Lifelab

CEBU, Philippines -  Before medical automation, diagnostic laboratories would heavily rely on paper documentation method to send out sample information and test applications.

Such takes up a large amount of labor and time during data entry. A report read that "in fact, manual categorization and sample processing take up roughly 25 percent of the total time in completing specimen analysis. A hurdle to attaining utmost laboratory efficiency is the inconsistency in specimen collection times, labeling methods, and transportation schemes."

The material was cited, via marketing collaterals, during the November 22 grand opening of Lifelab Diagnostics managed by registered medical technologist Louie B. Tadlas.

The notes substantiated the need for a new player in the industry that could provide delivery of honest, reliable, and high quality routine and special diagnostic services. Additionally, Lifelab is launched as the Center for Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APAS) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Testing here in Cebu.

Currently, APAS and SLE tests are done outside of Cebu. "The facility looks forward to making the diagnosis of APAS and SLE faster and more efficient by providing APAS and SLE Testing to local medical specialists, clinics, hospitals, and other diagnostics laboratories," Mr. Tadlas said.

Investing in automation is seen as the best solution to aging personnel and reduction of potential human error in the laboratory, to lessen costs and improve quality and safety. Laboratory automation is responsible for sample quality assessment, optimizing specimen routing and scheduling, assessment process, specimen tracking, intelligent reporting, data retrieval and archiving, and quality control documentation.

Says Tadlas, that in partnership with Scientific Biotech Specialties Incorporated which provides state-of-the-art equipment utilizing European technology, Lifelab Diagnostics combines a fully automated, modern facility with a café lounge ambiance. This concept is inspired by the founder's experience of having to wait in crowded and often "uncomfortable" waiting lounges when seeking the services of a diagnostic lab.

In a tour, it was learned that Lifelab specializes in providing clinical laboratory tests such as hematology, blood chemistry, histopathology (biopsy/cytology), immunology/blood banking, serology, microbiology/gram staining and acid-fast staining, radiologic exam, HIV determination, and other body fluids exam.

The following pre-packaged tests are also available: Diabetes Studies, Executive Workup, Hypertensive Studies, General Workup, Physical Workup, Heart Workup, Kidney Workup, Employees Workup, Teachers Workup, Hepatitis Studies, Lipid Studies, Liver Workout, Thyroid Workout; Mobile Lab Testing, Laboratory Physician Consulting Services, and Laboratory Support to Research Projects.

Automation further enhances output of various devices, instruments, methods and software algorithms to facilitate, speed up and boost the efficiency of operations, as it allows labs with soaring sample load to always reach timely progress and turnaround times (TATs).

As a sampler, 5cc of blood was harvested from this writer to allow specimen to observe functional steps in automation beginning with sample labeling with barcodes, transportation, centrifugation, and pre- and post-analytical processing of a Complete Blood Count.

"We work on becoming the preferred diagnostics laboratory in the Visayas and Mindanao by providing quality care and service to our customers, their families, employees and the community while assuring respect and dignity for each individual," Tadlas assures.

Aside from committing to providing fast and reliable clinical tests to clients, test results may be made readily available online, per client request, through electronic mail which can be accessed via personal computer, smart phones, tablets, phablets, and other smart gadgets. This means no more holding on to those bulky test results.

Machines are also capable of performing multiple tests on a single blood sample which means time saving, less hassle.

Lifelab Diagnostics is located at the 2nd floor of TSI Building along Ouano Avenue, North Reclamation Area, Mandaue City, serving both corporate and medical community. Contact (032) 420-9066 or email: [email protected]. (FREEMAN)