Behind the Scenes – Laboratory

The Truth is in the Details
The Laboratory Scientist

What is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States?
Clinical Laboratory Science professionals.agar-60571

It has been estimated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics that 15,000
new Clinical Laboratory Science professionals are needed annually; fewer than 5,000 graduate each year!
Whether you call them Clinical Laboratory Scientists, Medical Technologists, or Medical Lab Scientists, the role of the individual doing clinical laboratory testing is crucial to the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. Clinical Lab Scientists must be able to accurately perform and report all complex specialized laboratory analyses requiring advanced skills, technical expertise and broad use of independent judgement. They complete routine and “STAT” laboratory tests in chemistry, immunology, hematology, serology, immunohematology, urinalysis, microbiology
and coagulation.

Laboratory tests provide a virtual “snapshot” of a patient’s health status at any given time. It is estimated that 60 to 80 percent of physicians’ diagnoses are the product of a lab test; decisions regarding a patient’s diagnosis, treatment, hospital admission and discharge are influenced by laboratory test results.bacteria-808158

Here at Boundary Community Hospital we have our own full-service, Idaho-licensed, inspected and accredited Clinical Medical Laboratory that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our highly-qualified, certified Medical Laboratory Scientists perform diagnostic laboratory testing looking for bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms; analyzing the chemical content of fluids; matching blood for transfusions; and testing for drug levels in the blood that show how a patient is responding to treatment while utilizing state-of-the-art analyzers, all with computer integration and interlinked computer communications with other health care facilities and our reference lab.

State-of-the-art equipment in the hands of our skilled workforce is not the whole story in the Boundary Community Hospital Lab. As a medical laboratory in a rural community, we realize that each specimen and result affects our friends and neighbors’ lives. We are committed to keeping the community healthy and well-served.

In the near future, we will need to invest in new equipment or upgrades for existing machines. These updates are examples of our commitment to providing the best, most accurate tests in a timely manner. As always, Boundary Community Hospital is committed to providing accessible, high-quality, cost-effective services to everyone in our community.

Boundary Community Hospital salutes the team of Laboratory Scientists and Phlebotomists and thanks them for their excellent service, attention to detail, thoroughness, and compassionate care they provide to their patients.

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