Capital District Times

The Albany Medical Center's Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine has made significant progress in its goal to integrate pathology services across its four hospitals. This advancement is part of a broader effort, supported by the recent implementation of the Epic electronic medical record (EMR) system.

A robotic lab line, operational since December, facilitates the swift analysis of blood samples between labs within the department. Currently, it sorts specimens for chemistry, coagulation, and hematology, with plans to expand its capabilities. The lab processes over 7,000 samples daily using approximately 180 feet of linear track at Albany Medical Center.

John DePaola, senior vice president of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services for Albany Med Health System, highlighted the project's potential: “The lab line is the foundation to moving forward with a bigger project over the next couple years.” The collaboration involves an ongoing initiative called the "Regional Reference Lab," which aims to streamline and coordinate lab services across the System.

DePaola emphasized that integrating with Epic allows for quick posting of test results into patients' records. "Epic has really brought us together," he said. This integration promises improved patient outcomes by offering expert analysis regardless of patients' locations or conditions.

Basic lab work will continue at individual hospitals while more complex cases will be handled at Albany Medical Center through medical couriers. This approach aims to enhance service quality in rural areas where complicated tests are less accessible.

Richard Vandell, strategic director of Laboratory Integration, noted that consolidating services could reduce costs and increase revenue by keeping business within the System. "We believe we have the ability to reduce our costs and increase our revenues by keeping more business inside the System," he stated.

DePaola pointed out that Albany Medical Center processes over eight million specimens annually but acknowledges that a siloed approach limits growth. He views this integration as essential for clinical unity across all four hospitals.

Joseph Sorce, lab service administrative director for the System, was instrumental in establishing the lab line at Albany Medical Center despite challenges involving different vendors' technologies. "We’re one of the first labs in the U.S. to have this technology," Sorce said.

Sorce and Vandell also highlighted safety improvements for technicians due to reduced physical handling of samples: “Ultimately, a person will not have to actually touch the specimen in most cases,” Vandell mentioned.

The Regional Reference Lab project will unfold in three phases starting from January through year-end 2025 with goals such as unifying leadership structures and standardizing equipment contracts. Further stabilization and growth phases are planned for 2026 onwards with upgrades anticipated throughout this period.