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"As an early adopter of the automated A1C Testing Solution, we areproviding superior diabetes testing services that positively impact thequality and timeliness of the acute care and management of diabetic patients.With diabetes affecting over 20 million children and adults in the UnitedStates, coupled with the nation's obesity epidemic, we saw the need to createa laboratory infrastructure for the future," said Mary Ann Burich-Boccia,Administrative Director, Laboratory, Mercy Medical Center. "By automating andconsolidating our high volume hematology and diabetes testing, we havedramatically improved our operational efficiency while reducing costs anderrors. And, with seventy-five percent of our samples no longer needingtechnologist-touch, we are freeing our technologists for more critical taskssuch as abnormal patient result review," she added.
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Mercy Medical Center's integrated testing solution includes the SysmexHST-302 automated platform -- two XE-Series automated hematology analyzers,one SP-1000i automated slide maker and stainer, MOLIS WAM, one TS-500 TubeSorter/archiver, Return Line and the Bio-Rad VARIANT II TURBO Link A1C testingsystem. "Our A1C method uses HPLC technology, the industry's gold standard forA1C testing. In addition to diabetes monitoring, our method detects somecommon hemoglobin abnormalities. This clinical information can be forwarded tothe physician, adding valuable patient information," said Scott Joksch, SeniorProduct Manager at Bio-Rad.
"In addition to enhancing its diabetic testing services, Mercy MedicalCenter's foresight has enabled the automation of testing and data managementof 90% of tests performed on EDTA samples and automated sample management ofvirtually 100% of all EDTA samples (i.e. CBC, Diff, Retic, ESR and otheresoteric tests)," said Nilam Patel, Sr. Product Manager, Automation Solutions,Sysmex America, Inc. "This Lavender Top Management(TM) solution by Sysmexoffers clinical laboratories quality results, superior instrument andautomation performance (uptime) and improved productivity, turn around timesand labor utilization," added Patel.
About HbA1c
The hemoglobin A1c (A1C) blood test, which measures the amount of glucoseattached to the hemoglobin in the red blood cell, is an estimate of apatient's blood glucose control during the previous three to four months.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that can increase a patient's risk fordeveloping serious complications including heart disease and stroke, highblood pressure, blindness, kidney and nervous system diseases. Proper diabetesmanagement can delay or even prevent the onset of complications, allowingpatients to live healthier, more productive lives.
About Mercy Medical Center
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