To find some of the most advanced lab technology on the East Coast, look no further than the new lab at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health’s Women & Babies Hospital (WBH). The newly renovated lab opened Jan. 19 and improved test turn-around time and doubled the capacity of the lab.
The updated space features the industry-leading Beckman Coulter DXA Automation Line, which helps to simplify lab operations, reduce configuration processing time and decrease the potential for errors. The lab serves WBH, the Suburban Pavilion, the Ann B. Barshinger Center Institute and other ambulatory sites in the LG Health system.
The renovation more than doubled the size of the original lab, expanding from 1,200 square feet to 2,600 square feet.
“This new lab not only improves efficiency and overall operations for our employees, but its benefits will also be felt by our patients,” said Brian Stambaugh, director, Laboratory Operations. “This cutting-edge equipment, coupled with an automation line, provides quicker results to our providers and ultimately quicker diagnostics for patient care. This renovation is about ensuring our patients know we are committed to providing the highest-quality, advanced care in our region with this second automated laboratory in the LG system.”
Planning for the expansion started in mid-February 2019, with construction officially resuming in April 2021.
While COVID-19 caused some delays, WBH also received a new emergency generator that had to be installed before lab operations could begin.
“We needed the emergency generator to be finished before continuing with the lab construction because a lot of the new technology needs back-up, emergency power to operate,” said Dana Klinepeter, director, Capital Planning.
The new lab reached its occupancy milestone in January 2022 and came in under budget.
“The renovation impacted every team at WBH including the laboratory team, facilities and nursing – they all deserve thanks for making accommodations for this project. This new lab is an example of how we are continuously improving our processes and it ensures we remain a highly reliable organization”, continued Klinepeter.