Innovating the future of medical lab science: Dr. Basing’s vision for diagnostics at GAMLS 2024

At the heart of Ghana’s vibrant Bono Region, Sunyani hosted the 2024 National Congress and Scientific Conference of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS). The event, held at the Sunyani – EUSBETT HOTEL, was a momentous gathering of thought leaders, professionals, and policy-makers focused on advancing the practice of medical laboratory science. The conference featured a range of discussions on the future of diagnostics, but none more poignant than the keynote address delivered by Dr. Laud Anthony Basing, a distinguished lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Founder and CEO of Incas Diagnostics, and a leading voice in healthcare innovation.

Titled “Enhancing the Practice of Medical Laboratory Science through Innovative Diagnostics,” Dr. Basing’s speech delved into the evolving landscape of medical diagnostics and the critical role of laboratory scientists in shaping its future.

The global shift towards diagnostics

Dr. Basing began his address by underlining the growing global focus on diagnostics. The COVID-19 pandemic, he explained, has shifted the world’s attention to the pivotal role of diagnostics in healthcare. From the outbreak of COVID-19 to the widespread recognition of diagnostic gaps identified in studies such as the Lancet Commission, it is clear that diagnostics are no longer peripheral but central to health systems worldwide. This shift has created opportunities for laboratories to expand their capacity and reimagine their role in healthcare.

Moreover, international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), along with entities such as FIND, UNITAID, and CHAI, are working relentlessly to strengthen diagnostic capacities in low- and middle-income countries. WHO’s 76th World Health Assembly resolution, passed in May 2023, highlighted the urgent need for better access to diagnostic tools and the development of affordable, accessible, and high-quality tests.

One of the most promising developments, Dr. Basing emphasized, is the rise of Point-of-Care (PoC) testing technologies, which are revolutionizing how and where diagnostics are carried out.

PoC Tests: Revolutionizing patient care

PoC tests, Dr. Basing explained, are diagnostic tools that provide immediate results at or near the site of patient care—outside the traditional laboratory setting. These tests, including lateral flow devices, microfluidic devices, and molecular PoCs, have gained traction because they are quicker, cheaper, and more accessible for patients. In many ways, PoCs represent the future of diagnostics, particularly in resource-constrained environments.

Patients prefer PoC tests for several reasons: they are cost-effective, offer quick results, and are easier to administer. However, Dr. Basing pointed out that despite their potential, the use of PoCs is not without challenges. Issues such as inadequate staff training, lack of quality control, and non-compliance with standard operating procedures undermine the effectiveness of these tests. To address these concerns, he called for the establishment of PoC coordinators in hospitals, better inventory management, and rigorous quality assurance protocols.

The case for molecular and genetic diagnostics

One of the most compelling segments of Dr. Basing’s keynote was his call for laboratories to embrace molecular and genetic diagnostics. Technologies such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) are becoming essential tools in diagnosing diseases at a molecular level. These technologies not only allow for the detection of genetic mutations but also enable personalized medicine, where treatments can be tailored to a patient’s genetic profile.

“The future of medical diagnostics is molecular,” Dr. Basing stated emphatically. “These technologies offer more precise and early detection of diseases, such as cancer and infectious diseases, that traditional methods often miss. They can also monitor disease progression, particularly in chronic conditions like HIV and Hepatitis.”

In a call to action, he urged laboratory scientists to invest in training, adopt new technologies, and work toward the integration of molecular diagnostics into routine clinical practice. The role of the laboratory professional is no longer confined to the traditional diagnostic methods—scientists must evolve with the times to remain relevant in an ever-changing healthcare landscape.

The role of lab scientists in a changing healthcare space

Dr. Basing’s address was a powerful reminder that laboratory scientists must not only keep pace with technological advancements but must also be proactive in shaping the future of their profession. He emphasized that, to remain relevant, laboratories must integrate new technologies, standardize practices, and contribute to research and publications that enhance the credibility of the profession.

“This is not just about technical proficiency. It’s about leadership in an evolving field,” Dr. Basing said. He advocated for a shift towards running laboratories with the efficiency and accountability of a business, using data-driven approaches to improve outcomes and ensure sustainable growth. Additionally, he called for more unified community-based labs that cater to local populations while maintaining high standards.

The need for a strong national quality framework was another key point in his speech. He proposed the creation of a national quality team to oversee laboratory protocols and ensure the harmonization of diagnostic practices across the country. In this framework, capacity-building initiatives such as the LabCap Program would be vital to equip laboratory professionals with the skills to meet the demands of modern diagnostics.

Ethics, publication, and the way forward

Dr. Dennis Adu-Gyasi, the Public Relations Officer of GAMLS, followed Dr. Basing’s keynote with an insightful address on the ethics of scientific publication. He highlighted the importance of integrity in research and the role of laboratory scientists in maintaining the highest standards of scientific rigor. His talk was a timely reminder for professionals to uphold ethical standards, especially as they contribute to the growing body of knowledge in medical diagnostics.

The inauguration of several professional bodies, including the Cytology Society of Ghana (CSG) and the Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science Society, Ghana (HBTSS-G), added a sense of unity and progress to the event. The newly elected national executives of GAMLS, led by Dr. Eric Kofi Aidoo as National President, took their oaths of office, promising to carry forward the vision of advancing laboratory sciences in Ghana.

A call to action

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Basing urged all medical laboratory professionals to embrace change, invest in their skills, and collaborate to advance the field. “There is no turning back,” he declared. “The future of medical laboratory science is here, and it is up to us to shape it.” His call to action resonated with the audience, leaving them inspired and determined to contribute to the transformation of diagnostics in Ghana and beyond.

The 2024 GAMLS National Congress will undoubtedly be remembered as a turning point for the profession, where innovation, ethics, and leadership were woven into the fabric of medical laboratory science.