How to Launch Same-Day Delivery for Your Medical Lab Business
Medical labs are under pressure to keep up with the high demand for same-day delivery services.
Patients and doctors are becoming impatient and expect their specimens to be delivered promptly.
This article will explain everything you need to know about launching a same-day delivery service for your medical lab business.
What Is Same-Day Delivery?
Same-day delivery is a courier service that delivers packages within the same day. According to Grand View Research (2020), medical businesses that handle time-sensitive products are seeing the highest demand increase for same-day delivery.
Offering same-day delivery services will help your medical lab business compete, attract new customers, and improve patient satisfaction.
In the B2B world, offering same-day delivery solutions is a quick way to become the preferred medical lab for your customers.
If you can give your customers quality results faster than anyone, why would they go anywhere else?
Benefits of Launching Same-Day Delivery for Medical Lab Businesses
These are the benefits of offering same-day delivery at your medical lab business:
- Specimens move quicker and more efficiently
- Improved customer service
- Better company image
- Lower operating costs
1. Specimens Move Quicker and More Efficiently
Moving specimens more quickly and efficiently leads to higher customer satisfaction and will set you apart from the competition.
2. Improved Customer Service
Same-day delivery will help you improve your customer service by providing faster turnaround times. The happier your customers are, the more likely they will continue using your services or recommend you to others.
3. Better Company Image
This delivery service will improve your lab’s image by providing a more professional and efficient service. Medical businesses expect a higher level of professionalism than other industries, and any opportunities to improve your business will be a decisive advantage.
4. Lower Operating Costs
By eliminating the need for overnight shipping, you will reduce operational costs. Overnight shipping can be up to 4 times as expensive as regular shipping. Same-day shipping lets you get packages where they need to go quickly without breaking the bank.
What Is a Lab Courier?
A lab courier is responsible for transporting laboratory tools, samples, and specimens between medical facilities. They may transport these things either by foot, bike or car.
What Do Lab Couriers Do, and Why Are They Important?
Their typical duties include taking blood specimens from a doctor’s office to the blood lab or taking an x-ray from a hospital to an orthopedic clinic. Laboratory delivery couriers are essential because they ensure that specimens and supplies are delivered quickly and safely from point A to point B.
6 Steps to Launching Same-Day Delivery For Your Medical Lab Business
There are many moving parts to a same-day delivery business, but with careful planning and execution, it can be a smooth and successful operation.
1. Understand the Specimen Supply Chain
To launch a same-day delivery service for your medical lab, you must understand the specimen supply chain. This includes knowing where specimens come from, how they must be transported, and what happens when they arrive.
Here’s everything you need to know about sample transportation.
2. Maintain Clear Communication Lines
Laboratory delivery couriers, customers, shipping organizations, lab workers, and system managers should all have clear communication lines. This will ensure that your deliveries get where they need to go on time.
3. Determine Costs Based on Strategy and Volume
Costs for medical lab deliveries can vary, depending on how much you need to ship, and the unique requirements for any substances.
The biggest question on any medical lab owner’s mind is; how much will it cost to launch a same-day delivery service? The answer depends on a few factors, such as building your own software or outsourcing your fleet.
Strategy
Building your software and fleet is expensive, but it gives you more control over the process and can be customized to your specific needs.
Outsourcing lab courier work can be much less expensive, but unless you work with a customizable delivery service, you will have less control over the process.
If you decide to build your software, you will need to factor in the cost of development, hosting, and maintenance. You will need to pay for the software, laboratory delivery courier services, and other associated costs if you outsource courier work.
Learn more about the latest medical courier service rates.
Scale
The cost of launching same-day delivery for your medical lab business will also depend on the size of your business and the number of deliveries you plan to make each day.
If you have a small business with only a few deliveries per day, the cost will be lower than if you have a large company with many deliveries per day.
No matter what size your medical lab business is or how many deliveries you plan to make each day, same-day delivery is an investment that can pay off in the long run. By offering this service, you will be able to build a loyal customer base and consistently grow your business.
4. Use Software to Shorten Specimen Collection Times
One of the biggest challenges in same-day delivery for medical businesses is that specimen collection times vary depending on the collected specimen.
For example, drawing blood can be done quickly, while a tissue biopsy may take much longer.
You must consider the time it takes to process the specimen once it arrives at the lab. This can range from a few minutes for a simple blood test to several hours for more complex tests.
5. Hire Experienced Lab Couriers with HIPAA Certification
Some specimens need to be refrigerated, while others need to be frozen. We put together a guide to help you understand how to transport blood samples when working with a same-day laboratory delivery courier.
You want to find reliable lab couriers with experience delivering medical specimens. If you find a medical courier that does both, you’ll be well on launching a successful same-day delivery service.
Don’t forget to ensure that your staff and delivery team are maintaining HIPAA compliance. Otherwise, you could face some severe penalties.
6. Use Delivery Tracking Software
You want to find the right software that is easy to use and integrates well with your existing systems. At Dropoff, our live tracking solutions give your company a clear picture of the delivery process, allowing you to make informed decisions.
Check out our guide on how to choose a third-party logistics provider to help you avoid the common pitfalls of picking the wrong providers.
How Dropoff Can Help with Same-Day Medical Delivery
Our years of experience have made same-day delivery for medical businesses easy.
We assist healthcare organizations nationwide in receiving their items on time and in pristine condition.
Our HIPAA-certified lab couriers will handle your items, who have undergone strenuous background checks and training in specimen handling. They are also bloodborne pathogen certified.
With our live tracking solutions, you can monitor the delivery process in real-time and make data-driven decisions. Plus, our experts are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have.
Whether you need to deliver lab results or medical supplies, talk with a Dropoff expert today.
FAQs on Same-Day Medical Delivery
1. What is same-day delivery?
Same-day delivery is a courier service that delivers packages within the same day.
2. What are the benefits of launching same-day delivery for your medical business?
These are the benefits of offering same-day delivery at your medical lab business:
- Specimens move quicker and more efficiently
- Improved customer service
- Better company image
- Lower operating costs
3. What is a lab courier?
A lab courier is responsible for transporting laboratory tools, samples, and specimens between medical facilities. They may transport these things either by foot, bike or car.
4. How do I launch same-day delivery for my medical business?
Six steps to take when launching same-day delivery for medical businesses:
- Understand the specimen supply chain
- Maintain clear communication lines
- Determine costs based on your strategy and volume
- Use software to shorten specimen collection times
- Hire experienced lab couriers with HIPAA certification
- Use delivery tracking software
5. Does Dropoff offer temperature control for sensitive items?
Yes. If you have specific requirements for your items, you can include them when you place your order with Dropoff. We offer temperature control for sensitive items, such as pharma products and laboratory specimens.
6. Can I track my deliveries in real-time?
You can follow your deliveries in real-time from pick-up to drop-off on a live map or by text/email. Our digital chain of custody gives you peace of mind and compliance documentation. Our medical couriers will provide delivery confirmations via photo, signature, email, and text.
