Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Jon Baker, director of laboratories at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, Lansing, MI.
Hear Jon and Jeffrey discuss UM Health-Sparrow’s new FlexLab X system, how lab automation speeds results, and what it means for patients and staff in the SoundCloud podcast shared below:
Jeffrey had several questions he wanted to find out about in the conversation with Jon:
- Welcome Jon, yesterday UM Health-Sparrow installed a first-of-its-kind lab automation to speed patient results, tell us about the event?
“We hear a lot about automation in manufacturing, but in a hospital lab? Can you explain in simple terms what this FlexLab X machine actually does?”
- “For our listeners who might get blood work done, what does this mean for them personally? How will they notice a difference?”
“This is called a ‘first-of-its-kind’ system. What makes it so unique and groundbreaking compared to how labs have traditionally operated?”
“With a machine handling more tasks, what’s the impact on the lab scientists and technicians? Does this change their jobs?”
“Looking ahead, how does an investment like this fit into the bigger picture for UM Health-Sparrow and the care available to our community in the future?”
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UM Health-Sparrow installs first-of-its-kind lab automation to speed patient results
LANSING, Mich. – The University of Michigan Health-Sparrow activated a new, laboratory automation system that boasts drastically shorter turnaround times for lab tests. The system is among the first of its kind in the nation.
The shortened turnaround times enable quicker diagnosis and treatment. The automated processes minimize manual handling errors and strenuous manual tasks for staff, enhancing overall testing quality and consistency, and contribute to shorter hospital stays.
“This investment is about getting critical results to our physicians faster,” said Jon Baker, director of laboratories at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow.
The FlexLab X is a fully integrated automation line that manages sample tubes from check-in through final output. Representatives from Siemens-Healthineers, manufacturer of the FlexLab X, joined hospital leadership for the event.
“We look forward to building upon our relationship with this new technology to support University of Michigan Health-Sparrow’s goals in driving greater efficiency in their lab and delivering faster results for patients,” said Jennifer Murphy, senior vice president of national strategic accounts at Siemens-Healthineers.
The U-M Health Sparrow Laboratories is among the busiest hospital labs in the country, receiving lab results from throughout the state. The lab distinguished itself during the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming the first hospital to develop an inpatient COVID test and opening a drive-thru testing site at a former Sears Automotive Center.
For more information on laboratory services, visit UofMHealthsparrow.org/departments-conditions/all-departments/laboratories.
