Over the years, our laboratory has experienced significant growth in both testing capacity and technological advancements. From a modest setup in 2011 with three instruments and 20 test types, we have expanded to six instruments performing 53 test types, with an astounding 1086% increase in testing volume, reaching 406,240 tests in 2024.

In 2024, two new instruments were added to enhance efficiency and meet growing testing demands:

Roche Cobas 5800 System

• Replaced the older Cobas Ampliprep/Taqman 48 system.

• Supports Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-based Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) for HIV Viral Load Testing.

• Turnaround time reduced by 50%, doubling the throughput from 42 to 84 tests per 8-hour shift.

• Provides an automated, integrated workflow to improve efficiency.

Second Hologic Panther System

• Enhances molecular diagnostics with full automation, supporting random and continuous access.

• Used for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhea (NG), and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) testing via transcription-mediated amplification (TMA).

• Helped meet rising test demand while reducing instrument downtime.

Looking ahead, further improvements are planned to update the laboratory equipment and expand testing capabilities:

1. Replacing two older chemistry and immunoassay instruments to improve turn-around times.

2. Adding a flow cytometer for CD4/CD8 testing, which will enhance immunological monitoring, particularly for HIV/AIDS patient management.

The laboratory has made tremendous progress in expanding testing capabilities, integrating automation, and improving efficiency. The addition of advanced instruments has significantly enhanced productivity, reduced turnaround times, and optimized workflow. With the planned equipment upgrades in 2025, the laboratory is set to further improve diagnostic services and meet future testing demands.