Within our Walls: Role of laboratory technicians at CHI

As lab techs, we are often in the background, the “unseen” health care professionals, but did you know that 70 percent of medical decisions are based on laboratory results? It is very important that the results we provide are accurate and precise. We guarantee this by performing daily quality control on the tests we perform and taking part in regulated proficiency testing programs that have strict testing guidelines and requirements. We are a CLIA certified laboratory and are inspected by the state of North Dakota every other year.

We currently employ four technologists. The laboratory is open for normal business hours from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and one technologist is available on an on-call basis throughout the night.

In our laboratory, all our technologists are called “generalists,” meaning we rotate and specialize in all departments of the laboratory. These departments are explained in detail below.

In Hematology, we use a test called a Complete Blood Count (CBC) to diagnose and monitor anemia, leukemias, infections, and many other disease states.

Coagulation is a department that checks clotting times and monitors blood thinner therapy with the use of tests called the Protime (PT) and the Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT). We can also use a test called a D-dimer to detect deep vein thromboses and pulmonary embolisms.

In Chemistry, we perform an extensive list of tests that can be used in the monitoring of a patient’s kidney, liver, cardiac, prostate and thyroid function. Some of the most common tests we perform include glucose, electrolytes (such as potassium and sodium), cholesterol, Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and hemoglobin A1C.

In Microbiology, we isolate pathogens that cause infections by performing a test called a culture to identify the specific organism of bacteria. We use this culture to report antibiotic sensitivity and resistance of the bacteria.

Urinalysis is a department that is used to detect and monitor urinary tract infections, kidney disease and diabetes. We use a test called a urinalysis that involves checking the appearance and content of the urine sample.

In Transfusion Services, we provide blood transfusion support by supplying red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma and platelets. Testing is performed on the patient’s blood sample prior to the transfusion to make sure the blood is of a compatible type. We are supplied with our products from Vitalant in Fargo, N.D.

Any tests we do not perform locally are sent to Northern Plains Laboratory, located in Bismarck, N.D., and then some are sent additionally to LabCorp, located in Denver, Colo.

We most often perform laboratory tests on patients who use our clinic and Emergency Room and are admitted to our hospital. We also perform laboratory tests on patients who see providers of other facilities, saving patients travel time and expenses. This can be done by either bringing a copy of your laboratory order to your visit, or having your provider fax the order to us ahead of time. We will perform the tests ordered, and then send a copy of the test results to the provider listed on the order. We are also certified to collect both DOT and non-DOT drug screens and life insurance physical kits.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to serving you in the future.