s throughput (tests per hour) to your peak demand with headroom for growth, and confirm its test menu covers what you actually run. A high-throughput system that sits idle is wasted capital; an over-loaded small analyser creates bottlenecks and overtime.
Reagents & running costs
The purchase price is only part of the story. Reagent cost per test, calibrator and control costs, and reagent shelf life often dominate the true cost of ownership. A cheaper analyser with expensive closed reagents can cost more over five years than a pricier open system.
- Cost per reportable result, not just per test
- Reagent availability and lead times in your region
- Open vs closed reagent systems and the flexibility trade-off
- Calibration frequency and control requirements
Service, uptime & connectivity
For a working lab, uptime is everything. Assess the service response time you can get locally, spare-parts availability, and whether preventive maintenance is included. Confirm the analyser connects cleanly to your laboratory information system so results flow without manual transcription.
Buy the service and the reagents as carefully as you buy the instrument — that’s what you live with every day.
Building a shortlist
A good shortlist balances throughput fit, running cost, service reliability and connectivity. Because we’re vendor-neutral, we can compare options across manufacturers against your specific workload and budget rather than steering you to one brand.
Frequently asked questions
Which analyser is best for a small diagnostic lab?
There’s no single best — it depends on your test menu, peak volumes and service needs. We help you compare options vendor-neutrally against your workload.
Do reagent costs really matter that much?
Yes. Over an analyser’s life, reagent and consumable costs frequently exceed the purchase price, so cost-per-result is a critical comparison.
Can you supply and service the analyser?
Yes — we supply, install and can maintain analysers under an AMC, including reagent replenishment.
Ready to plan your project?
Our specialists can turn this into a concrete scope, budget and timeline for your facility.