Thumbay Labs obtains ISO 15189:2022 to comply with current UAE CAP status

UAE—Thumbay Labs has marked 25 years of diagnostic services with a new ISO 15189:2022 accreditation, reinforcing its position as one of the region’s leading academic laboratory networks.

The certification, which focuses on quality and technical competence in medical laboratories, adds to its existing College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditation, giving the group two globally recognised quality benchmarks.

The ISO standard evaluates the entire diagnostic process, from sample collection to reporting, ensuring laboratories consistently produce reliable results.

Together with CAP accreditation, the recognition signals strong compliance with international best practices in laboratory medicine.

From a single lab to a regional network

Thumbay Labs began in 2001 as a small diagnostic unit supporting Gulf Medical University’s clinical training and the group’s first hospital.

Over time, it expanded into a network of five laboratories across the Northern Emirates and now operates from a 25,000-square-foot facility at Thumbay Medicity.

The network supports a wider healthcare ecosystem that has served more than 19 million patients and assisted in over 100,000 births.

Over the years, it has processed an estimated 30 million laboratory tests, reflecting the scale of its clinical contribution across a highly diverse population representing more than 175 nationalities in the UAE.

High-volume testing and pandemic response

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the laboratories operated continuously as a regional molecular testing hub, processing up to 15,000 tests per day at peak demand.

This capacity strengthened its role in public health response while maintaining routine diagnostic services for hospitals and clinics across the country.

Expanding diagnostic capabilities

The laboratory group now runs multiple specialised departments, including clinical chemistry, haematology, microbiology, molecular diagnostics, histopathology, and newborn screening.

Histopathology services continue to support cancer diagnosis, while newborn screening programs help detect metabolic and genetic disorders early in infants.

In addition, the group maintains a clinical research unit and an independent quality assurance system to support its expanding operations across Thumbay Hospitals in Ajman, Dubai, and Fujairah, with plans underway for a new facility in Abu Dhabi.

Digital health and patient access

To improve accessibility, Thumbay Labs is rolling out a mobile and web application that allows patients to book and pay for tests online.

At the same time, its home sample collection service is expanding to reach more patients, including upcoming coverage in Abu Dhabi.

New frontiers in diagnostics

The laboratory is also preparing to introduce blood-based Alzheimer’s testing, which uses biomarkers such as ApoE4, pTau181, pTau217, and neurofilament light chain.

This approach aims to offer a less invasive alternative to traditional diagnostic procedures like spinal taps and PET scans.

Moving toward Lab 5.0

Looking ahead, the group is advancing a “Lab 5.0” model that integrates artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and automation into laboratory workflows.

The approach aims to enhance early disease detection and improve diagnostic precision while maintaining consistent turnaround times and quality standards.

Across its 25-year journey, Thumbay Labs continues to position itself as a major academic diagnostic network in the region, combining large-scale testing capacity with evolving digital and research-driven healthcare solutions.