Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
UNITED CLINICAL LABORATORIES: Difference between revisions
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In 1991 United Clinical Laboratories provided such varied services as blood chemistries, cytology, hematology, histology, microbiology, and serology. The participating hospitals have also achieved the efficiencies they had desired. | In 1991 United Clinical Laboratories provided such varied services as blood chemistries, cytology, hematology, histology, microbiology, and serology. The participating hospitals have also achieved the efficiencies they had desired. | ||
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Revision as of 02:50, 27 December 2008
UNITED CLINICAL LABORATORIES. A unique cost-cutting innovation in the medical field. United Clinical Laboratories was envisioned by the Dr. Robert VERNON who planned a cooperative laboratory service for processing medical tests ordered by doctors in Dubuque's three hospitals.
All three hospitals were originally served by the same pathologists. As new costly equipment was purchased, decisions were made concerning which of the hospitals would house it. This delicate balance was broken in 1966 when a high profiling chemistry analyzer was acquired. So that the community could benefit from the equipment, Dr. Vernon established Medical Services Laboratory in 1967 and housed the equipment outside any of the hospitals. In 1976 the pathologists' appeal to the hospitals to consolidate all pathological testing was rejected.
As federal money for hospitals fell, laboratories became a cost rather than a revenue source to hospitals. Consideration of the pathologists' proposal was resumed in 1983. In 1986 the formation of United Clinical Laboratories was announced. The laboratory was opened in 1987 in what had been the basement of St. Raphael's School on Bluff Street.
In 1991 United Clinical Laboratories provided such varied services as blood chemistries, cytology, hematology, histology, microbiology, and serology. The participating hospitals have also achieved the efficiencies they had desired.