ACMC | Pulse | Spring 2015

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LAB SERVICES EXPANSION
ACMCmakes $500,000
technology upgrade
ASHTABULA COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER (ACMC)
recently upgraded the blood chemistry analyzers used in
its laboratory.
The new analyzers are used to identify diseases
and deficiencies in a patient’s blood and are capable of
performing almost 100 different types of tests. Those
tests include: basic lipid profiles, glucose, electrolytes,
phosphorus, vitamin D, tumor markers, cancer markers
and autoimmune concerns.
“We use the blood chemistry analyzers for most of the
tests we do,” Laboratory Director Dana Skaggs said. “The
new analyzers replaced five different units and combined
three different forms of testing, which dramatically
decreases our turnaround times and improves efficiency.”
ACMC Healthcare System President and CEO Michael
Habowski said the number of lab tests performed at
ACMC is substantially more than a hospital of ACMC’s
size would typically perform. The chemical analyzers at
ACMC perform 1.2 million tests each year.
“Our goal is to keep as much healthcare here in
Ashtabula County as possible,” he said. “The new
analyzers make it possible for the blood drawn at ACMC
to remain here for testing rather than sent to an out-of-
town reference lab.”
Having the blood analyzed locally means patients and
referring physicians receive results faster and can begin a
plan of care sooner if one is needed.
The technology upgrade doesn’t just improve patient
care and turnaround times—it is also a financial savings
for the hospital.
“The cost of the blood
chemistry analyzers is
$500,000, but we will
see significant savings—
possibly millions of dollars—
throughout the life of the
units because of efficiencies
and a reduced cost of supplies
for the analyzers,” said
Habowski.
For more information, call
440-997-6627 or visit
. ACMC’s outpatient lab offers blood draws from five
primary locations on a walk-in basis:
Ashtabula County Medical Center
Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Conneaut Family Health Center
Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to noon
Jefferson Family Health Center
Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon
Harbor Family Health Center
Monday through Friday, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.
North Kingsville Family Health Center
Wednesday and Friday, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
ACMC Pulse • 11