Oman: Royal Hospital now delivers cancer test results in one day
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The Royal Hospital has begun conducting advanced molecular tests for colorectal cancer locally for the first time, ending the need to send samples abroad, health officials said.
The tests include KRAS, NRAS and BRAF molecular analyses, which are used to guide diagnosis and targeted treatment for colorectal cancer patients. Previously, these tests were outsourced overseas, with results taking more than three weeks.
The new service is being carried out by the Medical Laboratories Department in coordination with the hospital’s Histopathology and Cytology Section. With local testing now in place, results can be delivered within one working day.
Hospital officials said the move allows doctors to start targeted therapies earlier and make treatment decisions without long delays, improving patient care and clinical outcomes.
Dr Mohammed Al-Masqari, head of the Histopathology and Cytology Section at the Royal Hospital’s Medical Laboratories Department, said localising the tests strengthens the national cancer treatment system. He said faster results help physicians choose appropriate therapies at the right time.
He added that the development reflects the technical capability of the hospital’s laboratories and the expertise of national medical staff, noting that efforts are underway to introduce additional specialised tests.
The initiative supports the Ministry of Health’s plans to expand advanced diagnostic services and develop precision medicine as part of Oman Vision 2040, which focuses on localising medical technologies and building a sustainable healthcare system.