‘Emerging trends in Laboratory Diagnostics’ Sankara Nethralaya’s initiative to discuss the latest developments in diagnostic practice proved to be a mindboggling knowledge exchange for its participants comprising Students from various institutions, Research Scientists, Lab Professionals at the packed hall at Sri V D Swami Auditorium on Saturday, 25th June 2016.

Welcoming the gathering, Director – Administration, Ms. Akila Ganesan pointed that it was critical for one to be open to “Learn, Relearn and Unlearn” while paying rich encomiums to the stalwart Dr H N Madhavan, who remained a backbone and guiding light to the Vision Research Foundation and its developments in critical areas of Micro Biology, Genetics, Bio-Chemistry and Nano Technology.

After the formal lighting of the Kuthuvillaku to mark the beginning of the session, Prof S Ramani, Prinicipal, the Sankara Nethralaya Academy (TSNA) briefed the gathering on the objectives of his institution and how it stood as a pillar of Sankara Nethralaya by imparting education on Clinical courses.

In his Presidential address, Dr C N Srinivas, Director of Laboratory Medicine, MIOT Hospitals elaborated on the Journey to quality “I to ISO”, elaborately highlighting essential inputs for Quality, he underlined the need for a Management System that included Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Improvement and Quality Cost and how NABL accreditation endorsed the overall competence and operations of the system in place.

Dr V K Ramadesikan, a pioneer Bio-Chemist, Professor and Head of Bio-Chemistry Department at the Tagore Medical College and Hospital, in his lecture on “Sample collection in Clinical Bio-Chemistry – common errors and pitfalls” indicated on the critical role of labs in patient care and how to bring in zero level cognitive and non cognitive errors and differences in lab diagnosis.

The brain storming sessions included a wide range of topics including “Recent advances in Laboratory Hematology”, “Urine Automation”, “Basics of Molecular Microbial techniques”, “Advances in Immunohistochemistry” by stalwarts in the field, along with poster presentations by students of Medical Laboratory technology.

The most invigorating session concluded with a prize distribution and vote of thanks by Dr. Vandana, Lecturer at the Sankara Nethralaya Academy.