Speare Hospital laboratory expands its capabilities

PLYMOUTH — Laboratory Professionals Week celebrates professional medical technologists for the results they get for patients on a daily basis to assist in the detection and treatment of disease. For Speare Memorial Hospital's laboratory professionals, this year's annual recognition also marks the introduction of increased testing options for higher quality and more exacting results in a shorter amount of time.

"We are adding molecular testing for earlier detection of MRSA, Clostridium difficile (a highly contagious bacterial intestinal infection), Group B Strep for expectant mothers, and sexually transmitted disease" says Speare's Laboratory Director Thomas Costigan, MT, AAB. "Before it would take up to two days to verify MRSA while we waited for a culture to grow. Now with the new molecular test we will be able to have the results within an hour and 99 percent certainty."

Costigan explains the molecular tests are more expensive, but are more exact, hence the higher quality result in a very short amount of time. He says, "In the end the new testing is cost neutral, because we can put a patient's mind at ease, or enable their doctor to begin treatment, sooner."

Speare's Lab will also be employing new testing for the detection of Lyme Disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 95 percent of reported cases of Lyme Disease in 2012 came from 13 states, including New Hampshire. Beginning in early May, Speare's Lab will begin validating a new test for Lyme Disease that produces results in 45 minutes. Previously, the Lab would have to send out for results which would take two to three days. Costigan explains that while the Lab will use this new test for primary results, they will also be validating and comparing those results with other testing methods to ensure accuracy.

While the quality and accuracy of these new tests is enhanced, Costigan says the quality of testing at Speare's Lab overall is significantly higher than a large, independent, for profit, high volume lab. He explains, "It is important for patients to know that they do have a choice in which lab they go to, or have their testing sent to. While many insurance providers are offering lower or no co pays to patients who utilize laboratory services in other parts of the state, the trade off is convenience and travel time, not to mention delays in getting results.

"We know our patients and have a more complete picture of their health history. Not to mention we have some of the best phlebotomists anywhere," said Costigan, in reference to the fact the Lab has a large population of "seasonal" patients who come to Speare just to get their blood drawn—some from as far away as New York.

Speare's Lab is accredited by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP,) which advocates for high-quality and cost-effective medical care. CAP is a voluntary accreditation that measures performance against industry best practices and recognizes laboratories for "excellence of the services being provided." The process includes an inspection of the lab's records and quality control procedures, as well as a review of staff qualifications, equipments, facilities, safety program and record.

The main Lab located at Speare is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. There is also a blood drawing station at the Hospital's medical office building—Speare Memorial at Boulder Point—located on Boulder Point Drive off Tenney Mountain Highway. It is open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch.