News

Thanks to the generosity of donors on Giving Hearts Day, Feb. 9, 2023, RiverView Health’s Laboratory is using the latest technology in hematology analyzers. Hematology is the study of the physical parts of the blood. The new analyzer uses whole blood samples to provide information on each cell type in your blood and the overall physical health of your blood.

“This analyzer is used 24/7 for patients in all areas of the hospital, and for patients of all ages,’’ shared Emily Nelson, director of RiverView’s Lab. “Blood is sampled and diluted and then moved through a tube thin enough that cells pass by one at a time. Characteristics of each cell are measured using lasers or electrical impedance.’’

According to Nelson, the analyzer is used for common tests like hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cell count, and red blood cell count. It is also used for body fluids - joint fluids, abdominal fluids, pleural (lung) fluids, and cerebral spinal fluids - to determine how many white blood cells (if any) are contained in those fluids and what types of white blood cells are present.

“The analyzer is vital to help providers assess the overall health of our patients.’’

Top photo: Katie Weber, MLT, works with the new hematology analyzer purchased with funds donated on Giving Hearts Day 2023.

Bottom photo, left to right: Weber, Emily Nelson, director of Laboratory Services, and Sarah Wieland, MLS, are pictured with the new analyzer.