International Survey Uncovers Challenges in Laboratory Workflows

Agilent Technologies announced the results of its first Pharma Lab Leaders survey in a June 4, 2019 press release. The survey, conducted by research and consulting firm Frost & Sullivan, aims to gather insights from pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and contract research laboratories in seven countries worldwide.

Respondents included 650 laboratory managers, directors, and supervisors from China, Germany, India, South Korea, Switzerland, Austria, and the United States. The laboratories surveyed are involved in activities ranging from disease research to manufacturing.

Respondents highlighted their unique industry challenges, laboratory pain points, as well as goals for the future. Overall, the primary focus was on achieving quicker results (55%), superior quality (44%), and data integrity (43%). More than half of the respondents indicated that quality standards are getting more stringent in their laboratories, with over 80% finding that their current workflow requires further optimization.

"Interestingly, 32% of respondents stated that having easier-to-use instruments would improve their workflow," said Lon Justice, vice-president of sales, marketing, and customer experience at Agilent, in a company press release. 

The top strategies being used by lab leaders to more efficiently move drugs through the pipeline are:

• Buying more sophisticated instruments that deliver a greater degree of specificity (85%)

• Improving documentation of the sample chain of custody (70%)

• Employing better-qualified staff (56%).

"Agilent is dedicated to continually listening to customers to ensure their success," Justice added. "With this survey, we enhance our learnings about key pharmaceutical laboratory challenges, goals, and pain points, which have never before been quantifiable. With these insights, our teams will be able to continue to bring customer-focused solutions to market to improve the science and economics of the labs we serve."

Source: Agilent Technologies