Identifying Barriers to Biomarker Testing Efficiency: 100 Laboratories Mapped in 3 Months

The Challenge

A global biopharma company was preparing the market for an established biomarker in a newly actionable clinical setting. While an initial network of labs had already been enabled to support launch readiness, expected levels of patient access to appropriate therapies were not being realized.

The core issue was not testing availability, but inconsistent execution across lab workflows. Non-standardized testing practices, limited visibility of the biomarker on test requisition forms, and reporting delays caused by combined testing methodologies meant that results were not consistently available within critical timeframes. As a result, potentially eligible patients risked not being identified in time to support treatment decisions.

Our Approach

A dedicated team of Precision Medicine Experts (PMEs) was deployed to engage mid- and lower-volume labs, where the greatest opportunity for improvement existed.

The program followed a structured, insight-led approach:

• Lab engagement and mapping: 150+ labs were engaged to assess current testing practices across the testing adoption continuum

• Initial workflow mapping: 100 labs were mapped to assess testing pathways and identify where deeper analysis and optimization were required

• Optimization planning: Initial analysis identified opportunities for Phase 2, including updates to requisition forms, parallel biomarker testing, and reduced turnaround times

• Collaborative alignment: PMEs engaged labs and clinical stakeholders across client field teams, to build a shared understanding of testing barriers and priorities

This scalable model combines virtual engagement with the flexibility to expand into hybrid support, ensuring broad and efficient coverage.

Impact

The PME-led approach shifted the focus from testing availability alone to testing efficiency as a critical factor in timely treatment decisions and access to appropriate therapies.

Key areas of impact included:

• Identification and prioritization of workflow inefficiencies

• Reduced delays in reporting timelines to support timely treatment decisions

• Increased adoption of concurrent biomarker testing strategies

• Improved visibility of testing options for ordering clinicians

• Stronger alignment between lab and clinical stakeholders

By addressing both operational and behavioral barriers, the program created a scalable pathway to optimize testing performance and supported timely, informed treatment decisions for potentially eligible patients.

The Results

• 150+ labs engaged within the first three months

• 100 laboratories mapped to assess testing workflows and pathways

• Approximately 80% identified for deeper workflow optimization in Phase 2

• Key barriers to testing adoption and efficiency identified

• Clear roadmap established to move labs along the testing adoption continuum

• Cross-functional collaboration strengthened across lab, clinical, and field teams to drive aligned testing practices

This phased approach established a scalable roadmap to improve testing efficiency, support faster, more informed clinical decision-making and reduce the barriers that can delay access to appropriate therapies.

Testimonial

“The PME team has provided valuable insights into our testing landscape, helping us better understand inefficiencies and opportunities across laboratory workflows. Their collaborative approach has been instrumental in supporting improvements in testing practices and enabling more timely clinical decision-making.”