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Core Laboratory

The Clinical Core Laboratory located on the second floor of the Connecticut Tower serves the hospital’s inpatient and outpatient population from 8 different locations. The core laboratory functions 24 hours and performs testing on different sample types such as, serum, plasma, urine, spinal fluid, and other body fluid samples.

The high throughput analyzers for chemistry, immunochemistry, and hematology allows for an uninterrupted daily testing service to our patient population. The robotic process sorts, tests, and stores patient specimens without human manipulation thereby reducing handling and transcription errors. The automation is able to locate a single vial of blood for addition or repeat testing in a matter of seconds. An integrated data-management system identifies specimens that require intervention by a technologist and allows results that fit preprogrammed guidelines per individual patient to be reported immediately.

The automated system enables a continuous work-flow process that reduces specimen wait times, ensures accurate and timely electronic reporting of laboratory results and reduces biohazard exposures for laboratory staff. At present, accurate results can be obtained in a matter of a few minutes for 121 laboratory tests performed on one, or at most two, small vials of blood.

At a Glance

  • Extensive chemistry test menu of 121 different assays and hematology tests (PT, PTT, Fibrinogen, DDimer, TT).
    Refer to Special Coagulation for extensive hematology/coagulation test menu.
  • Optimized specimen handling to minimize turnaround times for all critical services of the hospital.
  • Ongoing effort to provide high-quality customer service and laboratory testing for UConn Health’s clinical care needs.

Core Lab's Advanced Automated System: The Core Lab in has an advanced automated track system that quickly and efficiently analyzes hundreds of specimens a day so doctors and patients get their lab results sooner.

Teaching and Training

  • Laboratory rotations for medical students.
  • 5 months rotations for medical technology students.
  • Shadowing opportunities for students interested in the field of clinical laboratory.

Contact Information

Core Laboratory
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Connecticut Tower, Room C2056
263 Farmington Avenue
Farmington, CT 06030
Phone: 860-679-2498
Hours: 24/7

Lab worker standing pipetting into a test tube
Two lab workers looking at a monitor, one holding some test tubes
Hand holding a replacement bottle for a machine
Lab worker at a monitor inputting data

Our Team

Anu S. Maharjan, Ph.D., DABCC, NRCC

Anu S. Maharjan, Ph.D., DABCC, NRCC
Director, Core Laboratory
Phone: 860-679-2629
Email: amaharjan@uchc.edu

No photo available

Jeanette E. Pitrone, MLS(ASCP)CM, SSYBCTM
Associate Director, Clinical Laboratory
Phone: 860-679-4244
Email: pitrone@uchc.edu

Sidney M. Hopfer, Ph.D.

Sidney Hopfer, Ph.D.
Phone: 860-679-2665
Email: hopfer@uchc.edu

Laboratory Supervisors

John Gary, MT(ASCP)
Chemistry, First Shift
Phone: 860-679-4648
Email: jgary@uchc.edu

Laura Gillam, MT(ASCP)
Hematology, First Shift
Phone: 860-679-4185
Email: lgillam@uchc.edu

Raphael Assenso-Bediako, MLS(ASCP)
Chemistry and Hematology, Second Shift
Phone: 860-679-2499
Email: assensobediako@uchc.edu