The interdependency between the availability of goods and the societal need is intricately linked to a sequence of processes facilitating the movement of goods to their intended destination—the supply chain. Within this framework, clinical laboratory stands as a critical entity susceptible to disruptions that emerge within the supply chain. These disruptions consist of any challenge that has the potential to impede the seamless delivery of supplies at any juncture throughout the distribution process. Supply chain management, delineated in the APICS Dictionary by Blackstone (2013), refers to the comprehensive process involving the formulation, strategizing, implementation, regulation, and oversight of supply chain operations. The primary aim is to generate overall value, establish a competitive framework, harness global logistics, align supply and demand seamlessly, and evaluate performance on a global scale [1].

Clinical laboratory tests play a crucial role in diagnosing and devising treatment plans for patients, directly influencing the quality of healthcare delivery and the overall national healthcare system. In developed nations, the expenses related to supplies constitute a significant portion of the operational costs of clinical laboratories, ranging from 15 to 40%. Consequently, effectively managing the supply chain within clinical laboratories poses a considerable challenge. The concept of supply chain management was initially introduced in 1979 by Thomas and Davis to regulate the costs incurred by clinical laboratories [2]. A study conducted by Weinstein et al. in 1985 highlighted that efficient inventory protocols contribute to managing the supply chain and result in financial advantages for clinical laboratories [3].

The supply chain within clinical laboratories typically involves various entities such as raw material providers, manufacturers, distributors, and the end users. Materials utilized can be categorized into three primary groups: disposable items, like specific materials for laboratory tests, general consumables which are used only once during testing process; durable items used repeatedly for multiple tests; and bulk chemical materials such as reagents, calibrators, and controls used to detect and measure analytes. These materials vary widely in price, stability, and storage requirements, often necessitating specific environmental conditions like cold or dry storage and could pose various biological hazards. Workload significantly impacts material consumption, alongside vendor delivery, shipment delays, and stock material performance. Diligent monitoring of material consumption is crucial, enhancing supply chain management by ensuring ample supplies that are utilized before expiration dates. This approach helps reduce costs and ensures timely completion of purchase orders [4].

Supply chain management within clinical laboratories encompasses several crucial components. It involves efficient procurement practices to source necessary supplies and equipment, alongside effective inventory management strategies to maintain optimal stock levels without excess or scarcity. Logistics and distribution play a pivotal role in ensuring the timely and smooth delivery of materials while minimizing transportation costs and disruptions. Building and nurturing strong relationships with suppliers are essential for consistent access to high-quality materials, coupled with stringent quality control measures to uphold testing accuracy and compliance with regulations. Proper waste management procedures, including disposal of expired materials and waste generated during testing, contribute to environmental sustainability. The integration of information systems such as Logistic Management Information System (LMIS) facilitates inventory tracking, usage monitoring, and seamless communication across the supply chain. The primary objective of LMIS is to construct a framework enabling personnel to gather and manage information, enhancing decision-making, ensuring uninterrupted material supply, and promptly identifying any supply chain disruptions. Implementation of LMIS involves two fundamental phases: initiation and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) delineating instructions for LMIS operation, completing necessary documentation, and outlining the responsibilities of all subsystem staff. Hence, comprehensive staff training is imperative to ensure optimal utilization and functionality of the devised system. Additionally, managing risks through identification and the development of contingency plans is vital to mitigate potential disruptions in the supply chain, ensuring continuous and efficient laboratory operations [5].

A serious toll on supply chain was witnessed during the global pandemic by COVID-19 [6]. It impacted every aspect of healthcare system and provided lessons to learn for the implementation of newer strategies that could help us survive better in future outbreaks [7, 8]. During the pandemic, clinical laboratories encountered a multitude of supply chain issues that significantly disrupted their operations. The surge in demand for testing materials such as reagents, swabs, and personal protective equipment (PPE) outpaced the available supply, leading to acute shortages. Delays in the production and distribution of these essential items further exacerbated the problem, hindering the ability of laboratories to conduct widespread testing. Border closures, transportation restrictions, and disruptions in global logistics chains compounded these challenges, causing delays in receiving crucial supplies. Moreover, increased competition for resources among healthcare facilities and the rapid fluctuations in demand placed immense pressure on the already strained supply chain. These issues collectively hampered testing capacities, prolonged turnaround times for test results, and impeded the overall effectiveness of diagnostic services provided by clinical laboratories as observed during the pandemic. The pandemic thus gave us a realisation of the necessity to revise healthcare systems for establishing a more robust and sturdy infrastructure and operating standards to be able to better deal with the ever-growing health hazards [5].

Managing the supply chain in clinical laboratories emerges as a critical concern encompassing various parameters integral to the process. An effective supply chain management can enhance the service quality, making the laboratory more cost efficient and affordable, thereby improving the organization’s functional capacity and competitiveness. Supply chain managers need to ensure the continuous flow of supplies by forecasting demand, allocation and redistribution of resources according to the needs, management of inventory and information systems. Additionally, they need to uphold a robust and mandating authority, that helps in building a strong supplier-customer relation, warranting the smooth functioning of a clinical laboratory delivering cost effective quality care. A well-structured logistics supply chain stands as a crucial factor in ensuring a consistent provision of high-quality laboratory materials throughout the entirety of clinical laboratory processes. A robust supply chain design encompasses the establishment of a LMIS, comprising tools, processes for information management, inventory control mechanisms, and protocols for efficient storage and distribution of materials. The effective oversight of the supply chain represents an ongoing strategic endeavour that necessitates a holistic approach rather than fragmented steps. It should function as a sustained and enduring operation tailored specifically for the needs of clinical laboratories.