New DHA lab to provide testing for tuberculosis
dubai — A new standalone laboratory, which provides several stateof-the-art diagnostic services, has been launched by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). It is also the only facility in Dubai and the Northern Emirates to provide testing for tuberculosis (TB) and legionella.
The stand-alone lab in Satwa has expanded its capacity with services offered earlier at Rashid Hospital.
Humaid Al Qutami, directorgeneral of the DHA, said: “We have expanded our diagnostic laboratories recognising their pivotal role in terms of disease recognition, interpretation and disease surveillance.”
Dr Hussain Al Samt, director of Pathology and Genetics Department at the DHA, pointed out: “Recognition of disease is the foundation of disease control and prevention. In the process of disease recognition, the diagnostic laboratory plays a crucial role. From disease etiology, to an interpretative role and disease surveillance, laboratory professionals provide the medical sector much needed support and are an important link in the patient care process.”
Dr Rania Medhat Seliem, head of Pathology Laboratory, Rashid Hospital and Consultant at the DHA’s Pathology and Genetics Department, said that it is the only facility in the UAE providing second line drug susceptibility test for TB. It is a very important test to know the drug susceptibility in patients with diseases such as TB. It helps understand which medicines will work and which will not on them.”