Faster Lab Tests at BRMC

Peg Hannold, MT, HEW, a medical technologist in Bradford Regional Medical Center’s Laboratory, reviews a protein report that can now be completed more quickly because of a new system acquisition.
(Photo Courtesy of BRMC)

All bodily fluid protein tests are being completed in far less time at Bradford Regional Medical Center’s Laboratory with the acquisition of a fully automated analysis system.

The automated Sebia Electrophoresis instrumentation is easy to use, allowing laboratory technicians to load samples, press a button and go on to other tasks, says Ron Truax, Laboratory director.

“This new equipment upgrades our technology by 15 to 20 years for protein tests that were a very labor-intensive job,” he says, noting proteins are organic compounds that are considered the building blocks of all living organisms.

“The equipment upgrade also allows us to keep the work here rather than have to send it out,” Mr. Truax notes. The beneficial result for patients means they get a diagnosis sooner because tests can be read by a physician more swiftly, says Peg Hannold, MT, HEW, medical technologist. Testing can check for abnormal protein levels due to a variety of ailments or diseases, ranging from arthritis to cancer.

“There’s better turnaround time with in-house physician interpretation of results,” Mr. Truax comments. BRMC’s pathologist, Syed Ally, M.D., FCAP, FASCP, interprets the results. The report form going to the patient’s physician also is more complete as well.

“The assay form, which is easier to read, gives the physician more detailed information than previously,” Mrs. Hannold adds.

Funding for the $9,900 protein analysis system came entirely from Bradford Hospital Foundation’s Thomas J. Burkart, M.D., BRMC Laboratory Fund. Gifts to this fund, established in 1998 by BRMC Laboratory and Pathology employees, support the Laboratory with state-of-the-art technology. For more information about the fund or to make a donation, call the Foundation at 362-3200 or visit the website brmc.com.

“Several months ago I approached the Foundation about funding for this new analysis equipment and they agreed. We’re very appreciative to the Foundation for all they’ve done for the Laboratory through the years,” Mr. Truax says.

The Foundation was more than willing to help the Laboratory update a vital protein analysis system that would shorten the time for patients’ diagnoses.

“Dr. Burkhart is a wonderful, generous and dedicated physician who is greatly respected by all who knew and worked for him. It is an honor to be able to remember his commitment to BRMC and to provide new equipment through his fund,” says Nellie Wallace, the Foundation’s director of annual giving. Dr. Burkhart is a former pathologist at BRMC.