The Baltics’ most advanced medical laboratory, "Centrālā laboratorija", invested EUR 2.13 million last year to enhance the quality and accessibility of its laboratory services. In 2024, a total of 17 new branches, or sample collection points, were established across Latvia. The investments also included the development of a new automated laboratory in Riga, as well as the introduction of new types of medical analyses to support even more accurate diagnostics.
“Medical laboratory testing forms the foundation of effective diagnosis and treatment. That is why we continue to invest in ensuring that laboratory services are available to residents as close as possible to their homes or doctors’ practices, making the patient journey easier and more convenient. Alongside accessibility, we have identified quality and innovation as key priorities, so that both patients and healthcare professionals have access to the latest types of analyses, enabling more effective diagnosis and greater precision in treatment,” says Zane Kaktiņa, Chair the board of "Centrālā laboratorija".
In 2024, "Centrālā laboratorija" continued to develop and invest in the creation of a new automated laboratory, which was opened in May of this year. Total investments in the project amounted to EUR 4.2 million, resulting in the establishment of the most advanced laboratory in the Baltics, based in Riga. The automated laboratory enables test results to be delivered up to 25% faster, increases testing capacity, and provides opportunities to reallocate resources and scientific expertise toward the development and implementation of new laboratory tests. In 2024, "Centrālā laboratorija" offered over 1,000 different types of laboratory tests, and this number is continuously expanding in line with the latest medical trends and requirements. In 2025, "Centrālā laboratorija" continues to introduce innovative and unique laboratory tests in Latvia, including genetic predisposition testing for obesity and diabetes, molecular diagnostics for syphilis, and other advanced testing solutions.
In 2024, "Centrālā laboratorija" also implemented several corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at promoting health literacy and contributing to the education and training of future healthcare professionals. "Centrālā laboratorija" serves as a teaching base for Rīga Stradiņš University and the University of Latvia Faculty of Medicine, where aspiring laboratory specialists, nurses, and medical residents acquire the fundamental principles and key areas of laboratory diagnostics.
Together with Olpha and the Veselības centru apvienība, the initiative “Starp mums ir ķīmija!” (“There Is Chemistry Between Us!”) is also being implemented. The initiative aims to support aspiring and early-career teachers of chemistry, biology, and mathematics by awarding scholarships and promoting the prestige and positive perception of the teaching profession in society.
In addition, "Centrālā laboratorija" provides free vitamin D testing for young mothers with multiple children in all 17 maternity wards of hospitals across Latvia. In cooperation with professional medical associations, the laboratory also carries out free hepatitis C, HIV, and AIDS testing for specific population groups during public awareness campaigns.
A significant contribution to the healthcare sector in 2024 was made through the publication of Laboratory testing in the diagnosis of various diseases, a unique scientific publication issued by Centrālā laboratorija. The publication is edited by laboratory specialist and Associate Professor at Rīga Stradiņš University, Jeļena Storoženko. This publication serves as a practical tool both for physicians in their daily practice and for the education of future medical professionals. At the end of 2024, the company employed more than 660 employees, including highly qualified laboratory physicians and specialists.
