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Things to look for before picking a diagnostic lab for your needs

Things to look for before picking a diagnostic lab for your needs

More people are eager to get diagnostic and health examinations as health awareness among the general public rises. Particularly in major cities like Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, etc.. there are now several...

Make sure to explore potential lab test facilities before choosing one. Spend some time examining the lab's reputation and testimonials. Verify if they are qualified to offer the services you require and that they hold the necessary accreditations. To be sure you receive the expert treatment and attention you need, evaluate their internet presence, patient reviews, and any other pertinent information prior to your visit.

In recent years, a diagnostic labs have emerged as the primary sites for performing diagnostic testing, which is now essential for diagnosing, detecting, and monitoring diseases or conditions as well as for offering a prognosis for anticipating treatment outcomes. Over tens of thousands of in vitro diagnostic tests and services are offered internationally for a variety of medical disorders.

It might be challenging for a patient to understand what goes on within a laboratory, how it runs, how tests are carried out, and whether quality standards are upheld. Selecting the best laboratory diagnostic centre can be challenging because of the rising commercialization of the healthcare industry and the proliferation of diagnostic centres or labs around the nation.

Before selecting a diagnostic facility, address the following questions:

  1. Is the facility certified?
    Licensing is the most important consideration when choosing a diagnostic facility. Before using the center's services, be sure it has an ISO certification. You may trust a diagnostic centre if it has been granted accreditation by NABL, the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories, or if the lab is maintained in accordance with NABL standards. After liberalisation, the government made changes to its trade and industrial policy. Quality awareness became essential. The fact that testing facilities and laboratories must now function at a level of proficiency required on an international scale had an impact on them as well.
     
  2.  How reliable are the lab results?
    Since the diagnosis depends on the test results, reports must be accurate. A flawed evaluation may lead to major problems and occasionally even death. Pick a diagnostic facility that is reputable for the calibre of its test results. These laboratory test reports frequently depend on the tools utilised. They must therefore be of the highest calibre and updated as well.Check the facility out for yourself to see if it's kept up well. Care should be taken when handling the samples to prevent their change, which could lead to erroneous results.
     
  3. The doctor's and the staff's qualifications?
    When selecting a diagnostic centre, the experience and expertise of the doctor and the personnel of the relevant diagnostic laboratory should come first. The best lab for your recommended diagnostic test is a diagnostic laboratory that has been in operation for a significant amount of time and is managed with proficiency, competence, and skill by qualified lab staff.
    • The training and experience of the designated medical expert
    • The abilities and expertise of pathologists and lab technicians.
    • Staff's professionalism in putting the needs of the customers first.
     
  4. Is a speedy delivery anticipated?
    Reports must be sent by the diagnostic centre on time. You need the reports promptly because you have a doctor's appointment. An unwelcome delay in the diagnosis will cause the treatment to be delayed.Therefore, the diagnostic facility you select should have the ability to produce reports on schedule and without delay.
     
  5. Is the place clean?
    Verify the sterility of the lab's equipment. The centre should maintain good hygiene. This is a crucial issue to take into account while selecting a diagnostic facility. Maintaining proper sanitization is important. Customers' safety shouldn't be jeopardised, especially given the current pandemic crisis.
     
  6. How far is your residence from the centre?
    For some tests, you must refrain from eating for a predetermined amount of time before returning to the facility later, after eating. Both before and after lunch, a blood sugar test is performed in particular. Look up the center's distance from your house and the travel time needed to get there.
     
  7. Does the lab utilise cutting-edge technology?
    Every day, diagnostics technology advances result in better quality control and shorter turnaround times for test findings. More technology are better suited to bear the burden of today's ailments, such as diabetes, thyroid disease, and tuberculosis. Check which technology is relevant for the tests your doctor has suggested before selecting your diagnostic lab. You can even consult your doctor for advice on this.
     
  8. what kind of health care packages they give you?
    The physical status of a patient can no longer be identified by a straightforward blood test. A health care package is necessary to reduce costs. All metrics will be verified by a reliable lab, giving the patient peace of mind. It helps doctors offer the most effective treatment.