Saint Mary’s Hospital Laboratory’s mission is to deliver accurate, timely results that support exceptional patient care. Through hands-on education and rotation for medical and surgical residents, the lab fosters understanding of laboratory processes and strengthens collaboration across the organization.
They are committed to stewardship through responsible use of resources, promoting efficiency, cost savings and value for the organization and the patients they serve.
What have been the Laboratory’s significant contributions in the past year?
We have expanded the services we provide and brought more testing in-house so patients can get results faster. We established a Whole Blood program with the Waterbury Regional SWAT Team and local EMS agencies, expanded cytology services, molecular diagnostics and HIV testing and added new microbiology technology that helps identify infections more quickly.
We improved turnaround times in hematology and chemistry, worked with students to encourage interest in laboratory careers and helped secure Connecticut proclamations recognizing Histotechnology Professionals Day and Medical Laboratory Professionals Week. We have also focused on finding practical ways to reduce costs and make the most of existing resources.
What are some major challenges the Lab had to overcome?
We faced the same staffing challenges affecting laboratories nationwide and addressed them by recruiting H-1B visa candidates and promoting colleagues from within.
Through strong teamwork across laboratory sections and support from leadership, we improved efficiency and throughput, prepared for future equipment needs and expanded cross-training through mentorship.
What’s the Lab’s next major goal?
Our next major goal is to bring two-tier Lyme disease testing and QuantiFERON (TB) testing in-house, to shorten turnaround times and better support occupational health and colleagues and reduce outside testing costs.
