Apollo Diagnostics Launches Digi-Smart Central Lab in Chennai

Under one automated system, the facility integrates five major laboratory disciplines—clinical chemistry, immunoassay, serology, hematology, and hemostasis.

Apollo Diagnostics has inaugurated its Digi-Smart Central Reference Laboratory (CRL) in Chennai, which aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and operational efficiency.

Under one automated system, the facility combines five major laboratory disciplines—clinical chemistry, immunoassay, serology, hematology, and hemostasis.

The laboratory has been designed to reduce diagnostic turnaround time and enhance result reliability through automation, robotics, and data algorithms. According to company officials, integrating these technologies enables a 60% reduction in sample turnaround time.

Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Founder and Chairman of Apollo Hospitals, said the new lab would support timely and precise clinical decisions.

“By seamlessly combining five key laboratory disciplines with advanced automation, this lab delivers faster, more accurate results, directly translating to better patient outcomes,” he added.

The facility also offers over 3,000 types of tests, covering areas such as microbiology, flow cytometry, histopathology, cytopathology, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, and medical genetics. This comprehensive test coverage supports various diagnostic needs across clinical domains.

Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice-Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, highlighted the foundational role of diagnostics in clinical care. She said, “Seventy percent of what happens in clinical care is driven by accurate diagnostics. It is the strongest pillar in healthcare delivery.”

The CRL is equipped with advanced robotics, high-definition imaging tools, and machine learning algorithms. These systems are intended to reduce manual errors and improve the consistency of results, making the diagnostic process more efficient.

Suneeta Reddy, MD, Apollo Hospitals, noted that the group plans to expand into high-end genomics, building on the CRL's current capabilities. The expansion is expected to support more specialised and precision-based diagnostics.

Apollo Diagnostics stated that the Digi-Smart facility would enhance the accuracy and reliability of patient diagnostics, an essential component of effective clinical treatment and care.

Senior hospital leadership, including President and CEO Madhu Sasidhar, was present at the launch.