Yuma Regional Medical Center

Yuma Regional Medical Center clinical lab is the only full-service lab within a 180-mile radius and in recent years test volume and corresponding personnel within the lab increased exponentially due to border activity and population increases. The clinical laboratory’s existing square footage was stretched to its capacity, stifling current operations and future growth.

The initial masterplan study provided data and analysis to inform future clinical lab improvements for a 15-year planning horizon. HERA worked collaboratively with Yuma personnel to review five options. The selected option incorporates benchmark data from around the country and considers lab-specific drivers including peak lab staff occupancy, projected growth of billable test volume and equipment that addresses a breadth of testing menus.

The updated clinical lab nearly doubles the square footage through a phased renovation and expansion using adjacent shell space. The lab leans operations, improves teaching initiatives, accommodates service line expansions and creates a more pleasant working environment for the staff.

Departments include receiving, phlebotomy-specimen, chemistry/urinalysis, coagulation/hematology, microbiology/molecular/serology, pathology/histology/cytology, POCT and blood bank.