When you think of a hospital, you probably envision doctors, nurses, and other white-coat wearing, patient-facing professionals. On the bottom floor of Arnot Health and Cayuga Health, members of Centralus Health, are science sleuths who play a critical role in patient care.
“I love being behind the scenes making a difference. I can be a little queasy when it comes to medical procedures, but when the specimen comes on a swab or in a cup, I’m all about it,” says Veronica Hroncich, Clinical Laboratory Technician in Microbiology at Arnot Health, a Member of Centralus Health.
The clinical laboratory is an indispensable component of a well-functioning healthcare system or hospital; most staff members enjoy anonymously assisting with the diagnostic process.
“I’m an introvert, and this job gives me an opportunity to help patients in our community without being in the public eye,” says Cory Swingle, Clinical Laboratory Technician in Microbiology at Arnot Health, a Member of Centralus Health.
Others look forward to the occasional opportunity to see the face behind the flask.
“One of the things I really enjoy is working with patients. We do get the chance to do inpatient phlebotomy, and having the option to go out of the lab is rewarding,” says Brittany Rinker, Laboratory Assistant at Cayuga Health, a Member of Centralus Health.
Medical laboratories process the many samples needed to help doctors make diagnoses.
“We are covered in bacteria that help protect us. Sometimes bad bacteria can take over and cause infections. It’s our job, as microbiologists, to figure out if this is good bacteria or bad bacteria,” says Veronica.
Medical Laboratory Scientists and Clinical Laboratory Scientists couldn’t process or assist in diagnosing patients without the help of a courier. Medical couriers are crucial for healthcare, ensuring viable lab samples arrive on time for testing.
“I get the cooler, leave the lab at a certain time every day, go out to the car, go to the labs to pick up specimens, bring them back here, check the specimens at the window, and then I’m ready for my next run. I do that five times a day,” says Robbie Sullivan, Courier at Cayuga Health, a Member of Centralus Health.
If a hospital or outpatient office collects a sample for further testing, Robbie is there to deliver vials with a smile.
“I like the thought of helping people. I’ve been that way my whole life. I’m a people person. When I go to these different labs, I really enjoy getting to talk to the people.” says Robbie.
No matter where the specimen came from or who delivered it, all results come directly from the lab. The turnaround time for lab results can vary depending on the test. When the test results are available, someone needs to make sure that information goes to the right person.
“Most of the time we talk to a nurse. We help with anything from finding the results for them to forwarding the results. We assist doctors. We consult with our techs downstairs too.” says Alisa Carpenter, Clinical Laboratory Customer Service Specialist at Cayuga Health, a Member of Centralus Health. “Any questions someone has, we either talk to the techs about it or forward it to the doctor.”
Regardless of whether a result is positive or negative, Alisa relays the information to a patient or provider.
“When you get that call saying, ‘Thank you for helping me out and going above and beyond,’ it turns your whole mood around.”
You may never see their faces, but if you go to Arnot Health or Cayuga Health, Members of Centralus Health, chances are you won’t leave the hospital without the help of someone from the lab.
Whether you have a sample taken in the hospital or at a doctor’s office, when your results come back, you can easily view your report on MyChart. Through the online patient portal, you canaccess test results as soon as they become available, rather than waiting for a phone call or letter from your healthcare provider. To register or sign in, go to centralushealth.org/mychart.
Arnot Health and Cayuga Health have over 15 inpatient and outpatient blood draw stations across Central New York and the Southern Tier. Most Centralus Health lab specimens are processed at Arnot Ogden Medical Center, 600 Roe Avenue, Elmira, NY or Cayuga Medical Center, 101 Dates Drive, Ithaca, NY. For more information on laboratory hours and locations, visit centralushealth.org
