The Passavant Hospital Auxiliary is hosting a fundraiser to purchase a piece of cutting-edge laboratory equipment for the hospital that will save physicians valuable time when diagnosing and treating bacterial infections in a patient’s bloodstream.
The Auxiliary will use money raised during its spring basket raffle to purchase a Luminex Verigene bacteria and virus identification system, a sophisticated and highly specialized type of lab equipment that can rapidly detect pathogens responsible for infection and help physicians decide how to treat it.
Tests to determine if a patient has a bacterial infection in the bloodstream have a relatively fast turn-around time. However, under current testing processes in place at Passavant Area Hospital, it takes at least two days to identify what type of bacteria are responsible for the infection—information the patient’s physician needs before deciding how to treat the infection.
“Our lab staff at Passavant provides crucial information for making decisions about patient care,” said Pam Martin, executive director of the Passavant Area Hospital Foundation and Volunteers. “The Luminex Verigene system would allow them to get the results they need much more quickly, potentially saving lives.”
The Verigene platform can analyze infections, including pathogens such as MRSA, in the bloodstream, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract.
The system also reduces the risk for human error, as results are uploaded directly to the laboratory interface system with no need for typing or transcription. There, results can be reviewed immediately by a medical technologist.
“With the Verigene system, the lab would be able to provide a bacterial identification and give genetic resistance markers within three hours, versus 48 to 72 with the current method,” said Jamie DeWitt, Passavant Area Hospital lead medical technologist. “By rapidly identifying the bacteria present and giving resistance markers, the physician will be able to place the patients on the appropriate antimicrobial therapy sooner.”
To purchase basket raffle tickets by credit card, call the Passavant Auxiliary Gift Shop at 217-245-9541, ext. 3186. Tickets are $10 each or three for $25. Winning tickets will be drawn at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 3.
Passavant Auxiliary Spring Fundraiser Baskets
- Cha Ching! $1,225 cash (sponsors: Bank of Springfield, CNB Bank, First National Bank, Phyllis Lape, Karen Sibert, The Farmer’s State Bank and Trust Company, Town & Country Bank)
- Can Ya Dig It? (worth $900) Items and sponsors: Two Mexican-crafted pottery planters – Ace Hardware; galvanized tub with watering can, digital soil pH meter, Miracle Grow®, Roundup®, kneeling pad, Fiskars trowel, frog decorations, garden stone and gloves – Buchheit of Jacksonville; Toro leaf blower, trowel, claw, clippers, garden hat, Burpee flower seeds, two citronella candles, water globe, 8-inch glazed clay pot – Beard Implement-Arenzville; handmade potting bench – Girls in the Garage; $50 certificate – Hembrough Tree & Lawn Care; two plant stands and three plastic pots – Home Depot; two bags of potting soil and assorted peat pots – Midland Farm and Home Supply; $50 certificate – Turner Tree Service; soil aerator, spade and garden hose – Walmart
Because You’re Worth It! – (worth $600) Items and sponsors: $40 certificate – A Bloom Bar; one night stay plus Turkish Towel Company robe and slippers – Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast; Godiva chocolates and Cooper’s Hawk white wine with stem wine glasses – Megan McGuire; $100 Lipsense makeup and bag – Brittany Henry; $100 certificate – Inner Harmony Spa; $50 facial certificate – LB Beauty; massage by Hannah Pate; $30 facial/spa service certificate – Refinery Skincare & Wax; white wicker basket – Sara and Kyle Schumacher; Caren lotion, nail files, headbands, three bracelets, Snoozie slippers, savory party snack mix, Jacksonville tea towel, notebook and gratitude journal – Passavant Auxiliary Gift Shop