08/01/2026
How Laboratories Can Save Money and Minimize Costs in Challenging Times
Running a laboratory has never been cheap—but in today’s economic climate, cost discipline is no longer optional. Rising consumable prices, energy costs, service contracts, and staffing pressures are forcing labs to rethink how they operate.
The good news?
Cost-saving in a laboratory doesn’t mean compromising quality or compliance. It means operating smarter.
Here are practical, proven strategies laboratories can implement to reduce costs while maintaining performance and credibility.
1. Get Serious About Consumables Management
Consumables are often the largest silent expense in a lab.
Simple actions such as standardizing brands, buying high-use items in bulk, monitoring expiry dates, and tracking monthly consumption per section can result in significant savings—often without affecting workflow.
Small leakages add up fast.
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2. Move from Reactive to Preventive Maintenance
Waiting for equipment to fail is one of the most expensive habits a lab can have.
Preventive maintenance:
• Extends equipment lifespan
• Reduces downtime
• Protects calibration and data integrity
A well-maintained instrument can last 30–50% longer, saving both repair and replacement costs.
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3. Optimize Equipment Utilization
Many labs own equipment that is underutilized.
Before purchasing new instruments, consider:
• Sharing equipment across departments
• Outsourcing low-volume or specialized tests
• Extending operating hours instead of adding capital equipment
• Decommissioning rarely used instruments
Idle equipment is capital locked in steel and electronics.
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4. Reduce Energy and Utility Costs
Laboratories are energy-intensive by nature—but waste is avoidable.
Quick wins include:
• Switching off idle equipment
• Optimizing fume hood usage
• Using energy-efficient cold storage
• Reviewing HVAC and temperature setpoints
Fume hoods alone can consume up to 40% of lab energy costs.
