Unveiling the Role and Mechanisms of Blood Testing: How Sysmex Supports Diagnostics in Healthcare
Have you ever wondered where the blood drawn during health checkups or hospital visits goes? Who performs the tests, how are they conducted, and why are blood tests so crucial? In this article, we explore the essential roles and processes of blood tests, and introduce the dedicated professionals and advanced equipment from Sysmex that support these vital diagnostic procedures.
Where Does Your Blood Go? From Collection to Test Results
What Can a Blood Sample Reveal? Types of Blood Tests and Diseases They Detect
Sysmex: Leading Innovations in Testing Instruments That Are Essential in Diagnosis and Treatment
Where Does Your Blood Go? From Collection to Test Results
Large hospitals have specialized clinical laboratories for testing. Certified laboratory technicians conduct these tests based on doctors’ instructions. The blood collected by nurses during medical examinations or health checkups is first sent to the clinical laboratory.1The laboratory technicians place the blood-filled test tubes into advanced equipment, which automatically measures and analyses the samples, categorizing them as normal or abnormal. If abnormalities are detected, a laboratory technician may perform further investigations under a microscope. The test results are then sent to the doctor, who explains the diagnosis to the patient based on the test results and other clinical findings.
By promptly conveying accurate test results to doctors, laboratory technicians enable them to make accurate diagnoses and determine appropriate treatments. This timely information is crucial for the early detection and effective treatment of illnesses, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
- 1. Example of operations in large hospitals with in-house clinical laboratories
Clinical laboratories in hospitals are equipped with a wide range of advanced testing instruments, conducting numerous diagnostic tests every day to ensure accurate and timely results.
What Can a Blood Sample Reveal? Types of Blood Tests and Diseases They Detect
Tests that use samples collected from a patient’s body, such as blood or urine, to assess the patient’s health are known as “in vitro diagnostics.” These tests are essential in various medical scenarios, including preventative health check-ups, disease diagnosis, treatment strategy determination, and medication effect evaluation. In vitro diagnostics play a crucial role in quickly and accurately understanding the patient’s condition, facilitating diagnosis and treatment.
In vitro diagnostics conducted in various situations from prevention to prognosis
Even a small amount of blood contains a wealth of information for understanding the body’s condition and the causes of illnesses. Various types of tests include those that measure the number and size of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to assess anemia and general health. Other tests examine the ease of bleeding and clotting, and tests that detect proteins (antibodies) produced to fight bacteria and viruses, aiding in the diagnosis of infectious diseases and other conditions.
Types of blood tests and the diseases they reveal
Sysmex: Leading Innovations in Testing Instruments That Are Essential in Diagnosis and Treatment
The most fundamental blood test is the hematology test, which examines the number and morphology of blood cells to assess the overall health of the body. This test is routinely performed in many hospitals and health checkups. Historically, laboratory technicians manually counted blood cells using microscopes. However, in 1963, Sysmex revolutionized this process by commercializing Japan’s first automated hematology analyzer. For over half a century, Sysmex has been at the forefront of blood testing innovation, working closely with medical professionals to develop new testing methods that enhance productivity in clinical laboratories and support advanced medical care. Throughout the years, Sysmex has consistently adapted to evolving societal and medical needs, creating numerous innovations in collaboration with our customers. Today, as a global leader in blood testing, Sysmex supports people’s health in more than 190 countries and regions. By leveraging over 50 years of technology and expertise, along with open innovation, Sysmex is dedicated to developing high-value testing and diagnostic technologies that address global healthcare challenges.
Column: The Revolutionary HS-Series Integrated Hematology System - Enhancing Efficiency and Safety in Clinical Laboratories -
In the late 1980s, medical institutions faced significant challenges due to rising healthcare costs and the emergence of infectious diseases such as AIDS. Addressing the critical needs for reducing the operating costs of clinical laboratories and ensuring the safety of laboratory technicians became paramount. In response, Sysmex developed the HS-Series Integrated Hematology System in 1990, marking the world’s first fully automated system for blood cell counting, white blood cell classification, reticulocyte measurement to assess bone marrow hematopoietic capacity, and preparation of blood samples for abnormal value investigation. This groundbreaking system automated the entire workflow of sample transportation and pre- and post-measurement manual processes, thereby significantly enhancing the efficiency of clinical laboratories and reduced the infection risks associated with blood handling. Sysmex’s HS-Series has made a substantial contribution to overcoming the challenges faced by clinical laboratories.
Conclusion
In this article, we introduced blood tests—one of the most familiar types of tests—their mechanisms and roles, as well as the people and instruments that support these tests behind the scenes. We hope this has helped you understand the importance of blood tests and their deep connection to your daily life.
Blood tests, which can be used to examine the state of a body with just a sample, have limitless potential. For example, as an alternative to invasive tissue biopsies that require surgery, tests are being developed worldwide to detect substances in the blood that serve as indicators for diagnosing and treating diseases like cancer. Additionally, there are tests to detect early signs of dementia from a small amount of blood. These advancements leverage the simplicity of blood tests to contribute to a better healthcare journey.2
Sysmex will continue to support the field of testing and your health through further innovations in blood testing. Below, you can read the stories of employees who are striving to provide new value to patients and the medical field, driven by their belief in the limitless potential of blood.
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- 2. Sysmex promotes the concept of a “healthcare journey.” We view the various healthcare-related events a person experiences throughout their lives (life stages), along with the corresponding processes these involve (such as treatment at healthcare institutions), as a “journey.” Through various collaborations, we aim to offer new value, to make each individual’s healthcare journey better, and to grow as an essential presence in society. ”Healthcare journey” is a trademark of Sysmex Corporation, registered in Japan. ▶Short movie "About Healthcare Journey" (Sysmex Corporation’s Official YouTube Channel)
- Information contained in the stories is current as of the date of the announcement,
but may be subject to change without prior notice.
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