Egypt’s Al Mokhtabar installs fully automated Sysmex blood science track line

EGYPT—Egyptian diagnostics provider Al Mokhtabar has strengthened its laboratory capabilities by installing a fully automated Sysmex Blood Science Track haematology line at its flagship Mega Lab, making it the first facility in the company’s network to automate all haematology processes.

The new system increases the Mega Lab’s haematology testing capacity to more than 1,000 tests per hour while reducing manual handling throughout the testing workflow.

Samples now move automatically through each stage of analysis, with the platform verifying results, repeating tests as needed, and initiating reflex testing in accordance with established laboratory protocols.

 The upgrade is expected to shorten turnaround times and improve the consistency of diagnostic results for physicians and patients across Egypt.

Expanding diagnostic capacity

The Mega Lab serves as the operational hub for Al Mokhtabar’s network of more than 460 branches and home-visit services.

Every year, the facility processes over 30 million laboratory tests, including Complete Blood Count (CBC) analyses that help physicians diagnose disease, monitor patients’ health, and evaluate treatment responses.

According to Integrated Diagnostics Holdings (IDH), Al Mokhtabar’s parent company, the investment is part of its long-term strategy to modernise diagnostic infrastructure and improve the speed and accuracy of laboratory services across the country.

Dr. Hend El Sherbini, Chief Executive Officer of IDH, said the new haematology line represents more than a technology upgrade.

“Every result generated at the Mega Lab informs a clinical decision, a treatment pathway, or provides reassurance to a patient,” she said.

“By investing in advanced automation and specialist expertise, we are giving Egypt’s healthcare system the speed, precision, and reliability needed to support better clinical outcomes.”

Building on years of investment

The Sysmex platform complements the Mega Lab’s existing automated diagnostic systems supplied by Roche and Siemens, creating an integrated laboratory environment across multiple testing disciplines.

Sherif El Zeiny, Vice President and Group Chief Financial Officer of IDH, said the company has steadily expanded the Mega Lab since 2015 through investments in advanced laboratory technologies, greater testing capacity, and automation.

He noted that the company intends to continue investing in technologies that improve precision, reliability, and processing speed as demand for high-quality diagnostic services grows throughout Egypt.

Today, the Mega Lab employs more than 300 physicians and laboratory specialists working across haematology, clinical chemistry, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, transplantation testing, and food and water analysis.

The facility performs more than 3,000 laboratory tests and parameters, including over 300 specialised tests covering metabolic disorders, heavy metals, and molecular diagnostics.

Broader developments at IDH

The laboratory expansion comes during a period of significant corporate activity for IDH.

Last week, Hena Holdings, an investment vehicle owned by Dr. Hend El Sherbini and Dr. Moamena Kamel, launched a mandatory cash offer for the remaining shares of IDH after increasing its ownership stake to nearly 50%.

The offer values the London-listed diagnostics group at approximately US$290.7 million, while the company stated that its laboratory modernisation programme will continue alongside ongoing investments in diagnostic infrastructure across its markets.