Apollo Diagnostics Central Reference Laboratory CRL Completes 8.6 Million Tests in First Year, Sets New Benchmark

Chennai, April 30, 2026: Apollo Diagnostics today marked the first anniversary of its Digi-Smart Central Reference Laboratory (CRL) in Chennai, celebrating a year of rapid growth and technological advancement that has reshaped the region’s diagnostic ecosystem.

(L to R) - Dr. Madhu Sasidhar President and CEO, Apollo Hospitals group, Dr. Mamta Soni Chief Apollo Central Reference Laboratory,   Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Chairman & Founder , Apollo Hospitals Group, Mr. Sriram Iyer , Chief Executive Officer, Apollo Health and Lifestyle , Dr Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy - CEO Chennai Region during 1st year Journey Book unveiling

Since its inauguration in April 2025, the facility has emerged as South and Southeast Asia’s fourth-largest integrated laboratory, highlighting a significant leap in diagnostic capabilities. Built on a digital-first framework powered by automation and Lean Six Sigma principles, the CRL has enhanced precision, efficiency, and scalability in medical testing.

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In its first year of operations, the laboratory processed over 8.6 million tests, underscoring its high-volume capacity and growing demand. Automation played a key role in its success, with 86% of manual processes streamlined, while test volumes surged by 40% without compromising speed or safety. The facility also maintained a 99.9% adherence to analytical turnaround time (TAT), coupled with a near-zero error rate.

Speaking on the milestone, Dr. Prathap C. Reddy said the CRL represents a defining moment in the evolution of diagnostics. He emphasized that the integration of technology with clinical excellence has enabled the laboratory to process millions of samples with remarkable accuracy, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability. He added that advancements in artificial intelligence, analytics, and genomic science will further strengthen early detection and personalized treatment in the coming years.

Dr. Sangita Reddy noted that the milestone reflects not just technical achievements but also the blending of digital intelligence with patient-centric care. She highlighted that turnaround times have improved by 47%, supported by AI-driven auto-validation systems—among the few of their kind in the country—allowing faster and more informed clinical decisions.

The Digi-Smart CRL leverages advanced robotics, machine learning, and high-definition imaging systems to optimize processes, reduce errors, and accelerate diagnostic timelines. Its hub-and-spoke “cluster consolidation” model, with the CRL at the core, enables Apollo to extend services across India and Southeast Asia efficiently. The facility currently supports a daily capacity of 40,000 samples, ensuring consistent service delivery across its network.

In recognition of its impact, the laboratory was honored with the Laboratory Excellence Award for Outstanding Services at the Global Diagnostic Directors’ Conclave, marking its emergence as a leader in the global diagnostics space.

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