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Laboratory Services Expanded

Three years ago. the BTMH laboratory moved into a spacious new .suite. .The new facility includes a large chemistry lab. a histology lab. a microbiology lab. hematology lab. blood bank, and office space. Many of the* 8 , tests that previously had to be sent out to independent laboratories now are being done in-house. To physicians and patients this means faster accurate test results that prov ide a valuable and immediate aid to diagnosis. AUTOMATION IN THE CHEMISTRY LAB Abbott TDX is a computerized chemistry analyzer making it possible to monitor therapeutic drug levels for local patients in the hospital and at home. BTMH acquired the unit in June of 1983 This is particularly valuable in the treatment of heart patients taking digoxin.dnd other modern cardiac drugs. It is also beneficial to individuals requiring large doses of antibiotics and to those receiving respiratory drug therapy. DUPONT AUTOMATED CHEMISTRY ANALYZER. ABBOTT VP AND INSTRUMENTATION LAB 508 These three computerized instruments combine to offer highspeed chemical analysis of blood and urine. The equipment prints out results in minutes, providing the advantages of exact, efficient, and cost effective results. Also of major importance is the capability of providing rapid results when needed for an emergency occurring any time of the day or

night.

MICROBIOLOGY 1 Formerly the bacteriology department, since June of 1982

several new services have been added to the new microbiology laboratory^ STUDY OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE: The BTMH microbiology lab is where the organisms of infectioustiisease are identified This facility can als&do the tests that determine which antibiotic w ill be best used to treat a patient DIAGNOSIS OF TB: Persons suspected of having TB are routinely placed in isolation Now test results can be obtained through the BTMH microbiology lab the same day or tlje next. That means treatment can begin more promptly if results of the TB testing are positive. If thp test is negative. Uie patient is spared unnecessary time in isolation. MYCOLOGY: (Fungus identification) service is now : provided. This service now performed in the BTMff microbiology lab is an important aid for fast and accurate treatment. Patients on chemotherapy, elderly patients, diabetics and former TB patients are particularly susceptible to fungal infections and they benefit from this new BTMji capability. BLOOD BANK * As. with most hospitals, the BTMH blood bank is a transfusion service. All blood and blood products are received from the Red Cross of Philadelphia, then stored in a special refrigerator equipped with an alarm to alert hospitaljjer^ sonnel if the temperature fails to remain in the required

range.

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HEMATOLOGY

Complete Blood Counts (CBC’s) are the most commonly ordered laboratory tests because of the valuable information they provide physicians regarding an individual's general health. The hematology department utilizes an automated Coulter Counter S Sr to do approximately 24.000 CBC’s a year. Results help physicians detect anemia, the presence of infection; internal bleeding, and many other factors of disease. - HISTOPATHOLOGY This area, which opened in September. 1980. is where actual tissues are studied They, are relayed directly from the operating room, emergency department and doctor’s offices First a pathologist examines them visually. Then specimens are prepared permanently for more detailed viewing. When more immediate results are needed, the hospital lab is equipped to ‘freeze’ the tissue. A pathologist can then provide a needed answer within ten minutes. The presence of a lx nign or malignant tumor may be determined while a patient waits briefly on the operating room table

STAFF

The laboratory currently has a total of 26 technical employees. Each has been trained in an approved laboratory f * program Their educational backgrounds range from graduation from a two-year technical school to the attainment of a Master's degree Four certified pathologists service the hospital on a rotating basis • The laboratory offers 24 hour a day. 7 day a week service to the hospital community.

Clinical Support

Milton Ackerman, M.D.

Milton Ackormon. M.D. hos boon with the hospitol since it first initiated laboratory service in 1950. The docility wos a room about the size of his present office. The laboratory has moved and grown four times since then, expanding staff and services with each change. As chief of pathology. Dr. Ackerman has been a key figure in the accomplishments. He has directed "the physical design of focilitias and the planning for new services. Dr. Ackerman hos also served os Cape Mayr County deputy medico) exominer. ,He received his medical education at Hahnemann Medical College. Philadelphia, ond later was a clinical assistant professor pathology there. He is certified by the American Board of Pathology.

Sandro Palumbo is the clinical director of the new microbiology laboratory and the individual responsible for adding many new services to that specialized area. Ms. Palumbo holds a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Francis College. Loretto. Pennsylvania, ond a Masters degree in clinical microbiology from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. She served her clinical internship at Bryn Mawr Hospital and is registered by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. fi Before coming to B1MH in 1982. her experience included clinical work at Pennsylvania Hospitol and the Hospitol of the University of Pennsylvania, both in Philadelphia. Ms. Palumbo is an active member of the American Society for Microbiology.

HOSPITAL SERVICES RENDERED DURING 1983 PROJECTED ON 10 MONTHS ACTU AL

Patient* Admitted (including newborns 84BS Days of Patient Care (including new boras > 65.764 Births Recorded * «7 Emergency Room Waits 20.8BS Surgical Procedures 3.712 La bora tors Tests Performed 421.331 Radiology Procedures ; 41.237 Nuclear Medicine Radiologs Procedures 1.M2 Respiratory Therapy Treatments 52,119 Electrocardiograms (EKG) 15,441 Average Patient Stay in Days 7.5 Meals Served 257.650

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