Penn Highlands DuBois Installs State-of-the-Art Laboratory Automation Track
Installation marks the first Abbott GLP laboratory track system in Pennsylvania, utilizing cutting-edge technology to accelerate diagnostic testing and results for timely patient care.
Penn Highlands DuBois today announced the successful installation of a new, state-of-the-art Abbott GLP Systems Track. Replacing a 10-year-old legacy system, the advanced laboratory automation track is the first Abbott GLP track system installed in Pennsylvania.
The Abbott GLP Systems Track is an intelligent laboratory solution that acts as a smart conveyor for medical specimens. Powered by self-propelled carriers, it independently transports blood and fluid samples throughout the testing process, helping lab teams efficiently route, analyze and store specimens.
“Bringing the first Abbott GLP track in Pennsylvania to Penn Highlands DuBois is a milestone for our hospital and the communities we serve,” said Will Chinn, President of Penn Highlands DuBois and Penn Highlands Clearfield. “By upgrading from our previous system to this newer, intelligent technology, we’re providing our laboratory teams with advanced tools to support their work. Most importantly, this investment helps us deliver timely, accurate diagnostic results to physicians, allowing them to make informed decisions about patient care.”
The new laboratory track system automates routine and repetitive tasks historically performed by laboratory personnel, including:
- Sample entry and routing: Incoming blood and fluid samples are loaded into the system, which automatically sorts and routes them to their appropriate destinations, including chemistry analyzers. The track also intelligently directs samples for hematology, coagulation, special chemistry and send-out testing.
- Intelligent priority handling: When urgent tests are ordered, the system automatically recognizes their priority status and reroutes samples to help expedite testing.
- Automated storage: Following testing, the system automatically routes specimens to temporary storage, reducing the need for manual handling.
By pairing advanced automation with clinical expertise, Penn Highlands Healthcare continues to advance diagnostic services in the region, helping ensure patients receive efficient, timely and high-quality care.