NorthShore University HealthSystem has become the first Microbiology Laboratory in the United States to release patient results from its new state-of-the-art BD Kiestra^TM Total Lab Automation system for microbiology. The launch of this leading edge technology revolutionizes microbiology testing in the U.S.  With the use of this automation system, NorthShore patients and physicians have access to faster and better quality results, and the potential for shorter hospital stays.

In addition to the BD Kiestra^TM Total Lab Automation system, the entire microbiology laboratory at NorthShore has undergone renovation. “Rapid diagnosis and treatment of infections is critical; however, many of the traditional testing protocols take days to generate a result. Using this new technology integrated with other rapid diagnostic technologies can reduce those times significantly,” said Karen Kaul, MD, PhD, Chair of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at NorthShore. “Faster turnaround times on test results mean faster, more efficient and effective treatment for our patients, which allows NorthShore to provide better patient care and outcomes.”

The BD Kiestra^TM system combines magnetic bead inoculation, advanced robotics, imaging and ground breaking process improvements to lab tests that were previously performed manually over several days. Combining the technology with its existing Mass Spectrometry identification system will enable NorthShore to put the answers in physician’s hands faster and more accurately than previously possible.

NorthShore’s microbiology laboratories are centralized at Evanston Hospital and serve the entire NorthShore system which includes 4 hospitals (900 beds) and 2,400 physicians. With a nationally recognized electronic medical record system, NorthShore ranks as one of the “Most Wired” hospital systems by Hospital and Health Networks.

“We are excited about our partnership with NorthShore as they implement this proven and leading‐edge technology into their daily operations. NorthShore will be redefining how microbiology testing is performed within their market and helping to deliver more accurate and timely results to physicians. By implementing innovative technologies such as streaking plates with magnetic rolling beads and digital plate imaging, this laboratory has taken a leadership position in the United States as it relates to high quality, accurate and fast microbiology,” said Michael Borlet, VP/GM US Region, BD Diagnostics.