Raising the overall quality of laboratory testing

Laboratory testing is the basis of most medical diagnoses, but in many developing world contexts, reliable laboratory testing is the exception rather than the rule. The Aga Khan University (AKU), as part of its outreach programme, has worked in recent years to solve this problem in Pakistan.

AKU expanded the number of its laboratory collection units to 82 cities and towns in Pakistan. There are now over 200 such units throughout the country. At the same time, to meet the demand for the tests, AKU built a larger central processing laboratory in Karachi. The University now processes over seven million laboratory tests each year. Standards set by the AKU units, which follow international standards, have become the benchmark for doctors throughout Pakistan. This trend has encouraged other laboratories to raise the quality of their equipment and procedures, thereby raising the overall quality of laboratory testing, the accuracy of diagnoses and the provision of treatment and care.

"Our approach is being driven by powerful trends that are rapidly changing healthcare practice and patient care demands throughout the world. Increased medical specialisation and advances in pharmacology, diagnosis and surgical techniques are making possible dramatic improvements in patient care." His Highness the Aga Khan at the launch of the second phase of the expansion of the Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - 18 March 2005