Why so many tests? How many of us can understand the sheets of paper we receive after a simple blood test? Do we require so many tests, or is it just a moneymaking tactic? What is the minimum knowledge we must have of pathological methods and testing? How much is too much?
According to one report, profit margins in pathologies are 23 to 25 percent. The worrying fact is that the diagnostic industry is highly competitive, because of low entry barriers. Organised players cater to only 17 percent of the market.
For this column, we delve into the why and how of diagnostic testing.
Dr Nilesh Shah's qualifications include a BSc and PhD in microbiology and a DMLT (diploma in medical laboratory technology). He has 37 years of experience in his field. At 57, he is the president and chief of science and innovaHealthcare tion at Metropolis Limited.
Why we need to be tested on so many parameters: Comprehensive testing helps ensure good health and well-being, besides providing the clinician a detailed picture for easy decision-making. But it is essential to avoid tests that are beyond the doctor's prescription and are irrelevant.
Renowned laboratories have well-designed test packages that align with best practices. For instance, opting for a lipid profile instead of separate cholesterol and triglyceride tests can provide better value without redundancy, saving both time and money.
What do we do with 40-page reports we cannot make any sense of: Receiving lengthy reports filled with potentially irrelevant data can be overwhelming.
Bu hikaye THE WEEK India dergisinin March 03, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye THE WEEK India dergisinin March 03, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Indira's Bang
How Indira Gandhi secured the borders, ended food import, before going for the test
Who's Afraid Of A New Nuclear Doctrine?
It has been 50 years since Pokhran I. With its capabilities increasing and global power equations changing, does India need to look at reviewing its nuclear doctrine?
I don't think things will change because of the win
When independent filmmaker Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light scripted history by winning the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, it was not just a proud moment for the film's team, but also a triumph for the collective aspirations of women across the country.
Sid for kids
As a child, Sidhartha Mallya wished he had someone in his life to tell him what he wants to convey in his latest children's book, Sad Glad
Ready to roll
Following the Pokhran tests, India has operationalised a credible deterrent that the nation should be proud of
Breaking nuclear apartheid
How India protected its ability to move ahead with the nuclear weapons programme despite not signing the NPT
Power point
The Pokhran tests launched India's march towards being a full partner and participant in the global nuclear order
Shock and awe
India’s comprehensive capability in the nuclear domain is the result of its autonomous pursuit of the atomic programme against all odds
Spied on none, stole from none
A senior scientist during the Pokhran test in 1974 and chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission during the tests in 1998, Dr Rajagopala Chidambaram has been a key figure in the Indian nuclear journey.
Leader with a difference
ARVIND KEJRIWAL'S RETURN TO JAIL APPEARS IMMINENT. BUT HIS BLISTERING POLL CAMPAIGN MAY HAVE BRIGHTENED INDIA BLOC’S PROSPECTS