The laboratory at Roosevelt General Hospital (RGH) is using the BioFire Film Array system to rapidly identify infections. Lab professionals are able to detect life-threatening pathogens thru DNA samples within about an hour. All aspects of the testing process are done onsite from a prepared sample of DNA. The BioFire system uses syndromic testing which is a new line of attack against infectious diseases by using a single test for all microorganisms most commonly responsible for an infectious disease.
The advanced BioFire equipment uses gastrointestinal (GI) and respiratory panels (RP) to determine causes of illness. The GI Panel tests stool specimens for common pathogens associated with gastroenteritis. The RP identifies the most common viral and bacterial pathogens that cause respiratory tract infections that present with nearly indistinguishable symptoms. “The rapid and precise identification of the contributing agent helps determine how a healthcare provider chooses to treat a respiratory tract infection or infectious gastroenteritis—which can lead to severe illness or death, stated Kaye Green, chief executive officer.
A wide range of viruses, bacteria, and parasites can cause infections of the digestive system. But, because of the power of BioFire, patients receive quicker diagnosis since it is able to concurrently test for the presence of multiple disease-causing microbes in a stool sample.
Green stated, “This cutting-edge technology allows our caregivers to treat disease earlier than ever before. We can get results within an hour as compared to waiting 2 to 3 days for the organisms to grow.”
Many tests that could have taken days to get results can be completed in a matter of hours. The system is specifically designed to purify, concentrate, detect and identify targeted nucleic acid sequences delivering results directly from unprocessed samples.
This is state-of-the-art medicine available in the rural community of Portales, New Mexico. Few other hospitals have the machines, with the closest facility located at Artesia, New Mexico. Green announced, “The right test, the first time can impact all areas of patient care which is what we are committed to. The BioFire equipment is helping us to improve patient care in an exceptionally rapid amount of time.”
Roosevelt General Hospital is committed to providing comprehensive patient care for residents throughout Roosevelt County, New Mexico and its surrounding areas. RGH offers a 24/7 physician-staffed emergency room, full spectrum inpatient and outpatient services, general surgery, laboratory, physical therapy and respiratory services, along with digital mammography, X-ray and MRI.
Established in 1945, the New Mexico Hospital Association represents the best interests of community hospitals on legislative, regulatory and public policy issues and works with members and others to improve the health status of the citizens of New Mexico. The proud membership of NMHA includes New Mexico facilities licensed to provide acute inpatient, specialty or general patient care and health systems and other qualified health care institutions.
