Industry Insights
Just-In-Time vs. Batch Processing in the Medical Lab: Examining the Pros and Cons
April 14, 2025
In an article posted by Forbes Business Council, LigoLab CEO Suren Avunjian weighs the pros and cons of Just-In-Time testing in healthcare.
In the piece, he argues that the Just-In-Time Method gives anatomic pathology groups and clinical/reference laboratories more efficiency, flexibility, and faster turnaround times.
Given the mounting challenges facing the laboratory industry, his argument holds significant weight.
Avunjian goes a step further, highlighting additional, often overlooked advantages - most notably, the reduction of medical waste and the significant cost savings that come with it.
Learn More: Laboratory Information System Software and its Role in Overcoming Laboratory Staffing Challenges
Tackling Healthcare Data Overload and Medical Waste
Avunjian begins making the case for the Just-In-Time Method by spotlighting the overwhelming volume of generated healthcare data worldwide. According to analysts, healthcare is responsible for nearly 30 percent of the world's total data volume - a figure rising at an alarming pace each year.
He then shifts focus to the growing issue of medical waste, offering specific examples such as contaminated blood (infectious waste), human organs and tissues (pathological waste), and discarded reagents and solvents (chemical waste).
“The World Health Organization defines medical waste as waste generated by healthcare activities and In the U.S. alone, more than 5.9 million tons of medical waste are produced annually.”
Suren Avunjian, LigoLab CEO
Why It’s Time for Clinical Labs to Embrace Just-in-Time Over Batch Processing
Avunjian shifts the conversation to the billions of diagnostic tests performed by clinical laboratories each year, using this scale to underscore the immense internal and external pressures that labs face.
He argues that the current approach is unsustainable thanks to persistent staffing shortages, declining reimbursements, and rising supply costs. To move forward, he urges large healthcare organizations to take meaningful action, such as streamlining clinical lab workflow and pathology lab management to reduce medical waste through greater efficiency and cost control.
He then contrasts two distinct laboratory workflow management models: the Just-in-Time (JIT) Method and traditional Batch Processing.
Drawing from his own experience, Avunjian makes a compelling case for why large-scale clinical labs should transition to JIT, emphasizing its numerous operational and financial benefits.
Just-In-Time (JIT) - A procedure that involves the processing and testing of specimens as soon as they arrive at the laboratory.
Batch Processing (BP) - A method that involves an accumulation of multiple specimens over some time and then testing them all at once.
“With the JIT method, medical labs can significantly reduce medical waste while also improving operational efficiency, minimizing errors, and saving money.”
Suren Avunjian, LigoLab CEO
When Just-in-Time Works Best—and When It Doesn’t
Avunjian then takes a closer look at the advantages of the JIT method, emphasizing how it enhances operational efficiency, increases flexibility, accelerates turnaround times, and ultimately improves customer satisfaction for clinical laboratories.
He concludes by offering a balanced perspective, acknowledging that JIT may not be the ideal solution for every lab workflow.
He concedes that in some scenarios, such as when labs are focused primarily on high-volume tests, batch may still be more practical and efficient.
“If your lab runs critical time-sensitive tests and also wants to help minimize medical waste, I encourage you to consider adopting the JIT method.”
Suren Avunjian, LigoLab CEO
To read the article in full, click on the link.
Avunjian’s Forbes Business Council Post: Reducing Medical Waste and Cost With Just-In-Time Testing
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How Medical Laboratory Information System Software Supports Just-In-Time Lab Workflow
For Avunjian and LigoLab, the Just-In-Time Method is more than just a lab workflow process, it’s a core concept built into its all-in-one laboratory information system (medical LIS) and lab revenue cycle management (lab RCM) platform. As noted above, the JIT method (which is fully supported by LigoLab’s comprehensive and flexible informatics platform) reduces medical waste, lab mistakes, and lab supply costs while also improving productivity across the board.
Learn More: The Best Laboratory Information Systems: LIS Software Solutions for Clinical and Pathology Labs
As part of any LIS laboratory information system implementation, LigoLab’s team works closely with its new lab customer, not only training them on the laboratory information system functions of the pathology software, but also identifying and suggesting new and more efficient JIT workflows when appropriate.
Discover how LigoLab’s LIS system implementation differentiates from other laboratory information system vendors (click below).
Learn More: LigoLab’s Approach to Project Management and LIS System Implementation
Check Out These Other Forbes Business Council Articles
Avunjian is a highly sought-after lab industry voice and a regular contributor to the Forbes Business Council, a networking organization that caters to business owners and leaders.
Laboratory decision-makers may also be interested in his other recent Forbes Business Council posts. Here’s a sample of what he’s authored in the past.
The Impact Of Current Technology On The Future Of Medical Laboratories
Funding Versus Bootstrapping For An Enterprise Pathology Lab Software Company
About the Author
Suren Avunjian is a Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at LigoLab, a fast-growing LIS company specializing in licensing advanced laboratory information systems (LIS systems) for clinical/reference laboratories and pathology groups.
Learn More: Navigating the Future of Pathology Lab Software - The LigoLab Advantage
Avunjian oversees all business growth and operations for the LigoLab while leading a team of best-in-class personnel. He’s also the creative force behind LigoLab’s strategic vision to build the most comprehensive and infinitely configurable laboratory information system available and then deliver and support that modern LIS medical platform with unlimited and unmatched customer service.
If you’re unfamiliar with LigoLab, here are three compelling reasons to consider the LIS company for your lab information system upgrade.
1. Unified Medical LIS & Lab RCM Platform for End-to-End Efficiency
LigoLab offers a fully integrated platform that combines medical LIS and lab revenue cycle management (laboratory billing) modules into one seamless pathology lab software system. This eliminates data silos, reduces errors, and accelerates everything from order entry to billing reimbursement - ensuring operational efficiency and faster reimbursement.
Learn More: The Power of Integration: Unleashing the Potential of LigoLab's LIS System & Lab RCM Platform
2. Unmatched Flexibility and Customization
With thousands of configurable components, built-in rules and automation engines, and a proprietary interface engine, LigoLab empowers labs to tailor workflows, reports, and integrations to meet their exact needs. Whether they're a startup clinical lab or a high-volume pathology group, the platform modernizes them and stimulates rapid growth.
Learn More: The Four Most Important Things to Consider When Modernizing a Laboratory
3. Support from Experts with Real Lab Experience
Many LigoLab team members have hands-on backgrounds in clinical and anatomic pathology labs. This insider perspective translates to more relevant guidance, advanced support, and a true partnership that understands the realities of lab life.
