We are incredibly grateful to Australian Aid for their generous support, which has allowed Lao Friends Hospital for Children (LFHC) to upgrade our laboratory with the Caretium XI-931BT electrolyte analyzer and it is already transforming the way we care for our patients.

Electrolyte testing is a daily necessity for many of our ICU patients, who often arrive in critical condition with symptoms such as vomiting, dehydration, and weakness. Rapid fluctuations in sodium or potassium levels can lead to seizures, cardiac complications, or organ failure if not quickly addressed. With the Caretium analyzer, our medical team can now assess these values within minutes, enabling immediate, targeted treatment that stabilizes patients faster and prevents life-threatening complications.

Installed just over two months ago, the laboratory team can now test blood and urine samples in under one minute, significantly improving the speed and accuracy of diagnoses. This represents a significant step forward in our ability to deliver high-quality, timely care, particularly for critically ill children and during specialized clinics, such as our Nephrology Clinic.

Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming representatives from the Australian Embassy in Laos, who visited our hospital to see the impact of their donation firsthand. Benita Sommerville, Deputy Head of Mission; Kate Terry, Second Secretary and Consul; and Phongsamuth, Assistant to the Secretary and Consul, met with our medical and administrative teams.

During the visit, Ms. Sommerville expressed how pleased they are to see the analyzer already making a positive impact. The delegation was welcomed by Mr. Oulailin Thasiniphone, LFHC Director of Administration, Dr. Annkham Thammaseng, Medical Director, and Anousine Phonedala, Laboratory Manager, who shared how the new analyzer is being used daily and explained its operational specifics.

Dr. Thammaseng explained that the new analyzer is especially valuable for children in Intensive Care, where rapid results can be lifesaving. “It helps us make critical medical decisions quickly,” she said. “It is also extremely useful during our nephrology clinics, where we monitor kidney function closely, especially for children with chronic conditions.”

Mr. Phonedala also highlighted that beyond its speed, the analyzer has improved workflow across the lab. “It reduces our team’s workload and ensures consistent, reliable results,” he explained. “The longer-lasting reagent cartridges make the system more cost-effective and sustainable in the long run, an important factor for a hospital like ours operating in a resource-limited setting.”

This visit was not just a check-in, but a meaningful exchange that reinforced the importance of partnerships like these. Australian Aid’s contribution is making a daily difference in the lives of children in northern Laos, and we couldn’t be more thankful.

From all of us at LFHC: Thank you, Australian Aid, for standing with us and helping us deliver the care every child deserves!