3-Dimensional Printed Alternative to the Standard Synthetic Flocked Nasopharyngeal Swabs Used for Coronavirus Disease 2019 Testing.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), can be detected in respiratory samples by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or other molecular methods. Accessibility of diagnostic testing for COVID-19 has been limited by intermittent shortages of supplies required for testing, including flocked nasopharyngeal (FLNP) swabs.

Methods: We developed a 3-dimensional printed nasopharyngeal (3DP) swab as a replacement of the FLNP swab.

Northwell Health Laboratories: The 10-Year Outcomes After Deciding to Keep the Lab.

Context.—: Northwell Health Laboratories were established in 1997, serving the Northwell Health system. In 2008, the health system considered minority entry into a joint venture with a commercial laboratory.

Active Monitoring and Feedback to Improve Blood Culture Fill Volumes and Positivity Across a Large Integrated Health System.

Background: The sensitivity of blood cultures increases with the volume of blood collected. However, hospitals face challenges in collecting adequate volume, and underfilled blood bottles are ubiquitous.

Methods: Blood bottle fill volumes were measured using an automated monitoring system across multiples sites (10 hospitals, 3 laboratories) within a large suburban/urban health system.

Strengths of the Northwell Health Laboratory Service Line: Maintaining Performance During Threatened Interruptions in Service.

From 2009 to 2015, the laboratories of the 19-hospital North Shore-LIJ Health System experienced 5 threatened interruptions in service and supported 2 regional health-care providers with threatened interruptions in their laboratory service. We report our strategies to maintain laboratory performance during these events, drawing upon the strengths of our integrated laboratory service line. Established in 2009, the laboratory service line has unified medical and administrative leadership and system-wide divisional structure, quality management, and standardization of operations and procedures.