Often hidden in hospital basements, the laboratory is not something we frequently consider when thinking about hospitals. “I think people somewhat forget about lab results,” says Christine Kelly, Niagara Health’s Charge Medical Laboratory Technologist. “But doctors need them in so many ways! They make major decisions based on lab results, so having a laboratory that can provide accurate results in a timely fashion significantly impacts patient care.”

Thanks to Niagara Health Foundation donors, Niagara Health replaced aging laboratory equipment with brand-new Hematology Analyzers last year. “These are the best analyzers on the market,” says Senior Medical Laboratory Technologist Myuran Sivarajah, who is grateful for the new equipment. “These analyzers provide doctors with a Complete Blood Count, meaning it measures the number and type of blood cells.”

When a blood sample is added to an analyzer’s tray, the machine recognizes it for analysis and delivers results in under one minute. For the approximately 85% of samples within normal ranges, the results are automatically released and made accessible to doctors. “The doctor can have the result in as little as 10 minutes from when your blood is drawn,” Kelly explains.

If a sample shows abnormalities, the machine flags it for the technologists, who then examine the sample under a microscope. “Having this device is huge for us,” Kelly says. “The time we spend on maintenance is minimal, and with our staffing challenge, having such a great quality analyzer really helps keep things moving well. We’re very appreciative.”

We extend our sincere gratitude to all of our donors who made this purchase possible and continue to bring life-saving equipment to our local hospitals.