The pathology laboratory network of SRL Ranbaxy has launched its 17th satellite laboratory at Chennai. The new laboratory offers a comprehensive range of tests, from the simplest to the most sophisticated, at a consumer friendly price, said officials in the press conference, here at Chennai.

The 4,500 sq.feet laboratory will conduct tests on haematology range, including complete blood count, ESR, blood grouping, bleeding time, Coombs test and Smear study etc., on a 3 part automated cell counter. It will also cover tests on biochemistry range, including blood sugar test, creatinine, electrolytes, liver function tests, microalbumin etc., histopathology range, including histopath and cytopath reporting and FNAC procedures, microbiology and serology range for microbial cultures, serological tests, HIV-1 and 2 antibodies, Hepatitis B and C etc.

The company aims to launch about 50 satellite laboratories in the country by the end of 2007, said V.S. Venkatesh, director, sales and marketing, SRL Ranbaxy. Plans are to start a satellite laboratory at Jalandhar in collaboration with Patel Hospital Pvt. Ltd., and talks are going on to launch centres at Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu and Thrissur, at Kerala, Venkatesh told Pharmabiz. He said that the centre at Thrissur would be launched in the next six months time under a franchisee.

Upon the 17 satellite laboratories, six are launched with the help of franchisees, including in Chennai. The investment of the new lab is about Rupees one crore. The company also announced that the laboratory would undertake several schemes including a Hepatitis B testing project for one-lakh school children with the Lions Club.