LARNED — The Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Auxiliary has been instrumental in helping acquire a new five-part lab analyzer for Pawnee Valley Community Hospital.
“The role of the PVCH Auxiliary is to support the advancement of patient care at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital,” said Mary Smith, PVCH auxiliary president.  “By making this $6,000 donation for the five-part lab analyzer, we are continuing our mission of improving the health and well-being of the community.”
The five-part lab analyzer was funded through donations made to the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital Foundation, which included the generous donation by PVCH Auxiliary.
The five-part lab analyzer, also known as a hematology analyzer, is used for CBC or complete blood count lab work.  In laymen’s terms, the lab analyzer looks at red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, while also differentiating between the five types of white blood cells.  
Up until now, PVCH’s 3-part lab analyzer only differentiated between two types of white blood cells and the other three were categorized as “mixed.”  
By being able to differentiate between the white blood cells, the patient’s healthcare team can look at everything from anemia to infections — including viruses and leukemia.  Prior to the acquisition of the five-part lab analyzer, 10 CBC reflex tests were being sent outside of the hospital to be read each day.  
Today, the lab only sends out very specialized reflex tests normally associated with unique medical situations.  
“By having the five-part lab analyzer in-house, our department is equipped with better technology that allows us to provide more detailed results for our patients,” said Kristi Engel, PVCH lab supervisor. “Our faster turn-around time results in faster diagnosis by the providers.”  
Saving valuable time, lowering costs for patients, and providing better lab results to the physicians, are all key factors in PVCH’s lab department being able to offer their patients a more advanced level of care in Pawnee County.