Patients at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) are expected to have faster access to test results following a major upgrade to laboratory equipment at University Hospital and Victoria Hospital. LHSC says its Core Labs, which process patient bloodwork, can now handle more than 15,000 tests per hour combined, an increase of just over 24 per cent from previous capacity. Equipment used to prepare samples for testing was also upgraded, extending its lifespan by another five years. The installation took place over the spring and summer and was funded through LHSC’s existing budget. The new equipment was fully operational by the end of August. The Core Labs are responsible for processing tests used to diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions, including diabetes, infections, and heart, kidney and liver disease. Samples analyzed in the Core Labs can also be sent to specialized laboratories at LHSC for further testing when required. Hospital officials say the new equipment provides greater automation, faster processing, increased testing capacity and improved reliability. The technology also requires less hands-on maintenance, allowing staff to focus on patient care.
