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The diagnostic industry continues to stride ahead with AI technology

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  The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a rapid implementation of new technologies in the diagnostic industry. With an increasing number of tests creating a burden on pathologists, digitization has helped enhance clinical lab workflow.    A TV commercial for a famous brand of a ceiling fan shows the fan obeying the command of two young children when they instruct it to be put on/off. And let’s not forget our assistants Alexa and Siri who follow each order to the ‘T’! Have you recently watched a crime thriller on Netflix? Wait…you now have a whole list of recommendations based on your past selection! By now, most people have experienced AI in some capacity or the other… be it a watch powered by AI, a food ordering app or an air conditioner! Of all the industries it has cast its magical spell on so far, AI is transforming the healthcare industry like never before. According to a published report, the market for Al/ML will reach USD 52 bn in 2024 from USD 29 bn in 2019. The im...

Screening for Transfusion Transmitted Infections - an important aspect in achieving the elimination goals for India

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  By now, it’s a known fact that every two seconds someone needs blood and each year thousands of lives are saved by blood transfusions, globally. Having said that, Transfusion Transmitted Infections (TTIs) are a global health concern. India has taken significant steps in line with the WHO guidelines to limit the prevalence of TTIs over the past few years . According to the latest data registered by WHO in 2020, of the 118.5 mn blood donations collected globally, 40% were collected in high-income countries, home to 16% of the world’s population. While this may give an indication of the number of patients benefitting through blood transfusions, another important aspect to consider is how many patients requiring transfusion get timely access to safe blood. Blood and blood components are life-saving but at the same time can often result in significant adverse events including immunologic reactions and infections, which can prove to be fatal. Transfusion Transmitted Infections (TTIs) a...

Diabetes – a growing health concern in India

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  A chronic metabolic disease, diabetes now affects more than 77 mn Indians, a number which is expected to grow to 134 mn by 2045. Diabetes and its types Diabetes occurs either when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin to regulate blood glucose or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. The main types of diabetes are: Type 1: Previously known as Insulin Dependent Diabetes or Juvenile Diabetes, it is caused due to body’s malfunction to produce insulin. Type 2: This is caused due to insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to use insulin properly. This form was previously known as non-insulin dependent diabetes or adult onset diabetes. Besides this there is a third type, the Gestational diabetes that occurs in pregnant women, who develop a high blood glucose level without previous history of diabetes. Global prevalence of diabetes According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), there are 537 mn adults now living with diabetes and it...

World Thrombosis Day - how dangerous can blood clots be and why early detection is crucial

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  Thrombosis or blood clotting can be a clinically silent condition, proving to be critical without any warning signs. However, blood clots can be prevented and treated, if detected in time. On World  Thrombosis Day, Transasia Bio-Medicals sheds some light on the prevalence of VTE and its detection by a simple blood test such as D Dimer.  Blood clots - the first line of defense or a cause of concern? Blood clotting or coagulation is the body’s defense tactic against bleeding. In the case of an injury, the clotting system is activated to ‘plug’ the injury site and prevent excess blood loss. Once healed, the body breaks down the clot. In certain instances, the blood clot may fail to dissolve after an injury, or clots may form inappropriately, within a blood vessel, preventing normal flow. This process is called thrombosis. Know the different types Broadly speaking there are two main types - venous and arterial, depending on where the clot occurs. Arterial thrombosis can ...

Quality with a Purpose

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  All ISO standards are reviewed and revised regularly to make sure they remain relevant to the marketplace. ISO 13485:2016 responds to the latest QMS practices, reflecting the evolution in medical device technology and changes in regulatory requirements and expectations. Transasia is the first Indian IVD Company to receive the ICMED 13485 quality certificate in 2018 for indigenously manufactured medical devices.   ISO 13485, Medical devices – Quality management systems – Requirements for regulatory purposes, is an internationally agreed standard that sets out the requirements for a quality management system specific to the medical devices industry. Designed to be used by organizations throughout the lifecycle of a medical device, from initial conception to production and post-production, it includes final decommission and disposal. It also covers aspects such as storage, distribution, installation and servicing, and the provision of associated servi...

Lab medicine in the post COVID era: Technology to drive better accessibility and testing capabilities

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  The pandemic has led to a paradigm shift in the diagnostic industry. Direct-to-home testing and focus on preventive healthcare are disrupting the industry to become more patient-centric in the future.      Until a few years back, the role of clinical laboratory was to provide vital information on disease diagnosis aiding medical professionals in management through appropriate interventions. However, advancements in IT enabled diagnostics techniques, for both equipment and testing, have led to greater efficiencies.  Building better testing capabilities- Advancements in product technology and the need for convenient sampling is leading to a paradigm shift for less invasive tests that rely on saliva and dried blood spots. Sampling of saliva is beneficial for the healthcare professionals too, as it spares them the risk of being exposed to the infected sample during collection. Similarly, dried blood spots technique is gaining preference for neonatal tests....