Autoimmune diseases have risen steadily, necessitating advanced diagnostic solutions and capabilities. Clinical evaluation, treatment, and patient outcomes depend solely on thoroughly investigating clinical markers and antibody assays. Dr Reena Nakra -Principal Director - Lab Management, Technical Excellence, Dr Lal PathLabs, in interaction with IndiaMedToday, shares her views on the complexities of curating comprehensive testing panels for autoimmune diagnostics. She also sheds light on the power of technological innovations in streamlining workflows, improving TAT and ensuring seamless patient communication channels.
Autoimmune diagnostics is a very niche segment in the diagnostics domain. Given this, how do you perceive this segment to grow in future? Do you foresee technological advancements in the form of lab-on-chip technology being extended to even the detection of autoimmune conditions?
The autoimmune disease diagnostics market is experiencing significant growth, driven by factors such as heightened public and clinical awareness, rising incidence of autoimmune disorders, and technological advancements enhancing accuracy and efficiency in diagnostic testing for autoimmune disorders.
The global autoimmune disease diagnostics market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2 per cent from 2024 to 2030. There has been a steady rise in Autoimmune diseases, especially after COVID-19, with recent studies showing an increase in the incidence of up to 30 per cent. In India, the expected CAGR is 8 per cent in the next six years. Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) Technology devices miniaturize laboratory processes onto a single chip, enabling rapid, sensitive, and portable point-of-care detection of biomarkers. Dr Lal PathLabs, however, does not plan to use these extensively in Autoimmunity in future due to current limited biomarkers on this technology.
Autoimmune disorders have been on a steady rise in recent times. In what way have you enhanced your testing capabilities to offer a comprehensive testing panel to consumers/patients?
Diagnosis of Autoimmune disease has always been a challenge given the variable presentation and mimicry of symptoms by these disorders. As per studies published, it takes about four years and multiple consults to reach a diagnosis in these conditions.
At Dr Lal PathLabs’ Center of Excellence for Autoimmunity (L-ACE ) we have enhanced comprehensive autoantibody panels for better detection, monitoring, and management of these conditions and also offer disease-specific profiles. The COE has integrated advanced technologies, robotics and fully automated systems with AI-Driven Analysis to improve pattern recognition in ANA and antibody profiling leading to higher ANA test accuracy, high throughput, stringent quality and fast turnaround time of quality reports.
To enhance accessibility, we have expanded the testing capabilities across our network to 30 labs pan India over the last two years. Disease-specific panels use multiplex immunoassays, detecting multiple autoantibodies simultaneously, using platforms like Luminex and ELISA. NGS is used for diagnosing rare autoimmune genetic predispositions for early interventions to improve disease outcomes.
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Diagnosis of Autoimmune disease has always been a challenge given the variable presentation and mimicry of symptoms by these disorders. As per studies published, it takes about four years and multiple consults to reach a diagnosis in these conditions.
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Early detection is a crucial step in deciding treatment protocols for autoimmune disorders. How do your testing tools and reports empower clinicians to make timely decisions?
The Quality reports at LPL are generated using AI-Driven Analysis to improve pattern recognition in ANA and antibody profiling reported after review by skilled pathologists leading to higher ANA test accuracy. Our reports include the Immunofluorescence microphotographs of patterns detected for – ANA, ANCA, DsDNA enabling higher confidence and clarity. Detailed reports with actionable insights are shared with treating physicians, improving diagnostic confidence.
At L-ACE we have the widest test menu with over 100 + Autoimmunity tests for screening and diagnosis of rare conditions covering not only systemic autoimmune disease but organ-specific autoimmune disease panels too, helping physicians choose the most relevant diagnostic tests.
The centre of excellence for autoimmune disorders at Dr Lal PathLabs boasts of having specialists and experts on your panel. Could you elaborate more on how expert insights are driving patient outcomes?
Dr. Lal PathLabs Autoimmunity Centre of Excellence (L-ACE) collaborates with medical advisors and experts in the field of autoimmunity and ensures precision in diagnosis, enhances patient understanding, and fosters collaboration with physicians. Expert input ensures that testing strategies are cost-effective and clinically impactful.
This comprehensive approach drives improved patient outcomes and contributes to better disease management across a wide spectrum of autoimmune conditions.
We conduct annual academic seminars empanelling top rheumatologists and specialists to provide insights on emerging trends in diagnostics, monitoring and therapy in Autoimmunity.
Regular case discussions and consultation services for referring doctors ensure continuity of care. The Center actively participates in research initiatives to understand the Indian population's autoimmune disease patterns. Insights from research are applied to refine diagnostic protocols and tailor diagnostic algorithms to the Indian population.
Autoimmunity Awareness Campaigns for educating patients and physicians about advanced autoimmune tests are regularly conducted in collaboration with hospitals and partners.
Molecular diagnostics is proving to be an invaluable tool in disease detection. How is molecular diagnostics being leveraged for early diagnosis and detection of autoimmune disorders and what advantages does it offer?
Molecular diagnostics enables the detection of genetic and epigenetic markers associated with autoimmune disorders. At Dr Lal PathLabs, techniques such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), PCR and microarrays are used for the identification of HLA variants for Ankylosing spondylitis, Behcet’s disease and predisposition genes for Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY).
Autoimmune diagnostics require high sensitivity, which can be challenging to achieve in compact POCT devices. Ensuring accuracy and reproducibility across devices is also critical.
POCT has been gaining traction in recent times, are you considering devising POCT for even autoimmune disorders?
POCT has gained significant traction in recent years due to its ability to provide rapid results. At Dr Lal PathLabs, there is an ongoing exploration of leveraging POCT for autoimmune disorders to address the rising prevalence and need for early and efficient diagnostics. POCT devices
are coming up for Rapid anti-CCP and rheumatoid factor detection for early intervention but their role in ANA & ANA profile testing is still emerging as high specificity as well as sensitivity is required to avoid false positives. Autoimmune diagnostics require high sensitivity, which can be challenging to achieve in compact POCT devices. Ensuring accuracy and reproducibility across devices is also critical.
The amalgamation of technology and diagnostics has been revolutionising the diagnostic space leading to streamlined workflows, precision and quicker TAT. In what ways has Dr Lal Path labs integrated digital technologies into your diagnostic stack?
Dr Lal PathLabs’ integration of digital technologies into its diagnostic stack has revolutionised service delivery by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility. These innovations are not only improving operational workflows but also empowering patients and clinicians with faster, more reliable diagnostic solutions.
At Dr Lal PathLabs, robotics is used for sample handling, reducing manual errors and enabling faster processing. Our robust LIMS integrates all laboratory operations, from sample collection to reporting, ensuring seamless data management and traceability. Real-time tracking of sample status provides transparency and speeds up TAT.
At Dr Lal PathLabs, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms assist in analysing complex test results, such as pattern recognition in ANA.
Digital platforms facilitate seamless communication between physicians and lab experts, improving patient care and diagnostic interpretation. Patients can access reports and consult specialists online, enhancing convenience.
Secure digital platforms ensure patient data is protected while offering easy access to reports via mobile apps and web portals. Patients can schedule tests, track sample progress, and receive reminders for follow-ups through these platforms.
Big data analytics aids in operational optimisation, resource allocation, and identifying areas for improvement. It supports research and development by analysing diagnostic trends and outcomes.
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Secure digital platforms ensure patient data is protected while offering easy access to reports via mobile apps and web portals. Patients can schedule tests, track sample progress, and receive reminders for follow-ups through these platforms.
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Immunochemistry has proved to have immense potential in offering unparalleled insights to clinicians. What sort of immunoassays do you use to improve diagnostic efficiency and precision?
Immunochemistry has revolutionised diagnostics by providing clinicians with unparalleled insights into disease mechanisms, detection, and management. At Dr. Lal PathLabs, advanced immunoassays are widely used for detecting autoantibodies, infectious agents, and biomarkers in autoimmune disorders, allergies, and infectious diseases owing to its high accuracy, good throughput, high linearity and exceptional precision in quantitative measurements for antibodies and biomarkers.
