Where state laws permit, pharmacies are offering customers mainly CLIA-waived tests such as total cholesterol and blood glucose tests. In states where laws restrict pharmacies from doing lab testing, pharmacists are moving to change the law. In Georgia, the legislature passed its law. Federal statistics also verify the growth in the number of pharmacies performing lab testing.
Organizations representing lab interests believe the trend spells trouble for the lab industry.
In coming months, more pharmacies are expected to offer customers various lab services as they realize the revenue-generating opportunities that exist. A recent article in the Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association offered specific guidance to pharmacists on how to establish pharmacy-based laboratory services. This technology has created the opportunity for pharmacists to conduct on-site laboratory testing within a defined scope. It also provided guidance on understanding the rationale and indications for specific laboratory tests. It is recommended that hemoglobin A1c be routinely measured in all patients with diabetes.