A hard hat and a high-viz vest were required PPE for Pathology Site Manager Vana Papasimeon when she began working at the VHH in October 2022.
“We were the first department to work out of the building due to the many requirements in setting up a new laboratory to ensure we are ready for open day,” she said. “It was still a building site with dozens of construction workers. The lift was full of tradies.”
The first of eight blood analysers arrived in November, and so began the long process of validation and calibration of the analysers.
This includes analysing quality control material – or precision studies – testing samples with known concentrations to ensure accuracy of results for best patient care, and also a requirement for NATA accreditation in February.
“I’ve been with Monash Health for 26 years. This is very exciting.”
The laboratory will conduct routine pathology testing focused on cardiac patients. It will operate 24/7 and expects to conduct 300-400 samples each day once the VHH is fully operational.