As UF Health grows and patient volumes increase, we have a greater need to develop more efficient processes with high-quality outcomes. Starting this month, the UF Health Shands Hospital Core Laboratory will undergo renovations and become fully automated — leading to improved patient satisfaction and care.
“We’re excited for the upcoming improvements,” said Mary Reeves, UF Health Shands Laboratory Services director. “Implementing the latest technology in addition to creating a new workspace that allows for future laboratory testing needs will have a positive impact for patients, staff and physicians.”
The lab’s annual test volume increased 16 percent from 2.24 million tests in 2010 to 2.62 million in 2014, spurring the need for additional space and more advanced systems.
Lab automation integrates electronic and mechanical systems to produce faster turnaround times and more precise, reliable specimen testing. Automation allows lab staff to report analyzed results more quickly to our care providers, who can then evaluate and determine proper treatment for each patient.
The Core Lab, located on the third floor of UF Health Shands Hospital (north campus), provides testing services for programs across UF Health. In 2018, the labs will also support the new UF Health Heart & Vascular Hospital and the UF Health Neuromedicine Hospital.
The renovation team will replace equipment and install back-up support — if a system goes down, lab staff will still be able to retrieve all samples and testing will continue running on another instrument.
Service will continue as normal without interruption during this transition. The project will not impede other areas of the hospital: All work will take place inside the Core Lab operations and administrative space.
Construction will be completed in phases and is expected to finish in spring 2017.
Please note: The third-floor corridor from the east elevators to the Core Lab is closed. If you’re coming from the east part of the building, please take another route.
Learn more at blueprints.UFHealth.org.
