Precision in Modern Healthcare: The Critical Role of Diagnostic Technology

In healthcare, accurate and timely diagnosis forms the foundation of effective treatment. While clinical expertise guides medical decisions, diagnostic technology enhances precision, speed, and reliability. Today, technological advances in diagnostics have transformed the healthcare landscape, with automated systems replacing manual processes that were once time-consuming and prone to human error. From basic blood tests to complex biochemical analyses, modern diagnostic devices in healthcare facilities process dozens and even hundreds of samples daily with accuracy and consistency.

However, access to high-end diagnostic technology remains a challenge. Many healthcare facilities, particularly in smaller cities and rural areas, struggle with the high costs of imported equipment. This limits access to quality diagnostics, reinforcing healthcare disparities. Indigenous development plays a crucial role in addressing this gap by creating cost-effective solutions tailored to diverse infrastructure and resource settings.

Meril’s Indigenous Innovation in Diagnostics

Recognising this need, Meril develops advanced yet affordable diagnostic solutions, ensuring accessibility without compromising quality. The company’s portfolio of diagnostic devices is designed to enhance efficiency while catering to a wide range of laboratory needs.

Three standout products from said portfolio demonstrate this commitment to advancing accessibility to quality healthcare through smart engineering and design, and exemplify how indigenous innovation can deliver world-class technology while maintaining economic viability.

AutoQuant 200 Excelus: Redefining Clinical Biochemistry Analysis

The AutoQuant 200 Excelus is a compact yet powerful biochemistry analyser designed for medium-sized laboratories. With the ability to process 200 tests per hour with 60 cuvettes, this compact analyser brings high-throughput capabilities to labs that may not have access to large-scale systems—transforming routine clinical chemistry testing from a time-consuming process into a streamlined operation.

A key feature is its 45-position reagent/sample capacity, which allows for simultaneous testing of multiple analytes for maximum (defined) chemistries. The built-in water-based cooling system preserves reagent integrity, ensuring consistent performance over extended periods. This is particularly valuable in settings where temperature control can be challenging.

In emergency cases, its STAT function allows urgent samples to be prioritised, improving turnaround times in critical care situations. Moreover, its low water consumption—just six litres per hour—makes it suitable for regions where water availability is inconsistent. Only the used cuvettes are washed, with the provision of single cuvette replacement.

Merilyzer CelQuant Edge: Precision in Hematology

Blood analysis is fundamental in diagnosing a wide range of conditions, from infections to chronic diseases. The Merilyzer CelQuant Edge is an automated three-part analyser that helps count the number of different kinds of blood cells in human blood, ensuring accuracy while minimising sample volume requirements. This is especially beneficial in paediatric cases or when multiple tests are required from a single sample.

The device stores over 50,000 patient results, complete with detailed histograms, providing healthcare providers with critical historical data for monitoring patient progress. Additionally, its automatic recounting function eliminates the need for fresh samples, saving time and reducing patient discomfort.

With a 10.4-inch true-colour display, multi-language support, and seamless connectivity options, the CelQuant Edge is designed for efficiency and ease of use across diverse laboratory environments.

EIAQuant: Advancing Immunoassay Analysis

The Merilyzer EIAQuant aims to bring sophisticated microplate reading capabilities to laboratories of all sizes. Its rapid reading speed—6.5 seconds for single-wavelength tests—combined with high-precision optics enables efficient immunoassaying, which is crucial for time-sensitive disease detection and monitoring.

One of its standout features is the grey zone function, which enhances result interpretation by refining values near cut-off points—helping prevent misdiagnosis. The system supports qualitative, semi-quantitative, and quantitative assays, making it a versatile tool for laboratories handling a broad spectrum of tests.

The Future of Accessible Diagnostics

As healthcare continues to evolve, diagnostic technology is becoming increasingly central to patient care. Fast, accurate, and reliable testing improves treatment decisions, reduces hospital stays, and enhances overall healthcare efficiency. However, for these benefits to be truly transformative, advanced diagnostics must be widely accessible—not just in high-end hospitals but across all levels of healthcare.

By creating diagnostic solutions that combine accuracy, efficiency, and affordability, Meril is helping to ensure that quality healthcare isn’t limited by privileged access. As we look to the future, such indigenous innovations will be crucial in creating a more equitable healthcare landscape—where reliable diagnostics are available to all who need them, regardless of location or economic status.