January 13, 2005 -- (Rockville Centre, NY) -- Mercy Medical Center’s Laboratory was recently the venue for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the launch of the new Roche Modular Laboratory Automation System, which has been in use at the hospital since September 2004. Mercy Medical Center has been recognized by Roche Diagnostics as the first fully integrated modular system laboratory in the tri-state area.

This new Laboratory System provides robotic state-of-the-art sample preparation and testing analysis and expands the laboratory’s current testing menu to incorporate new and evolving disease state specific tests. It provides more comprehensive, accurate, and timely actionable healthcare information, which assists physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of their patients. The approximate time from the start of sample processing (which includes centrifuging, decapping and alliquotting) to completion ranges from 18-30 minutes, saving approximately 30 minutes off the processing of each specimen. 

Laboratory Features and Benefits:

1. Consolidated workstations and streamlined operations to maximize staffing utilization.

2. Provides a low stress environment for the staff as it removes mundane non-technical tasks.

3. Provides predictable turn around times for routine and STAT testing.

4. Ability to grow with system and expand with no re-training, re-engineering or re-staffing due to LEGO-LIKE modular connections.

5. One single use computer access to system operations.

Media Contact: Diane O'Doherty at 516-705-2619.