Unlocking Vital Secrets: Lab Employees Work Around the Clock for Patients, Families
Apr 09, 2021
Florida - Southwest
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One patient will test positive for diabetes, another negative for cancer. Then, the process begins again with new vials from patients all around Lee Health.
We are open 24/7, Fran Cioffi said. Cioffi has been the Cape Coral lab supervisor since 1974. She oversees a team of 28 people. Another 52 people work at the Cape Coral location. They test everything from sputum to fecal samples and deliver results to physicians and advanced providers as quickly as possible. For some tests we can have results within 24 hours, Cioffi said. We know its not a sample, its a patient. Our tests affect patients and families.
Samples come into the Cape Coral Hospital lab beginning early in the morning and arrive from Lee Memorial Hospital, Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida, HealthPark Medical Center and all of the outpatient labs throughout the Lee Health system. Gulf Coast Medical Center has microbiology lab that processes all of its samples onsite. We are always busy, Cioffi said. Her lab processes about 6,000 cultures for both urine and blood cultures each month. They also test cystic fibrosis, bacteria, fungus and mycobacterium cultures. The lab experts who work here have a degree, Cioffi said. Most of them have a BS (Bachelor of Science) in clinical science. We work very closely with pharmacy and the infectious disease doctors. Assistants help round out the crew and are important to the laboratory. Safety and Accuracy Accuracy is important, and Cioffi keeps an oversized spiral binder with notations and processes readily available for inspectors who visit the lab on a regular basis. They are judged on proficiency and quality control.
We have to be safe and accurate, Cioffi said. We also have to keep up with technology. Medical technologist Lou Latassa has worked in the lab for 30 years and spent a recent afternoon analyzing red and white blood cell counts, platelets and hemoglobin. He processes about 700 samples each day. While many tests emerge with firm results, some require further analysis. If we get abnormal cells we go to the microscope, Latassa said. We can get a better look.
Rising to New Challenges Lead lab assistant Danielle Tamburro spends much of her time outside the lab, drawing blood from patients in the hospital. Recently, because of coronavirus, her job has included new challenges.
We have to wear gowns, N-95 (masks), booties, a cafeteria hairnet and goggles, Tamburro said. The outfit appears intimidating, but Tamburro compensates with a dose of extra kindness.
I try to make it the best experience possible, she said. I love to listen to the patients stories. They are adorable. Cioffi is proud of the team that fosters healing by first discovering what is wrong, from minor infections to life-changing cancers.
I love the people I work with, she said. We are here to help.
Submitted and Written By: Lee Health - click here for more information
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Physicians 4211 Metro Parkway, Fort Myers, Florida, 33916Lee Health: We Celebrate and Serve Our CommunityLee Health has been part of the Southwest Florida community for over 100 years. From humble beginnings, we have blossomed into the largest healthcare provider in the region and one of the largest public health systems in Florida with more than four hospitals, two specialty hospitals, primary care and specialty care offices, outpatient facilities, skilled nursing, urgent care, and so much more.We have the latest technology, nationally recognized experts, award-winning facilities and programs, and resources everything to ensure you get world-class care right here, close to home.But what truly sets us apart is the way we treat youour patients and families.Our team values you and your busy life, so we are committed to treating everyone with care, kindness, respect and compassion. That means listening, communicating, and providing you with a safe environment. We appreciate you and celebrate all you do, and well be here when you need us.Supported by more than 17,000 dedicated employees and physicians and healthcare clinicians on the medical staff, as well as 4,500 volunteers and auxilians, Lee Health remains the bedrock of our community by offering acute care, emergency care, rehabilitative and diagnostic services, health and wellness education, community outreach and advocacy programs through the five-county region.We continue to invest back into our community to improve facilities, add services and extend care to those who need it most in their own backyard.Some of our services include: Lee Physician Group Primary and Specialty Care Lee Health Heart Institute Lee Health Cancer Institute MyChart and Virtual Visits (Telemedicine) Lee Community Healthcare and focus on the underserved Mental and Behavioral Health Pediatrics Womens Care Urology Neurology Pharmacy Services Orthopedics For a complete list of services and to learn more about what we do, where we are, and how we can help, visit leehealth.org.