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Female doctor having a consultation with a femalre patient at her desk with HemoCue products visible on the desk.

Private Medical Practice in Australia

Nepean Lung and Sleep is a private medical practice specializing in adult respiratory and sleep medicine. The clinic provides onsite diagnostic testing for respiratory and sleep disorders and medical consultations with specialist physicians. Serving Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and regional NSW areas such as Bathurst, Orange, Mudgee, and Lithgow, they see around 2,000 to 2,500 patients per year.

Natalie Gauci, a PhD student with 11 years of clinical experience in pulmonary function testing, is the Respiratory Function Laboratory Manager and Practice Manager.

Natalie Gauci. Respiratory Function Laboratory Manager
Natalie with the HemoCue® Hb 801 System

What challenges did you face before using HemoCue?

Before we had HemoCue, we were often unable to provide a hemoglobin (Hb) value at the time of pulmonary function testing. If Hb was required, the patient was given a pathology referral to have a blood test performed elsewhere. Now, each patient referred for a pulmonary function test has their Hb measured as part of the test, providing instantaneous results. This allows our reporting physicians to include Hb measurements in the final report, particularly aiding in the interpretation of gas transfer across the lung (DLCO).

 

What led you to choose HemoCue?

We needed a portable device that could provide quick and accurate Hb measurements to incorporate into our testing procedures. The HemoCue system was highly recommended by other respiratory laboratories. We required a system that met our criteria for accuracy, simplicity in quality control, and ease of use for multiple scientists.

 

Natalie Gauci
Respiratory Function Laboratory Manager

”With the addition of the HemoCue to our laboratory we can now measure Hb at the time of testing. Most of our patients have a consultation with a physician immediately following their pulmonary function test so the addition of the HemoCue has allowed for accurate, instant Hb measurements.”

What has been the overall impact of using HemoCue in your practice?

The addition of HemoCue has significantly improved our diagnostic capabilities and patient care. It allows us to measure Hb at the time of testing, providing accurate and instant results, which enhances the quality of our pulmonary function tests. This has led to better patient outcomes and increased satisfaction, as we can now offer a more comprehensive and efficient service.

We’ve also upgraded from the HemoCue® Hb 201 System to the HemoCue® Hb 801 System, which has further reduced the wait time for results, speeding up patient interactions. Now, each of our testing rooms is equipped with a HemoCue device.

 

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