×

Gene technology yields faster lab returns at Wheeling Hospital

WHEELING – A new technology at Wheeling Hospital is helping doctors obtain faster and more precise diagnoses of their patients’ conditions.

What once took one to two days for lab results is now taking just 96 minutes. The hospital’s lab is using the GeneXpert System, manufactured by Cepheid Inc., which involves molecular DNA testing for a more sensitive and accurate diagnosis.

Currently, the system is being used for detecting sexually transmitted diseases (chlamydia trachomatis and neisseria gonorrhea). A swab or a urine sample is used for testing.

In the near future, additional tests will be added.

These will include MRSA (methicilllin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) clostridium difficile, influenza A and B, as well as RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).

“The quicker we have test results, the quicker physicians can determine their patient’s treatment plan.

“The technology is helping health care professionals make good decisions,” said Christine LaQuaglia, Wheeling Hospital’s director of laboratory services.

“The system is very user-friendly and delivers much more precise test results. In the past, we could see as many as four inconclusive STD test results per week. However, since the beginning of this year, using GeneXpert, we have experienced only three.”

In regard to MRSA, LaQuaglia said a fast detection of the bacterium is crucial.

She explained the faster a hospital patient is diagnosed with MRSA, the sooner the patient can be placed in isolation, potentially shortening the length of stay and better protecting other patients, visitors and hospital staff.

MRSA causes infections in various parts of the body. It is more difficult to treat than most strains of staphylococcus because it is resistant to some commonly used antibiotics.

MRSA accounts for more than 60 percent of hospital-acquired infections in the U.S. Annually, more than 278,000 hospital patients are infected by MRSA, resulting in more than $2.5 billion in excess health care costs.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today