Laboratory test results are the cornerstone for diagnosis and treatment - Akinwale EA (PhD)

Air Commodore EA Akinwale (PhD), Air Commodore, Commanding Officer, 445 Nigerian Air Force Laboratory, has described laboratory test results as the cornerstone for patient diagnosis and treatment, he added that laboratory results are responsible for about 70 per cent of decisions on patients' diagnosis and treatment.

“Laboratory test results are the cornerstone for patient diagnosis and treatment, and the principles of high quality laboratory testing is the same anywhere in the world. On the whole, it is estimated that 60-70% of all decisions regarding a patient’s diagnosis and treatment, hospital admission and discharge are based on laboratory test results,” he said.

He added that unaccredited laboratories in Nigeria are to a large extent responsible for increased mortality, morbidity and misdiagnosis

An expert has stated that On the dangers associated with operating unaccredited laboratories in Nigeria, Akinwale said it increases the risk of morbidity and mortality.

"The consequences of operating unaccredited laboratories in Nigeria include increased mortality and morbidity, misdiagnosis, which results in therapeutic failure and exacerbation of disease and resistance to antimicrobials," he said.

"In addition to the loss of confidence in health systems and health workers leading to a decline in medical tourism, economic loss for parents, families and health systems; the waste of enormous human effort and increased burden for health workers should also be considered, as well as the over diagnosis of medical conditions such as malaria and typhoid."

On the impact of laboratory results on patient care, he said it helps in decision making  processes.

He said: “Laboratory test results are the cornerstone for patient diagnosis and treatment, and the principles of high quality laboratory testing is the same anywhere in the world. On the whole, it is estimated that 60 to 70% of all decisions regarding a patient’s diagnosis and treatment, hospital admission and discharge are based on laboratory test results.”

Air Commodore EA Akinwale (PhD), Air Commodore, Commanding Officer, 445 Nigerian Air Force Laboratory, has been announced as one of the speakers at the forthcoming MEDLAB conference holding in Lagos, Nigeria.

In a statement made available to HealthNewsNG, Informa Life Sciences, organizers of the conference said Dr. Akinwale would be speaking on laboratory accreditation and its importance in strengthening laboratory systems in Nigeria.

"[These] results in therapeutic failure and exacerbation of disease and resistance to antimicrobials. In addition to the loss of confidence in health systems and health workers leading to a decline in medical tourism, economic loss for parents, families and health systems; the waste of enormous human effort and increased burden for health workers should also be considered, as well as the over diagnosis of medical conditions such as malaria and typhoid," he said.

Dr. Akinwale will be speaking on laboratory accreditation and its importance in strengthening laboratory systems in Nigeria at the MEDLAB laboratory conference organised by Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions. He described the conference as an event to create awareness.

“An event like MEDLAB Nigeria creates awareness for the identified gaps such as the laboratory quality service and accreditation issues. It creates room for brainstorming on issues raised with a view to proffering solutions, and draws the attention of policy makers and stakeholders to address all identified contemporary issues,” he said.

The 2^nd edition of Medic West Africa will be held from 16 - 18 October 2013 at the Eko Hotel & Exhibition Centre, Lagos, Nigeria and  HealthNewsNG is a media partner.