Accessioning /Data entry

The testing process begins with checking the requisition and specimen sent in. Trained technicians verify that both the name on the specimen and the paper work match. Next is to be sure that we have received the correct samples for the test requested or if their are no samples provided.

Once all of the above is checked, the specimen and requisitions are labeled with a bar code number and sent to the respective departments such as Chemistry, Special Chemistry, Hematology, etc. where the samples are processed, and  then inputed into our data system. Doctor’s office and our patients can be sure that the specimens we are handling, processing and testing are accurate and secure; giving a fast and reliable test result.

This department and its personnel are responsible for  tests such as: CBC’s, which are performed in the most advanced version of BECKMAN COUTLER’s equipment called LH750. This state of the art equipment uses fluorescent cell flow technology as its methodology, resulting in intensive hematological parameters, from which the doctors can make accurate clinical decisions.

The coagulation part as PT/PTT’s are also performed at this department on the ACL 1000 equipment. As the results are printed, it yields the INR without error. In this matter, doctors can be assured that results will be accurate based on the patient’s diagnosis.

Urinalysis is also performed under the state of the art equipment CLINITEK 500, BAYER.

Of our menu options, the most most commonly tested are as follows: Comprehensive Metabolic Panel,  Lipids, Liver enzymes, Electrolytes and Cardiac enzymes.

The Chemistry Department at Physician’s Lab Svcs counts on the newest and most state of the art equipment such as the ROCHE COBAS 6000. The Cobas 6000 is the latest version of ROCHE Co. and it is an integrated equipment for chemistry and immunochemistry, as it tests for Thyroids, Hormones, PSA and Cancer antigens, to name a few.

This integrated and advanced technology is why we can offer a fast service. Once a specimen enters the equipment, it is identified by its bar code label. It then can be tested in only 20 minutes, beginning with the process of immunochemistry, if requested. (This process took longer in the past due to the incubation method). The chemistry processing is done after this.

This equipment has the capacity to process up to 100 specimens simultaneously, without any margin of error, counting on that each specimen is correctly bar coded at the accession department.

This department is also responsible for Glycohemoglobin testing that is performed on the BIO-RAD D10 equipment, which is also one of the newest and most advanced equipment for this kind of testing.

A part of the outcome is given as a curve of concentration of hemoglobin glycated, which allows for a a more accurate and reliable result.

The following step in place the specimen in the respective media plates which are incubate for 48 hours, with a reading at 24, and at the end of the 48’s hours. If no organisms have grown, the report is released stating that. If any organisms if grown within 48 hours of incubation the next step is performed, which is the sensitivity, which is a wide range of antibiotics discs placed over the organisms grown, this step takes another 24 hours. This step is conducted so the doctors have an idea of which antibiotic gives better results over the infection the patient might have. All of these give us a turnaround time of 48 hours for those negative results, and 72 for those who might have any infection. All these tests are done on medias prepared by REMEL a long standing company in the microbiology field.

All this tests; Pap and Biopsies are sent to an outside laboratory.