Q&A

Laboratory:
Performing 24/7
LifeCare takes great pride in its fully accredited Laboratory. The invaluable services performed there affect nearly every other department within the organization. As with any LifeCare department, Lab requires regular performance evaluation of equipment and personnel. Here are a few excerpts from a recent interview with Nima Mostofi, Director of Laboratory.

Q: What steps are taken to ensure that the results of the various Laboratory equipment are accurate?
 

LifeCare's Abbott Architect ci4100 runs more than 60 types of tests.

A: Like all accredited hospital laboratories, LifeCare’s Laboratory follows a strict schedule for quality control and calibration of lab equipment. Daily diagnostic testing begins every morning when the first day shift workers arrive. Still other tests require quality control samples be generated every eight hours. Running these tests produces results that must fall within strict parameters set for each machine.

 
Q: How does a Lab technician know what to look for or fix if the quality control or calibration results are off?

A centrifuge is loaded with samples in the lab.

A: Lab equipment is extremely sensitive. Our lab equipment is working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Each instrument has scheduled maintenance that is followed as recommended by the manufacturer. During this maintenance our lab techs perform diagnostic checks and fix problems such as light source, water quality, component failure, or reagent degradation.

To learn more about the Laboratory at LifeCare Medical Center, please call (218) 463-2500.