Good Samaritan Hospital has opened a new on-site microbiology laboratory designed to deliver faster, more precise diagnostic results for some of the region’s most urgent and common medical conditions.
The new lab, which began processing patient samples on Jan.21, allows clinicians to identify quickly the bacteria responsible for infections such as sepsis, urinary tract infections, respiratory illnesses, cerebrospinal fluid infections and wound infections, cutting hours, and in some cases days, off the time it takes to make critical treatment decisions.
“This lab may be small in size, but its impact on patient care is significant,” said Good Samaritan Hospital CEO Patrick Rohan during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday. “Faster microbiology results mean patients receive the right treatment sooner, avoid unnecessary antibiotics and can move more efficiently through the care system.”
Santa Clara County healthcare providers face higher demands for acute and emergency care driven by population growth, aging residents and post-pandemic strain on hospital capacity. Clinicians nationwide are confronting the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance, which requires more precise identification of infectious organisms before treatment can be narrowed effectively.
By bringing microbiology testing on site, Good Samaritan Hospital can:
- Accelerate diagnosis for time-sensitive infections like sepsis
- Improve patient safety by reducing reliance on broad-spectrum antibiotics
- Support antibiotic stewardship, a key public-health priority
- Shorten hospital stays by helping care teams act quickly and confidently
“Knowing exactly what organism we’re treating allows physicians and pharmacists to move from broad antibiotics to targeted therapy sooner,” said Good Samaritan Hospital’s CMO Richard Briones. “That’s better for the patient and better for the community.”
The lab employs a highly experienced team and is designed to grow incrementally as demand increases, ensuring the service can scale while maintaining quality and precision.