Authentic and reliable pathology labs play important role for proper diagnosis and management of patients, said Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC) Associate Medical Director and Head of Pathology department Dr Asif Loya while meeting with a group of journalists on Monday. He said that clinicians depend on accurate and reliable laboratory test results as unreliable results can have serious consequences. Unfortunately, in our country there are no checks and balances, or any criteria regarding the opening of a pathology lab, as the laboratory accreditation and quality assurance system is not available. As a result, a number of substandard labs have increased with quackery, infecting this noble profession. Such unreliable labs give out results which are completely untrustworthy, he said.
Dr Asif further said that the pathology lab at the SKMCH&RC has made tremendous progress in all sub-specialties of pathology since its inception. It is run by a team of highly qualified consultants. They are supported by highly qualified and dependable technical and managerial staff. There are nearly hundred collection centres all over the country, which ensure quick collection of samples with timely and accurate reporting of results. The reliability and dependability of the lab is evident from its ever-increasing workload. He said that blood bank section at SKMCH&RC provides highest quality infectious screening reducing to a minimum risk of transfusion transmitted diseases.