CHENNAI: With more hospitals and awareness of diseases, the need for diagnostic laboratories has also increased. A recent seminar on the need for quality in diagnostic laboratories in the city focused on ‘global quality.’

Though laboratory tests account for only five per cent of healthcare spend, the results influence more than 50 per cent of the healthcare decisions, says Shravan Subrahmanyam, Ehrlich Laboratories’ director. “Doctors prescribe tests only when the ailment does not respond to common antibiotics. But the right diagnosis at the right time will prevent delay and save money for the patient,” he says.

“Quite often people wait for lab tests until it is too late. Screening and preventive tests can help in early identification of lifestyle diseases such as cardiac disease or diabetes. Early diagnosis brings down treatment costs,” he says.

The results of an investigation authenticate the diagnosis a doctor makes based on a patient’s history, examination, acumen and experience, according to R. Parthasarathy, a medical officer in a company. “Investigation is the clincher.”

Even companies with good in-house health facilities need to prescribe tests to ensure correct diagnosis. “When you take care of someone you need to get him investigated. For example, a crane operator may require vision test or machine operator may need an audiometry test. Canteen employees must be tested for diseases common among food handlers,” he explains.

K. Sukumar, general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Medical Laboratory Technicians Association, says though laboratories have mushroomed in the city, only a few are accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories. Accreditation ensures accuracy in results.

It is important to know what to look for in an emergency, says Dr. Partharsarathy. “It is better to have a list of hospitals which offer laboratory testing facilities, look for the number of years the lab has been in the business and find out if they are accredited. There may be only three or four such labs in the city, and you may be far from an accredited lab. Find out the best in your area even if it is only for preliminary testing,” he says.

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