• Home
• >
• Our Team
• >
• Thaher Al Salman, MD

MedLabs has a unique culture, spirit and atmosphere of group practice, where laboratory service providers do their best through knowledge sharing and excellence performance. I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to join MedLabs where I have gained excellent expertise and enjoyed a caring, healthy working environment. Always proud to be one of MedLabs knowledge builders and providers.

• Home

Amman, 27 May 2024 – Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC (Hikma), the multinational pharmaceutical company, recently signed an agreement with MedLabs Laboratories to introduce Guardant Health’s portfolio of liquid and tissue biopsy tests for cancer screening, recurrence monitoring and tumour mutation profiling across all solid cancers. Under the agreement, MedLabs Laboratories will offer these testing kits to patients throughout the Kingdom, collecting blood samples and coordinating the processing.

Earlier this year, Hikma signed an exclusive agreement with leading precision oncology company, Guardant Health, to commercialise and market its biopsy tests in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). These encompass Shield™ for colorectal cancer screening and early detection; Guardant Reveal™ for minimal residual disease detection and recurrence monitoring; and Guardant360® and Guardant360 TissueNext™ for comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) across all solid cancers.

Commenting on the agreement, Hikma Executive Vice Chairman and President of MENA, Mazen Darwazah, said: “This agreement with MedLabs, which serves as part of a pioneering accredited medical laboratories network in the region, aligns with Hikma’s promise to put better health within reach every day by providing access to high-quality, next-generation sequencing (NGS) solutions that can potentially transform cancer care. Through this partnership, we are helping cancer patients at all stages of the disease – from cancer screening to monitoring recurrence and ultimately to guiding treatment decisions. As a leading healthcare company with a robust oncology portfolio, we at Hikma are committed to advancing precision medicine for improved treatment outcomes, bringing health and hope to cancer patients facing this challenging journey.”

In turn, MedLabs Laboratories CEO and Chairman, Dr. Hassib Sahyoun, stated: “This agreement aligns with MedLabs’ future plans where genomics plays a pivotal role. As a pioneering lab in establishing and implementing the latest technologies in the genomics department with state-of-the-art testing laboratories, we believe that DNA and genetics testing will lead the way in the future of medicine.”

– ENDS –

Enquiries

Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC

Dana Husseini                                                                         + 962 6 5802900

Associate Director, MENA Communications                           Dalhusseini@Hikma.com

Zaina AlAtiyat                                                                          + 962 6 5802900

Manager, Communication                                                       Zalatiyat@Hikma.com

About Hikma

(LSE: HIK) (NASDAQ Dubai: HIK) (OTC: HKMPY) (rated BBB-/stable S&P and BBB-/positive Fitch)

Hikma helps put better health within reach every day for millions of people around the world. For more than 45 years, we’ve been creating high-quality medicines and making them accessible to the people who need them. Headquartered in the UK, we are a global company with a local presence across North America, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Europe, and we use our unique insight and expertise to transform cutting-edge science into innovative solutions that transform people’s lives. We’re committed to our customers, and the people they care for, and by thinking creatively and acting practically, we provide them with a broad range of branded and non-branded generic medicines. Together, our 8,800 colleagues are helping to shape a healthier world that enriches all our communities. We are a leading licensing partner, and through our venture capital arm, are helping bring innovative health technologies to people around the world. For more information, please visit: www.hikma.com

About MedLabs

Created in Jordan in 1993, MedLabs Consultancy Group is a pioneering Jordanian Company in the field of laboratory medicine that has become the fastest and largest growing network of private medical laboratories in the Levant region.

MedLabs is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), ISO 15189, ISO 9001:2015, and HCAC. It has also received theKing Abdullah II Award for Excellence (2011). As the market leader, it operates through 74 branches in Jordan, Palestine, Iraq, Ireland, and UAE, and employs over 600 highly trained technical and non-technical personnel, including a team of medical consultants covering all subspecialties of laboratory medicine, all focusing on ensuring excellent customer experience.

MedLabs deploys leading-edge technology, with its reference laboratory offering more than 1,000 laboratory tests including genetics, metabolic disorders and anatomic surgical pathology to medical laboratories across Jordan, the Middle East, Arabian Gulf and North Africa.

• Home

Blood tests are indispensable tools in modern medicine. They are critical aids in diagnosing diseases, monitoring health, and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments. Before discussing the different blood tests, let’s examine how the specimen is collected.

Blood Specimen Collection

Upon patient identification, a skilled phlebotomist adeptly extracts a blood sample using a syringe from a suitable vein. Blood is collected in appropriately labeled containers to maintain traceability, ensuring accurate patient identification and test assignment.

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

The Complete Blood Count, or blood strength test as people usually call it, is a cornerstone of medical diagnosis, often included in routine health assessments. This comprehensive test evaluates several aspects of blood composition, including:

• Red Blood Cell Levels

Red blood cells (RBCs) carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues. Abnormal RBC levels, whether high or low, can indicate underlying health issues. Elevated levels may suggest dehydration, while decreased levels could point to conditions like anemia or bleeding disorders.

• White Blood Cell Levels

White blood cells (WBCs) fight infections. Deviations in WBC counts, either up or down, may indicate systemic infections, blood cancers, or immune system problems, prompting further investigation.

• Platelet Levels

Platelets are crucial for clot formation, which prevents excessive bleeding. Irregular platelet counts may signal clotting or bleeding disorders, necessitating prompt evaluation to manage potential risks.

• Hemoglobin and Hematocrit Levels

Hemoglobin, a component of RBCs, helps transport oxygen, while hematocrit reflects blood volume and thickness. Changes in these levels can reveal conditions such as anemia or dehydration, guiding treatment decisions.

• Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)

MCV, which measures RBC size, provides additional information about blood disorders. Reduced MCV levels may indicate conditions like anemia or thalassemia, prompting further investigation.

Healthcare professionals can detect abnormalities early by monitoring these key parameters, enabling timely interventions and improved patient outcomes. Regular comprehensive blood testing is therefore essential for maintaining health and preventing diseases.

2. Blood Clotting Tests

Blood clotting tests help assess the coagulation cascade, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms underlying hemostasis and aiding in managing coagulation disorders and anticoagulant therapy. These tests include:

• Prothrombin Time (PT)
• International Normalized Ratio (INR)
• Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)

3. Blood Diagnostic Tests for Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus, a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, necessitates precise diagnostic assessments for timely intervention and management. The blood tests your doctor might ask for include:

• Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS)

Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) is a foundational test in diabetes diagnosis, evaluating blood sugar levels after an overnight fast. With a normal range of <126 mg/dL, elevated FBS levels indicate impaired fasting glucose metabolism, a hallmark feature of diabetes mellitus.

• Random Blood Sugar (RBS)

Random Blood Sugar (RBS) assessment offers real-time insights into blood sugar levels irrespective of fasting status. With a normal range of <200 mg/dL, RBS measurements provide immediate feedback on glycemic control, aiding in diabetes diagnosis and management.

• Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c)

Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) quantifies the percentage of hemoglobin molecules bound to glucose over the preceding 2 to 3 months, reflecting long-term glycemic control. With a normal value of <6.5%, HbA1c is a reliable indicator of average blood glucose levels, offering valuable insights into overall diabetes management and risk stratification for complications.

• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

The 2-hour 75 gram Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) evaluates glucose metabolism following a standardized oral glucose load. With a normal value of <200 mg/dL at the 2-hour mark, OGTT delineates postprandial glucose regulation, aiding in diagnosing impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus.

4. Blood Diagnostic Tests for Hepatobiliary Disease

Hepatobiliary diseases encompass a spectrum of conditions affecting the liver and biliary system, necessitating precise diagnostic evaluations to elucidate hepatic function and detect cellular injury. Below are the blood tests your doctor might ask for to check your liver function

• Serum Albumin

Serum Albumin is a marker of hepatic synthetic function, reflecting the liver’s ability to produce proteins. Decreased serum albumin levels may signify hepatic dysfunction and impaired protein synthesis, indicative of hepatobiliary pathology.

• Serum Bilirubin

Serum Bilirubin, encompassing total and direct bilirubin measurements, evaluates the hepatic excretory function and bilirubin metabolism. Elevated bilirubin levels may herald hepatocellular injury, biliary obstruction, or impaired bilirubin conjugation, warranting comprehensive hepatobiliary assessment.

• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) are enzymes predominantly localized within hepatocytes. They serve as sensitive markers of hepatocellular injury. Elevated enzyme levels suggest hepatocellular damage, prompting further investigation into the underlying etiology of hepatobiliary disease.

• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) are enzymes involved in biliary excretion and hepatobiliary function. Elevated levels may indicate cholestatic liver diseases, biliary obstruction, or intrahepatic cholestasis, necessitating thorough hepatobiliary evaluation.

5. Blood Culture

Blood cultures detect and characterize bloodstream infections, enabling healthcare practitioners to initiate targeted antimicrobial therapy promptly. By isolating and identifying the causative pathogens from the bloodstream, blood cultures facilitate tailored treatment strategies, thereby minimizing the risk of complications and optimizing patient outcomes.