Nova Diagnostic Center
An automated diagnostic laboratory built around sample integrity, documented quality control and reportable turnaround times. Not yet open to patients.
The test menu we are building
Four disciplines, each with its own instrumentation, quality control and reporting pathway.
Clinical pathology
Haematology, clinical chemistry, serology and urinalysis on automated analysers with bidirectional interfacing to the laboratory information system.
Typical panels: full blood count, liver and renal profiles, lipid profile, HbA1c, thyroid function, inflammatory markers.
Molecular diagnostics
Real-time PCR in a unidirectional workflow, with physically separated extraction, preparation and amplification areas to control contamination.
Controls: internal amplification control on every reaction, plus positive, negative and no-template controls on every run.
Imaging
Digital radiography and ultrasound, reported by qualified radiologists with images retained against your patient record.
Safety: radiation dose kept as low as reasonably achievable, with pregnancy screening before any X-ray examination.
Genetic screening
Targeted screening panels, offered only with specific written consent and with counselling available before and after testing.
Note: genetic results carry implications for blood relatives, so this service will be gated behind a separate consent process.
How a result is made trustworthy
Most laboratory error happens before a sample reaches an analyser. The design below targets each phase separately.
- Positive patient identification at the point of collection, with barcoded tubes labelled in the patient's presence.
- Correct tube type, order of draw and fill volume for each test, since under-filled citrate and EDTA tubes change results.
- Samples transported within their required temperature range, with time from collection to receipt recorded.
- Documented rejection criteria: haemolysis, clotting, insufficient volume, wrong tube, unlabelled or mismatched samples are rejected and recollected rather than run.
- Internal quality control at two or more concentrations on each analytical run, charted over time so drift is visible before it becomes error.
- Defined rejection rules; a failed control blocks patient results from that run until the cause is found and corrected.
- Participation in external quality assessment, where our results on blind samples are compared against other laboratories.
- Instruments calibrated to traceable standards and maintained on a documented schedule.
- Results authorised by a qualified pathologist or authorised signatory before release.
- Reports carry the reference interval, units and method used, so results can be compared correctly across laboratories.
- Critical results are telephoned to the requesting clinician and the call is documented, rather than left in an inbox.
- Amended reports are issued as a new version with the change visible; the original is never silently overwritten.
- A laboratory information system holds the audit trail from request to report, including who performed and who authorised each step.
- Samples are retained for a defined period after reporting to allow add-on tests and repeat analysis, then disposed of as clinical waste.
- Turnaround time is measured from sample receipt to report authorisation, per test, and reviewed against target.
Before we open
A diagnostic laboratory cannot operate on intent alone. These are the gates between here and accepting a first sample.
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Licensing and registration
Registration of the laboratory with the relevant provincial healthcare commission, and any additional authorisation required for radiology and molecular work.
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Qualified oversight
A named pathologist responsible for the laboratory, with authorised signatories identified per discipline.
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Method validation
Each assay verified for precision, accuracy and reportable range on our own instruments before it is offered, not simply taken from the manufacturer's insert.
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Radiation safety
Licensing and periodic inspection for radiation-emitting equipment, with dosimetry for staff working in controlled areas.
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Consent and data
Specific consent for genetic testing, and handling of results under the safeguards in our Privacy Policy.
Questions about our diagnostic programme?
We are speaking to referring clinicians, corporate partners and equipment suppliers ahead of launch. Tell us what you need and we will follow up.