University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Banner Health Hometown Hero - Amanda Chubb
1/12/2021 10:03:00 AM | General
This week's Banner Health Hometown Hero is Director of Laboratory Services Amanda Chubb
As the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the world, the medical field stepped into the light for the amazing work they perform day in and day out. UNC Athletics is highlight a Banner Health Hometown Hero for their impact on the community during these unique times.
Amanda Chub, Director of Labortory Services
How did you keep your staff safe while running all the COVID tests?
We deal with these types of pathogens daily, so we are using the protocols that we use every day to protect staff in the lab. We quickly implemented any new safety protocols and monitored supplies to ensure they had what was needed to stay safe. Daily communication with each shift to ensure needs for PPE and staffing were met. Listening and addressing concerns and fears of staff openly and honestly. We deal with these types of pathogens daily, so we are using the protocols that we use every day to protect staff in the Microbiology lab.
What was the process like in creating and implementing the COVID testing protocols?
It was a process of constant change. Based on volumes and availability of reagents we had to be agile. This was uncharted territory for labs. Daily meetings to address, Covid-19 reagents, workflow, testing supplies and staffing were essential to understand the challenges and meet them head-on. Testing algorithms changed more times than we can count, but everyone understood it was necessary to meet the needs of our patients. Creating a test over a very short timeframe was challenging. Typically, we use tests that are created by manufacturers and we have plenty of time to validate the test and implement it. However, in this case, we used components from different sources (CDC, molecular testing manufacturers, etc.) and created a test in conjunction with the FDA and molecular specialists that had never been used before all in a couple of weeks. The amount of work that has been on-going collaborating with system resources to develop strategies for keeping up with testing demands has been nothing short of amazing. The system scientific medical directors, supply chain, etc. have been instrumental in managing testing availability.
How have you been able to keep up with not only the COVID tests, but the regular day to day operations of the lab?
We evaluate volumes daily and adjust as needed. Staff has been extremely agile and willing to change shift hours to meet the needs. This has allowed us to have more staff at busy times to keep up with all laboratory operations.
How do you feel better prepared for future pandemics?
Now that we have been through one, we know what we can expect. This impacts every area of the hospital. Staffs are better prepared for new processes. The efforts by our labs, but also the facilities will have a lasting positive impact. The deep collaborations among our staff enabled a positive response to the pandemic. We have gained experience in creating a Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) and will be better prepared the next time we have to develop a test quickly to detect a new pathogen.
Amanda Chub, Director of Labortory Services
How did you keep your staff safe while running all the COVID tests?
We deal with these types of pathogens daily, so we are using the protocols that we use every day to protect staff in the lab. We quickly implemented any new safety protocols and monitored supplies to ensure they had what was needed to stay safe. Daily communication with each shift to ensure needs for PPE and staffing were met. Listening and addressing concerns and fears of staff openly and honestly. We deal with these types of pathogens daily, so we are using the protocols that we use every day to protect staff in the Microbiology lab.
What was the process like in creating and implementing the COVID testing protocols?
It was a process of constant change. Based on volumes and availability of reagents we had to be agile. This was uncharted territory for labs. Daily meetings to address, Covid-19 reagents, workflow, testing supplies and staffing were essential to understand the challenges and meet them head-on. Testing algorithms changed more times than we can count, but everyone understood it was necessary to meet the needs of our patients. Creating a test over a very short timeframe was challenging. Typically, we use tests that are created by manufacturers and we have plenty of time to validate the test and implement it. However, in this case, we used components from different sources (CDC, molecular testing manufacturers, etc.) and created a test in conjunction with the FDA and molecular specialists that had never been used before all in a couple of weeks. The amount of work that has been on-going collaborating with system resources to develop strategies for keeping up with testing demands has been nothing short of amazing. The system scientific medical directors, supply chain, etc. have been instrumental in managing testing availability.
How have you been able to keep up with not only the COVID tests, but the regular day to day operations of the lab?
We evaluate volumes daily and adjust as needed. Staff has been extremely agile and willing to change shift hours to meet the needs. This has allowed us to have more staff at busy times to keep up with all laboratory operations.
How do you feel better prepared for future pandemics?
Now that we have been through one, we know what we can expect. This impacts every area of the hospital. Staffs are better prepared for new processes. The efforts by our labs, but also the facilities will have a lasting positive impact. The deep collaborations among our staff enabled a positive response to the pandemic. We have gained experience in creating a Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) and will be better prepared the next time we have to develop a test quickly to detect a new pathogen.
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