CREMONA – A full greeting gratitude because «in Cremona I was able to do what I knew how to do, together with colleagues whom I thank». Testa leaves a legacy network of efficient services and a lot of passion for work and research.
A laboratory that grows, transforms and becomes a clinical and scientific point of reference for thousands of patients. It is the path that Dr Sophie Testa has built at the Cremona Hospital in over thirty years of activity, leaving a profound imprint in laboratory diagnostics and in the management of haemorrhagic and thrombotic pathologies. He tells it on the eve of his last day of work which will be tomorrow, Wednesday 31 December 2025 – underlining with gratitude: “in Cremona I was able to do what I knew how to do, together with colleagues whom I thank”. From 1 January 2026, Testa will be replaced by his deputy, the doctor Sara Rizzardi (this is pending the competition notice).
Arriving in Cremona in 1991, after experiences at San Raffaele and a training period in Paris, Testa began her activity in the Analysis Laboratory, then a single structure supporting numerous specialties. It is precisely from direct contact with patients – starting from the blood sampling room – that an innovative project takes shape: the clinical care of people affected by congenital and acquired haemorrhagic diseases, thrombotic pathologies and patients on anticoagulant therapy.
Thus was born the first dedicated clinic, which today has become Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center which follows further 6,000 patients and is integrated into the territory also thanks to a system of telemedicine active for more than twenty yearsanticipating organizational models recognized as fundamental for continuity of care.
Since 2004, Testa has taken over the management of the Analysis Laboratory (he is currently also director of the Diagnostics Department), accompanying a significant evolution of the laboratory structure: three distinct and complementary realities have developed from the single initial laboratory. Today the Cremona Hospital can count on a Laboratory of Clinical Pathology and Toxicologyand Microbiology and Virology Laboratory and on a specialized clinical activity structured in Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center. A result made possible by teamwork and the integration of professional skills.
Alongside her clinical and organizational activity, Dr. Testa has carried out an intense independent clinical researchat a national and international level, in particular on the management of patients on anticoagulant therapy. A commitment which, even in a non-university context, has contributed to increasing scientific knowledge and improving the quality of care.
«Build services not for personal objectives but to respond to the real needs of patients» is the message that Dr. Testa entrusts to the new generations of professionals, together with the invitation to study, do research and work in a team, respecting roles and people.
Among the wishes for the future, the institutional recognition at regional level of network of Haemostasis and Thrombosis Centresa guarantee of continuity of care for patients and a reduction in complications, mortality and social costs linked to these pathologies.
A central role in this process was also played byAIPA – Italian Association of Anticoagulated Patientsa fundamental partner in the development of the Center: from logistical and technological support, to the implementation of telemedicine, up to multidisciplinary programs such as the one started in 2015 with Obstetrics and Gynecology for the management of pregnancies at thromboembolic risk.
«Alliances between healthcare professionals and patient associations – underlines Testa – they are an essential tool for representing and protecting people’s clinical and healthcare needs”. In this regard he adds: “with my colleagues there is a lot of affection, we have been and are a beautiful team, founded on mutual respect, both on a professional and human level: I will miss them”.
Doctor Sophie Testa with the analysis laboratory team
The team is made up of doctors Oriana Paoletti, Rossella Morandini, Maurizio Tala, Silvia Zambelli, Emilia Cancellieri, Marzia Santagiuliana, Claudia Della Noce; by laboratory technicians Cristina Beati, Elisabetta Spotti, Monica Stramezzi, Claudio Fanelli and Marilina Di Gioia; by the nursing staff Cinzia Zecca, Maria Grazia Salotti, Angelica Chavez, Ofelia Damiano, Angelo Frigoli, Rachele Fabiano, Elena Franzoni and auxiliary staff Immaculate De Palma.
Sophie Testa, Rossella Morandini, Silvia Zambelli and Oriana Paoletti in the clinic
THE HEMOSTASIS AND THROMBOSIS CENTER OF CREMONA
In our area, the annual incidence of thrombotic pathology is approximately 1 new case per 1,000 inhabitants. In the majority of cases it is deep vein thrombosis of the limbs (60%), followed by pulmonary embolism (30%) and thrombosis in atypical locations (10%).
At the Cremona Hospital, the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center (for which the doctor is responsible Oriana Paoletti) is a consolidated point of reference for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of thromboembolic diseases. Every year follows approximately 6,000 patients on anticoagulant therapyof which 1,500 with venous thromboembolismand welcomes 250 new cases of thromboembolic pathologies.
«Venous thromboembolism has a significant impact not only in terms of mortality, but also in terms of disabling sequelae and high social and health costs. It is essential to recognize risk factors early and adopt the most suitable preventive measures, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological”, underlines Testa.
In the archive photo, director Ezio Belleri and doctor Sophie Testa
The Centre, active for over twenty years, collaborates with the other specialists of the ASST of Cremona to guarantee integrated diagnostic-therapeutic paths updated with the most recent scientific evidence. It is part of the national network of Haemostasis and Thrombosis Centres, in connection with the Italian Federation of Centers and the Italian Society for the Study of Haemostasis and Thrombosis (SISET).
A legacy made of services, skills and relationships, built with passion and dedication, which will continue to generate value for Cremonese healthcare and for citizens.
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