Unilabs is a leading diagnostic services provider specializing in laboratory testing, imaging, pathology, and genetic diagnostics across multiple countries.
What were the key moments in Unilabs’ history?
Sure, with pleasure. Unilabs was founded in 1987 in Switzerland. Since then, the company has experienced rapid growth through both mergers and acquisitions as well as organic expansion. Today, we operate in 14 countries, primarily in Europe but also in the Middle East.
One of the most significant developments in our history came in 2022 when A.P. Moller Holding, a major Danish company, acquired Unilabs. Before that, we had been owned by private equity firms, but now we are part of a family company backed by the A.P. Moller Foundation. This shift means we are now under an owner with a long-term perspective, prioritizing societal benefits. This provides stability and a clear strategic vision and purpose for our employees, customers, and patients.
What distinguishes Unilabs from its competition?
There are several aspects that set Unilabs apart. First, we provide integrated diagnostics, allowing doctors, clinicians, and patients to have a comprehensive view of their health. We operate in four main areas: lab diagnostics (blood, stool, and urine samples), imaging diagnostics (MRI, CT scans, ultrasounds, and X-rays), pathology diagnostics (diseases of organs and tissues), and genetics. Unlike many competitors who specialize in only one or two of these areas, we offer a full spectrum of diagnostics.
Second, our strong presence across Europe fosters knowledge-sharing between countries, enhancing medical, operational, and logistical efficiencies. Third, we have been pioneers in AI-driven diagnostics, particularly since acquiring the Telemedicine Clinic (TMC) in 2017. This acquisition strengthened our teleradiology services and AI capabilities, accelerating advancements in radiology. Finally, our ownership structure supports a long-term vision of giving back to society, which is a strong motivator for our employees, medical professionals, and customers.
In addition, we offer great opportunities for the ongoing development of healthcare professionals, including board certification of specialist doctors in certain markets. We have our Unilabs Academy offering certified continued medical education for both our own team as well as external healthcare professionals.
Could you share more about Unilabs’ adoption of AI?
AI is transforming industries, and healthcare is no exception. At Unilabs, our AI journey began with us using some algorithms in our emergency teleradiology services as early as 2018 to support our radiologist with detecting subtle but important pathologies.. Among the four diagnostic areas we cover, radiology has so far seen the most significant AI advancements.
For instance, AI has significantly improved brain imaging, supporting the detection of over 80 conditions, including hemorrhages, infarcts, fractures, and tumors. AI is also finding nodules and blood clots in the lungs. With early detection, we can contribute to the patients getting correct treatments faster.
Another breakthrough is the MASAI study, which demonstrated that AI-driven mammography screening detects 29% more breast cancer cases while not increasing false positives. These advancements are revolutionizing diagnostics, improving patient outcomes, and streamlining workflows for medical professionals.
Looking ahead, do you plan to expand Unilabs' AI capabilities further?
Yes, AI remains a key focus. While radiology has seen the most progress, pathology is the next area where we anticipate significant developments. AI-driven diagnostics can enhance image interpretation and facilitate remote readings by sub-specialists, making pathology more efficient and accessible.
Beyond pathology, AI will continue to influence our other diagnostic areas as technology advances. Our goal is to leverage AI to improve accuracy, efficiency, and patient outcomes across all our services, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of innovation in diagnostics.
Unilabs also collaborates with pharmaceutical companies. What is the key aspect of your work with such clients that you would like to optimize?
Pharmaceutical companies are a growing segment of our business. We support them throughout the entire drug development process, drawing on over 30 years of experience and more than 3,000 studies across various therapeutic areas. From early discovery to lifecycle management, we play a crucial role in the industry.
One key challenge is ensuring comprehensive coverage across Europe. Since pharma companies often operate on an international level, they require partners who can provide consistent, high-quality services across multiple countries. While we already serve them in markets like the UK and Denmark, there is an opportunity for us to expand further to meet these needs. The main hurdle is scaling our operations efficiently to provide seamless services across borders, but we see this as a strategic growth opportunity rather than a roadblock.
Have you considered expanding Unilabs' presence beyond Europe?
For now, our strategy is to strengthen our impact in the regions where we currently operate. We prioritize delivering high-quality care in our existing markets by working closely with stakeholders, including insurance companies, governments, and the public sector. Our first objective is to enhance the quality and efficiency of our services where we already have a strong presence.
However, with an owner like A.P. Moller, which has a global footprint, selective expansion beyond Europe is a possibility in the future. North America may be part of that strategy eventually, but at this stage, our focus remains on deepening our impact in Europe and the Middle East.
Where would you like to see Unilabs three years from now?
Our vision revolves around three core principles: patient-centricity, cost efficiency, and being an attractive employer. The healthcare sector faces increasing costs due to aging populations and rising medical expenses, so we must balance high-quality diagnostics with cost efficiency.
Additionally, talent acquisition is crucial. There is a clear shortage of healthcare professionals, so we aim to be the employer of choice for top doctors and medical staff. By fostering a strong workplace culture and offering cutting-edge technology, we ensure that we continue to attract and retain the best talent. These elements—patient focus, financial sustainability, and an outstanding work environment—will define our success in the coming years.
