CDEM laboratory spreads knowledge

• Workshop on ‘Awareness on medical laboratory technology’

The CDEM laboratory, a steadily developing medical laboratory situated in No. 55, Norris Canal Road, Colombo 10 recently held a program ‘awareness on medical laboratory technology’ for participants from laboratories and collection centres. 

The day was Sunday, 18 June and the venue was CDEM laboratory followed by Brooks Reception Hall in Hedges Court. 

Although young as 15 months the CDEM laboratory has been able to gain confidence of around 75 medical laboratories and general practitioner centres. The owners, general practitioners, chief medical laboratory technologists and phlebotomists from those laboratories and collecting centres gathered at the CDEM laboratory at 10:30 in the morning. They were given a guided tour of the lab by experienced and qualified medical laboratory technologists to show state-of-the art equipment, automated data handling system, well maintained environmental and storage conditions, and sample handling. 

Then the visitors were taken to the nearby Brooks Reception Hall by the marketing team of CDEM. The proceedings took place in a friendly and calm atmosphere which helped the professionals to enjoy as well as gather knowledge. CDEM Marketing Manager Rimzan Zackeriya addressed the gathering and started giving away small tokens to participants. CDEM laboratory Quality Executive Shashika Perera stated why quality is of utmost importance to management of CDEM laboratory. She explained about quality manual and sample collection manual which was distributed to all participants then and there. 

Next Consultant Chemical Pathologist Dr. Gaya Katulanda addressed the audience. She talked on frequently ordered biochemistry tests, pre-analytical aspects, interpretation, misconceptions and common errors that can occur. This was followed by lunch. Consultant Microbiologist Dr. Praneetha Somarathna spoke on testing on microbiology. General Manager Dr. Malith Atapattu was keen to share a few words with participants who travelled to Colombo for the program. In the meantime all participants got the chance to talk to consultants to unravel their queries on medical laboratory issues. 

This was followed by more exciting moments. A quiz was conducted by Dr. Gaya Katulanda. Those who scored high marks received special gifts. Lots of gifts and gift vouchers were received by many after a raffle draw. None of the participants were sent home empty handed, showing ample appreciation and gratitude. 

The event was praised by many who attended as CDEM laboratory is not only giving a quality service on time but also looking after those at collection centres by teaching them. CDEM laboratory is a progressing business organisation as well as an innovative and revolutionary medical laboratory. The key strengths are advanced technology, internationally accepted test methodologies, constant consultant supervision, wide range of testing, attractive packages and rapid service (some test results within two hours)

Zackeriya concluded the proceedings thanking his team for all the effort in organising such an event and all participants for being there on a Sunday morning. The CDEM laboratory is looking forward to holding many such events in the future.