Why invest in diagnostic technology upgrades

𝗕𝘂𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁. 𝗜𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸𝘀. Cheaper medical equipment may lack the precision necessary for accurate diagnoses and treatments. Inaccurate readings can lead to misdiagnosis, improper treatment plans, and potentially harmful outcomes for patients. The initial savings on equipment costs can be outweighed by the costs of correcting these errors, including additional tests and treatments. Medical equipment that is less expensive is often built with lower-quality materials and less rigorous manufacturing standards. This can result in frequent breakdowns, malfunctions, and the need for repairs or replacements. Unreliable equipment can disrupt medical procedures, leading to delays and compromised patient care. High-quality medical equipment is designed to withstand regular use and has a longer lifespan. Cheaper alternatives may wear out more quickly, leading to more frequent replacements and higher cumulative costs. The durability of medical equipment is crucial in maintaining consistent and safe patient care. Medical equipment that is significantly cheaper may not meet stringent quality standards and regulatory requirements. Approved and certified equipment undergoes rigorous testing to ensure safety and efficacy. Using equipment without these approvals can pose serious risks to patient health and can result in legal liabilities for healthcare providers. Cheaper equipment may come with hidden costs, such as higher maintenance expenses, more frequent repairs, and additional training for staff to handle unreliable devices. These costs can add up, making the initial savings negligible compared to the long-term expenses. The use of high-quality, reliable equipment is essential for maintaining patient trust and the reputation of healthcare facilities. Investing in better equipment demonstrates a commitment to patient safety and care, which can attract more patients and enhance the credibility of the medical institution. While the upfront cost of cheaper medical equipment may seem appealing, the long-term costs and potential risks make it a less economical and less responsible choice. Investing in high-quality, reliable, and approved medical equipment is crucial for ensuring accurate diagnoses, effective treatments, patient safety, and the overall efficiency and reputation of healthcare services. #biomedical #engineering ✔️

Diagnostics in emerging markets - The need is now! I have discussed previously about the importance of health systems and not silos. Another example of an integral part of a functional health system is diagnostics. It raises questions: Why have so many markets yet to invest sufficiently in diagnostics? How does this undermine the future management of communicable diseases and the current growing pandemic of NCDs? To confirm, by diagnostics, I mean pathology and imaging. Many markets now require an increased focus on diagnostics for many reasons. For example: - The need for timely and accurate diagnosis: How can effective and essential treatment planning be achieved without pathology and imaging? - Better early detection: Early diagnosis through screening tests can detect diseases earlier when they are more treatable. - Monitoring and Management: It's not just detection. Rolling diagnostics are vital for monitoring disease progress and the effectiveness of treatments. - Improving Treatment: Imaging and pathology results help guide surgical procedures and other treatments. So, what can be done? There is a need to adopt relevant strategies with innovative thinking, especially for diagnostic access in underserved areas. Examples include: Telemedicine and Telepathology: Utilizing telemedicine. Telepathology allows for the remote examination of pathology slides, enabling timely and accurate diagnoses. Mobile Health Units: Deploying mobile health units equipped with diagnostic tools can bring essential services directly to underserved communities. Implementing POCT devices can offer immediate diagnostic results at the patient's location. It's not going to be easy to effect the necessary change. Challenges include: Working with limited financial resources: Many developing countries must work within constrained budgets and prioritize immediate healthcare needs. New thinking for diagnostic services provision is required. High Costs: Diagnostic equipment and technologies can be expensive to purchase, maintain, and operate. Traditional purchasing and contracting models are no longer effective. Infrastructure Deficiencies: It's not just about equipment. Many countries need more infrastructure, such as reliable electricity and better transportation networks. Lack of Trained Personnel: More healthcare professionals, including radiologists, pathologists, and laboratory technicians, must be trained in diagnostics. New models and integrated thinking is required. Can digital solutions help address this challenge? Governments require support and advice on the importance of diagnostics. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach with new, innovative thinking. There is a need for better collaboration with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, and the private sector working together to align resources and innovative thinking. Overall, it confirms that system and not silo thinking is required.

❗ When Product Development Runs on Pen Drives ❗ Let me share a real-world example that speaks volumes. A $200B diagnostics company needed access to data generated by an instrument inside a hospital. The only way to retrieve it? They sent someone physically—with a pen drive—to Cleveland. Yes, in 2025. Why? Because while the legal and commercial aspects of data access (IP transfer, contracting, incentives) are increasingly solvable, the technical layer—the data infrastructure—is still broken. Even when instruments are actively being used on patients, the data they generate—assay results, instrument outputs, clinical notes—remains locked away. It's valuable. It’s rich. But it’s also practically inaccessible for AI teams trying to build new models or launch new products. Solving the IP problem is important. Structuring effective partnerships is essential. But neither will move the needle unless we fix the invisible layer that connects data to decision-making: infrastructure. This is where the diagnostics industry is ready for a shift: ▪️ From fragmented systems ➝ to integrated environments that support continuous discovery ▪️From delayed access ➝ to real-time, AI-ready data pipelines ▪️From disconnected instruments ➝ to semantically linked ecosystems where data is not just stored—but understood The future of early disease detection isn’t just about finding the next biomarker. It’s about ensuring the data infrastructure exists to discover it, validate it, and deploy it—at scale. If we want to catch disease early and build better products, we can’t afford to build on broken systems. Let’s fix the foundation—so innovation can finally move at the pace of science. The question is: are we willing to invest in the invisible layer that makes all the difference?

Advancements in blood testing are set to transform diagnostics, offering faster, less invasive, and more accessible options for patients. New technologies like lab-on-a-chip devices, wearable sensors, and AI-driven analysis could enable earlier disease detection and real-time health monitoring. Why It Matters - Earlier identification of diseases such as cancer or Alzheimer’s could lead to better treatment outcomes - Point-of-care and home-based tests can reduce the need for clinic visits - Wearable devices may support more personalized, continuous care Points to Watch - These innovations must prove they are consistently accurate and reliable - Gaining regulatory approval takes time and careful evaluation - As data collection increases, privacy and security will be critical concerns The direction is promising, but success depends on building trust, ensuring accuracy, and protecting patient data as we move into this new era of diagnostics. #BloodTesting #HealthcareInnovation #Diagnostics #MedicalTechnology #PointOfCareTesting #WearableHealth #PersonalizedMedicine #HealthTech #PatientCare #MedicalResearch https://lnkd.in/dUbkfr9p

Improving access to an early and accurate diagnosis for people with dementia is vital, so I’m really pleased to see this new investment in digital biomarker technology which will help to diagnose dementia. What makes this news particularly exciting is that this digital biomarker study will be attached to the READ-OUT study which is part of the Blood Biomarker Challenge.  The Blood Biomarker Challenge is a collaboration with Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK made possible thanks to £5million raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. It aims to revolutionise dementia diagnosis by gathering the evidence to show that an inexpensive and simple blood test can support dementia diagnosis in the NHS. Combining blood tests with a digital cognitive test could mean a more accurate and an earlier diagnosis. Only with a diagnosis can people access care, support, treatments or take part in research. However, more than one in three people with dementia in the UK don’t get a diagnosis and so are left without the benefits.  New diagnostics can change the game in dementia and make a better future possible for people living with, and those yet to be diagnosed, with this devastating condition. https://lnkd.in/eb8Eh6iH

Why most Indian VCs are failing in health tech. In a country with 1.4 billion people, where 70% lack access to quality diagnostics, you’d think health tech would be the most exciting sector for investment. But most Indian VCs? They don’t get it. They’re too busy chasing D2C brands, fintech clones, or the next 10-minute chai app — because healthcare takes real work to understand. The Ground Truth: 80% of doctors are in cities. 65% of Indians aren’t. A district hospital handles 10,000+ patients/month, often without a radiologist. 1 radiologist per 100,000 people in India — delays aren’t just inconvenient; they’re deadly. Diagnostics influence 70% of clinical decisions — but get <10% of healthcare investment. Why VCs are getting it wrong: 1. They don’t understand how health tech makes money B2B SaaS platforms earn ₹10–25 lakh/per hospital Per-study AI/reporting charges: ₹150–₹500/study Multi-center deals scale to ₹1–9 crore/year These are recurring, high-retention models — not reliant on ad budgets or virality. 2. They don’t understand how health tech creates money AI improves diagnostic speed → saves ₹50,000–₹1,00,000/patient in delayed treatment costs Automated systems cut center costs by ₹10–15 lakh/year Structured reporting unlocks government reimbursements that are often lost due to poor documentation TAT drops from 5 days → 24 hours → better outcomes, happier patients, repeat business The reality on the ground: Radiologists reading 150+ scans/day Reports transferred via WhatsApp, CDs, pen drives Cancer/stroke detection is delayed for days in Tier 2/3 cities Diagnostic centers are still running on Excel, with no traceability or insights And then… the kicker. Some VC investment managers have the audacity to say: “Why should I invest in health tech? I'd rather put money in Nestlé stock — it gives better returns.” You know what? Just fucking stay out of this space. Because this isn’t for tourists who want 3-Year returns. This is for people serious about building the next wave of India's healthcare infrastructure — brick by digital brick. To the few who get it: Back founders who are solving invisible-but-critical problems. Back to real revenue. Back impact. Back complexity — not hype. Because the future of health tech in India is massive. And the ones building it don’t need cheerleaders. They need believers with backbone and conviction. #HealthTech #VC #India #DigitalHealth #MedTech #HardTech #StartupTruth #ImpactInvesting #HealthcareReform #RealFoundersOnly

A recent survey conducted by ixlayer revealed that 87% of physicians endorse at-home diagnostic testing, highlighting its ability to revolutionize patient care by providing timely and accurate diagnostics in the comfort of one's home. The COVID-19 pandemic established at-home testing kits as a common household item as they are increasingly favored for their convenience, quick results, and the ability to monitor health frequently without the need for doctor’s office visits. According to McKinsey & Company latest Future of Wellness research, as the pandemic has moved into its endemic phase, consumers are expressing greater interest in several types of at-home tests. According to research, 26% of U.S. consumers are interested in testing for vitamin and mineral deficiencies, 24% for cold and flu symptoms, and 23% for cholesterol levels. Financial investments reflect the growing confidence in at-home testing. In 2022, J.P. Morgan Chase's Morgan Health announced a new investment in LetsGetChecked, aiming to expand its at-home diagnostics capabilities. This wave of capital is expected to drive innovation, making at-home testing more accessible and reliable. Established healthcare companies are also expanding their at-home diagnostic offerings. In 2021, OPKO Health, Inc.'s BioReference Laboratories introduced Scarlet Health, providing comprehensive in-home diagnostic testing. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers, offering a convenient alternative to traditional in-office visits. The shift towards at-home testing is not just about convenience; it also addresses critical issues in the healthcare system. According to Deloitte's 2024 Global Health Care Sector Outlook, integrating remote technologies, including at-home testing, can help alleviate the pressure on overburdened healthcare facilities and improve overall healthcare efficiency. Pharmaceutical companies should boost investment in innovative diagnostic technologies to enhance at-home testing. Public education campaigns are essential to raise awareness about the benefits and proper usage of at-home tests. Strengthening regulatory support will facilitate quicker approvals and maintain high safety standards. Collaborations between healthcare providers, tech companies, and insurers can improve distribution and address reimbursement issues. Finally, integrating AI and telehealth services can offer immediate healthcare advice based on test results, making at-home testing a more comprehensive solution. #HealthTech #Healthcare #PatientCare #Pharmaceuticals #PatientCentricity