Integrated Diagnostics: The One Shop Stop Solution

ABSTRACT

Introduction: There is a constant ongoing evolution in the clinicalpractices attributable to the changing lifestyle, newer diseases(#COVID is the newest Trend!) and increasing longevity. Laboratorymedicine has to keep up with the changing face of medicine and hasto cater to the unmet challenges of diagnosis and treatment. By nowwe all know that master of one can never win the race, and a coalitionworks in everyone's favour. This amalgamation of biochemistry,hematology and microbiology provides flexibility in service provisionin the light of increasing expectations, shifts in population demographics and constraint in resource availability.Aims &Objectives: Our aim is to overcome the challenges of thisintegration or consolidation, whatever it may be referred to as and theobjective was one, streamlining the lab services for best patient care.The consolidation had to be at the level of individuals-be it technicians, residents and consultants or at the level of technology, be itSysmex, Stago or Roche or at the level of our approach be it themethods, measures and principles and last but not the least, consolidation of funds for this ever expanding technology.Materials &Methods: APPROACHThe process has to start at all levels simultaneously. The decisionmakers have to draft a policy and then comes the implementation ofplans. Finance, IT department and human resources have to beacquainted with the process and brought to one platform for all towork in unison. Not all stake holders will agree to the plan, but that isthe beauty of a coalition-each new idea helps the lab move one stepforward. The laboratory information system is an excellent exampleof this integration. Connectivity to almost every part of the hospitalhas already been achieved. This has led to better communication,coordination and execution. Compartmentalization is important foraccountability and reducing the Turn Around Time for reports.Result: Meeting Future Needs.Finally, there is the appearance of new diseases and a need for alaboratory response. The recent COVID-19 virus outbreaks highlighted a crucial need for diagnostics. Universal operating proceduresand harmonization of the available diagnostic assays are needed forfaster screening approaches in the global fight against the pandemic.Conclusions: We have to be friendly for a patient friendly diagnosisand thus convergence of various laboratory services is the need of thehour.