PGI Chandigarh gets advanced fully automated hemogram laboratory

Chandigarh: The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI Chandigarh) has established an advanced, fully automated hemogram laboratory catering to the institute's heavy OPD patient's workload. The time for receiving blood test reports will be reduced by 4 to 6 hours.

An advanced hemogram laboratory has been inaugurated by Professor Vivek Lal, Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI Chandigarh). 

The lab launched by the haematology department of PGIMER will provide a great advantage to the institute as well as the patients. As a result of the facility, patients will be able to get their test results sooner than they could, reducing the institute's patient load.

Hemogram also referred to as a complete blood count or complete hemogram test is a group of tests performed on a sample of blood. It serves as a broad screening panel that checks for the presence of any diseases and infections in the body. Hemogram tests the three components of the blood: Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells and Platelets.

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Therefore, the automated advanced lab is fully equipped with the latest instruments to test blood samples, and automatically prepare slides for examination by pathologists. In addition to the basic tests, the new machines are also equipped with sophisticated features such as fluorescent platelet counts (useful in dengue patients), detection of fragmented red blood cells in microangiopathic anemia as well as early detection of iron deficiency through reticulocyte haemoglobin content.

Earlier, patients had to wait for more than 10 hours to get the reports of the lab test and now with the help of the advanced lab, the results will be released within 4 to 6 hours. It will save those extra hours which will be beneficial for the institute.

The test is necessary for diagnosing anemia, hematological cancers, infections, acute hemorrhagic states, allergies, and immunodeficiencies. Hence, the lab will also detect abnormal cells in patients with infections and blood cancer. Thus, patient care will be improved and research activities will be aided.

Speaking with The Indian Express, Professor Vivek Lal said "It was a matter of pride for the institute to have state-of-the-art laboratories that compare with the best in the world, and the administration was in full support of further such advancements that ease the life of patients.'"

Professor Reena Das, head of the Department of Haematology, said "The basic tests are often the most important as they impact the largest number of patients."

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