"Is it cancer or not?” It’s the first—and often most dreaded—question patients face while awaiting their diagnostic results. They need answers that are clear, fast, and accurate so that if needed, they can receive the best possible treatment without delays. Pathologists around the world understand this urgency better than most.
Putting patients first
“We’re dealing with patients’ lives. We’re dealing with patient management and treatment, and you never want to be wrong. You have to think about the patient, which is the center of what we do.”
— Dr. Luis Ferrer, Laboratory Director at Hato Rey Pathology (HRP) Labs, Puerto Rico.
“What inspires me the most is being able to solve a complex case for specific patients."
— Dr. José Ramón Riera, Head of the Anatomical Pathology Department at the Central University Hospital of Asturias (HUCA) in Spain.
“The diagnosis must not only be complete and accurate, but also timely because the patient is waiting for treatment, and to achieve this, we need the laboratory workflow to be fast.”
— Dr. Carmen González del Rey Rodríguez, Head of Biopsy Unit, Anatomical Pathology Department at HUCA.
This patient-first mindset drives every decision at HRP Labs and HUCA. From the moment a sample arrives, the lab’s team of pathologists and technicians work with precision and purpose—leveraging advanced diagnostic solutions and streamlined workflows from Agilent to ensure patient results are accurate and delivered quickly.
Empowering pathology labs with advanced diagnostic solutions
Agilent has been at the forefront of innovation in analytical technologies since 1965, driving scientific advancements across different markets to support the evolving needs of our customers.
In 2012, Agilent acquired Dako, a global leader in pathology. Through integrating Dako’s brand and capabilities into Agilent, we have strengthened our offerings across the field of life sciences, ensuring we can fully support customers from research to diagnostics.
With over 50 years of experience in immunohistochemistry developing high-quality antibodies, staining techniques and automated solutions, and as a pioneer in companion diagnostics (CDx), Dako (now Agilent) launched the world’s first CDx test in 1998 and has become a leading authority on PD-L1 testing.
Today, Agilent continues to focus on innovating the pathology laboratory by developing industry-leading advanced diagnostic technologies, digital pathology solutions, and services aimed at improving lab performance.
“Agilent is committed to supporting pathology labs with comprehensive diagnostic solutions that drive workflow efficiency, analytical precision, and clinical confidence. Our technologies span the diagnostic workflow—from tissue-based staining to companion diagnostics and open, scalable digital pathology platforms. These solutions are designed to meet the evolving needs of pathologists, enabling faster turnaround times, consistent staining quality, and actionable insights that help improve patient outcomes.” — Majken Nielsen, Associate Vice President, Head of Product Management in the Clinical Diagnostics Division at Agilent.
HRP Labs: delivering diagnostic precision in Puerto Rico
Since its founding in the 1960’s, HRP Labs has become one of Puerto Rico’s premier anatomic and clinical pathology laboratories. Their mission is to provide patients with quality diagnostics at fast turnaround times, and they are recognized as the largest and most complete full-service diagnostic laboratory in the region. HRP Labs serves 21 hospitals, as well as numerous clinics and private medical offices across the island.
HRP Labs comprises a team of dedicated healthcare professionals, including 23 pathologists, and offers a wide range of anatomical and clinical pathology services that adhere to a rigorous quality control program, which improves quality practices and ensures consistent, accurate results.
Among HRP Labs’ specialty areas is immunopathology, led by Dr. Luis Ferrer, a highly respected pathologist with over 30 years of experience. Dr. Ferrer is recognized for a patient-centered philosophy.
"What inspires and motivates me is the ability to provide clinicians—and ultimately patients—with a highly specific and accurate diagnosis. This ensures the best possible treatment and, hopefully, a cure,” Dr. Ferrer shared.
HRP Labs’ partnership with Agilent
HRP Labs has partnered with Agilent for over 10 years, a relationship that initiated during Dr. Ferrer’s pathology training in the U.S. “My relationship with Agilent started back when it was Dako. I trained using Dako reagents and instruments,” Dr. Ferrer explained.
Upon returning to Puerto Rico as an attending physician in a pathology group, Dr. Ferrer brought his expertise and advanced techniques to help modernize diagnostic practices. This included leading the transition from manual to automated immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization methods—enhancing diagnostic speed and precision for the benefit of patients and clinicians alike.
The pathology lab at HRP Labs provides a comprehensive range of diagnostic immunohistochemical tests using two Agilent Dako Omnis solutions. This advanced solution delivers precision, user-friendly operation, and fast turnaround times, which Dr. Ferrer and his team need to deliver timely and accurate diagnoses to patients.
HUCA: advancing diagnostic innovation in Spain
Located in Oviedo, the capital of the Principality of Asturias, HUCA is the flagship hospital of the regional health service and one of Spain’s most advanced public healthcare institutions.
Dr. José Ramón Riera Velasco—Head of the Anatomical Pathology Division at HUCA—brings extensive expertise in diagnostic pathology, with a particular focus on immunohistochemistry, liver pathology, cytopathology, and hematopathology. Throughout a career in pathology spanning over 30 years, Dr. Riera has consistently supported diagnostic excellence and driven healthcare innovations across Asturias.
Leading the Biopsy Unit in the Anatomical Pathology Department at HUCA, Dr. Carmen González del Rey Rodríguez plays a key role in diagnostic precision and tissue analysis. For many years, Dr. González del Rey Rodríguez has dedicated much of the clinical work to gynaecological, and breast pathology. Contributions to pathology include both clinical innovation and academic mentorship, helping to advance diagnostic standards and train the next generation of specialists.
HUCA’s partnership with Agilent
In 2024, HUCA processed 32,000 biopsies. “Each pathologist sees approximately 20–25 biopsies a day, more or less, depending somewhat on the complexity of the case,” said Dr. González del Ray Rodríguez.
HUCA’s partnership with Agilent began more than 20 years ago and has grown stronger ever since. “It’s a company that is behind everything that we are doing here at HUCA,” commented Dr. Riera.
At HUCA, the pathology laboratories leverage a suite of Agilent Dako technologies to support diagnostic workflows. Their immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization testing are conducted using the Agilent Dako Omnis solution, ensuring high-quality, automated staining with reproducible results. For special staining procedures, the team utilizes the Agilent Artisan Link Pro system, and sample traceability is maintained throughout the diagnostic process via the Agilent Dako TPID solution, which enables end-to-end tracking from initial biopsy registration to final reporting.
In addition, HUCA is partnering with Agilent to advance their digital pathology capabilities. Whole slide scan imaging and image management systems have been integrated into HUCA’s routine operations to enhance efficiency and enable pathologists to access and review cases seamlessly within a digital pathology solution.
Driving diagnostic excellence—together
HRP Labs and HUCA are redefining cancer diagnostics through their shared commitment to speed, accuracy, and patient-centered care. With Agilent’s technologies and expertise embedded into their workflows, both labs are working hard to deliver accurate diagnoses at fast turnaround times, helping patients receive the answers they need—when time counts most.
D0139782_2.00