New chemistry system introduced

Western Health will begin using a totally automated chemistry system in its laboratory at Western Memorial Regional Hospital today.



The system, valued at $2.4 million, is the first in the province and will improve laboratory services for people in the region.



Last year our system was 10 years old and due to be replaced, says Dr. Ken Jenkins, vice-president of Medical Services. When we saw this type of system was available, it was a clear choice. Not only will this system increase capacity of testing within the region, it also results in a quicker turnaround for patients awaiting test results.



The new chemistry system will address the issues of a shortage of medical laboratory technologists, both provincially and nationally, and the anticipated increase in demand for laboratory services of an aging population. The system performs the pre- and post-analytical processes in addition to the actual testing of the specimens. This will allow laboratory technologists to better optimize their time and knowledge for more analytical processes.



Included with this chemistry automation system is a data management software program that provides connectivity and functionality between other chemistry analyzers throughout the Western Region.



Chemistry analyzers at LeGrow Health Center in Port aux Basques and Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital in Stephenville have also been replaced to match those at Western Memorial Regional Hospital. The data management software will link all laboratories within the region so that a regional quality assurance program for all chemistry analyzers can be implemented.



The automated system will reduce the incidence of repetitive stress injury for technologists by eliminating the uncapping and recapping of a high volume of test tubes as well as eliminating the risk from exposure to biohazard samples.