As is well known, the cornerstone of the fight against cancer is accurate tumour diagnosis, which is the job of the pathology and Radiology departments. In addition, pathology services play an essential role in monitoring patient status during aggressive surgery, chemo- or radiotherapy. Over the past few years, there has been a remarkable development of diagnostic services at SGCC&RI, including the first immuno-histochemistry set-up in Kolkata for accurate histological diagnosis. However, a lot more needs to be done. At present, the following equipments are required on a priority basis, in order to improve patient care.

Electrolyte Analyzer:

Considering the huge number of reporting of critical parameters like Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride), we urgently need the analyzer to provide back up to the existing old Analyzer. Measurements of theses parameters are often needed on an emergency basis for critically ill patients, in addition to routine check up of all patients on the ward and ITU.

Approximate Cost: Rs 1.8 lakhs (US$ 3850)

Trans-rectal USG probe:

For accurate diagnosis of Prostate and enables guided Trucut (wide bore needle) biopsy from it.

Approximate Cost: Rs 2 lakhs (US$ 4255)

EUS (Endo Ultrasonography)

EUS (Endo Ultrasonography) for accurate staging of certain cancers, viz. that of Oesophagus, Pancreas, Rectum to assess operability. This is super to CT scan & MRI in this respect.

Approximate Cost: Rs 80 lakhs (US$ 1,71,000)

Real Time PCR:

PCR permits early diagnosis of malignant diseases such as leukemia and lymphomas, which is currently the highest developed in cancer research and is already being used routinely. PCR assays can be performed directly on genomic DNA samples to detect translocation-specific malignant cells at a sensitivity which is at least 10,000 fold higher than other methods.

PCR also permits identification of non-cultivatable or slow-growing microorganisms such as mycobacteria, anaerobic bacteria, or viruses from tissue culture assays and animal models. The basis for PCR diagnostic applications in microbiology is the detection of infectious agents and the discrimination of non-pathogenic from pathogenic strains by virtue of specific genes. Viral DNA can likewise be detected by PCR. The primers used need to be specific to the targeted sequences in the DNA of a virus, and the PCR can be used for diagnostic analyses or DNA sequencing of the viral genome. The high sensitivity of PCR permits virus detection soon after infection and even before the onset of disease. Such early detection may give physicians a significant lead in treatment. The amount of virus ("viral load") in a patient can also be quantified by PCR-based DNA quantitation techniques.

Approximate Cost: Rs 20 lakhs (US$ 42,500)