times, becoming more efficient, [and looking for]
better customer service, are all interested in bringing
these tests to the point-of-care system,” says Abaxis
Chief Executive Clint Severson.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Abaxis may have an unparalleled advantage in this
industry, but they are always looking for ways to
improve their operations. Two big areas of focus in
this department are unit pricing and system quality,
both of which are being addressed in a continuous
improvement program that Severson calls 2x2.
“
One of the challenges on the medical side is fixed
pricing due to reimbursement, meaning we must then
reduce our factory costs,” says Severson. Therefore,
Abaxis has put together a program that will eventually
reduce the cost of a reagent disc, or rotor, containing
the 14 necessary health tests to $2 each. “In June
1996,
cost of a rotor was $22.90,” says Severson. “Last
quarter, cost was down to $3.89.”
September 2012
om
esults to You – Stat!
page 311
