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Laboratory diagnostics are the backbone of modern medicine — an invisible, but irreplaceable foundation. Without them, doctors would not be able to diagnose in time, prescribe the right treatment or, in some cases, save lives.
“Laboratory diagnostics is often underestimated, but it is the basis without which medicine simply does not work. Accurate analysis allows not only to make the right diagnosis but also to give the patient a chance to recover,” says Iryna Novikova, a laboratory specialist from Kharkiv.
In the early days of the war, the laboratory was on the brink of survival. Due to the evacuation of staff, only 25 out of 120 specialists remained.
“The beginning of the war was the most difficult time. The laboratory never stopped, but we could only perform a minimal number of urgent tests. Gradually, as people began to return, we managed to resume our work. But every day we had to look for new solutions,” says Iryna Novikova.
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The support of international partners helped the laboratory not only survive but also move to a new level.
“With the WHO’s support, we have received modern equipment that allows us to conduct more accurate and faster tests. For example, the urine analyzer significantly speeds up the results, and the hematology analyzer works with various biological fluids and determines 29 blood parameters. This changes the quality of our work. And the backup equipment allows us to continue working even in case of breakdowns,” adds Iryna.
Working in the laboratory is not only about analysis; it also involves training, as every step must adhere to international standards.
“Training sessions from the WHO laboratory team have become a powerful tool for our development. In October 2023, we learned how to write standard procedures and improved our knowledge in hematology. It's not just about acquiring knowledge — it's also about inspiration and motivation for the entire team,” says the laboratory specialist.
Technology not only allows for faster testing but also for timely detection of serious diseases.
“Modern equipment allows us to detect tuberculosis even in the most difficult cases. This is especially important when the patient is in intensive care and the symptoms are similar to untreatable pneumonia. Thanks to quick diagnostics, we can prescribe treatment in a timely manner and bring a person back to life,” emphasizes Iryna Novikova.
The laboratory is sometimes an invisible stage in medicine, but every test result is a step toward a patient's health.
“When we obtain accurate results that help doctors, or when a patient receives timely treatment, it brings the greatest joy. Our work is ongoing, with each day presenting new challenges, but it also provides hope and a chance for recovery,” concludes Iryna Novikova.