Hands-On Coagulation Workshop Deepens Diagnostic Skills in Pathology

Published on: August 10, 2024

On August 10, 2024, the Department of Pathology at Swami Rama Himalayan University hosted a focused workshop under the theme “Hematology Insights: From Coagulation to Cytometry.” The event took place at the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences and was led by Dr. Sukesh C. Nair, Professor, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Transfusion Medicine, and Immunohematology at CMC Vellore.

This interactive session was designed to equip participants with practical knowledge and hands-on experience in key coagulation screening techniques. Around 40 participants benefited from the in-depth training that included Prothrombin Time (PT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT), and Specific Bleeding Time (SBT)—tests that are foundational to identifying coagulation abnormalities.

Dr. Nair guided attendees through the clinical interpretation of mixing studies, a vital tool in distinguishing between factor deficiencies and inhibitors such as lupus anticoagulants. He also emphasized the use of factor assays for diagnosing specific coagulation factor deficiencies, underlining their importance in accurate patient assessment and treatment planning.

Beyond the technical training, the workshop fostered critical discussions around quality assurance in laboratory testing, particularly in facilities where patient referrals for coagulation studies are infrequent. Dr. Nair provided effective strategies for maintaining diagnostic standards, ensuring reliability even with limited sample volumes.

Participants left with a reinforced understanding of coagulation science, greater confidence in applying these tests in clinical settings, and a clearer perspective on the evolving field of hematological diagnostics. The workshop was lauded for its depth, clarity, and practical relevance—making it a standout academic engagement within the Hematology Insights series.

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International Endowed Chair Professor

Prof Rakesh Kumar

Prof Rakesh Kumar is the Founder and President of the Breast Cancer in Young Women Foundation (USA), dedicated to vaddressing the distinct issues affecting young women with breast cancer. He also serves as the International Endowed Chair Professor at the Cancer Research Institute of the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences. Additionally, he holds adjunct professorships at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Dr Kumar earned his Ph.D. from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in 1984 and began his research career at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in January 1986. From 1988 to 2017, he held various academic and leadership positions —including faculty member, tenured professor, distinguished professor, endowed chair, department chair, and research leader—at esteemed institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. From 2017 to 2022, he served as the National Chair for Cancer Research for the Government of India and as a distinguished professor, continuing his innovative work in breast cancer research.

With nearly 40 years of research and professional experience, Dr. Kumar has made conceptual contributions to the field of cancer research (h-index 108, citations >50,000). He has authored over 325 peer-reviewed publications, edited or co-edited nine books, and delivered 290 invited lectures worldwide. His work has been featured on the covers of 18 major cancer journals and has been highlighted in institutional research reports of the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

A passionate educator and mentor, Dr. Kumar has guided 67 trainees throughout his career. He serves on the editorial boards of multiple leading cancer journals and has served on the editorial boards of 21 top cancer journals. His global reputation is further demonstrated by his participation in about 100 peer-review panels for cancer research funding in the US and internationally over the past 28 years.

Dr. Kumar's innovative research has earned him numerous prestigious honors, including the Hinkle Society Faculty Award at Penn State University (1994), the Dalla/Fort Worth Living Legend Faculty Achievement Award in Basic Sciences (2004), the Ranbaxy Research Award (2006), and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association of Indian Scientists in Cancer Research (2013), among others. Dr. Kumar's pioneering research continues to have a profound influence on the fields of oncology and breast cancer, opening up new opportunities for biomedical scientists and trainees worldwide.