Each year, Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, April 20th – 26th, offers a special opportunity to recognize the vital contributions of laboratory staff across the country—and here in Lincoln, the dedicated team at Penobscot Valley Hospital (PVH) continues to raise the bar in quality care behind the scenes.
PVH’s laboratory is staffed by a talented and experienced group of professionals, whose work is essential to diagnosing and treating illnesses that affect our community. From routine blood work to advanced molecular testing for illnesses like COVID-19, Influenza A/B, RSV, and MRSA, these professionals play a critical role in keeping patients healthy and physicians informed.
Meet the Team
The full-time laboratory staff includes Helen, Nicole, Amy, Karen, Kendall, Lauren, Lisa, and Carrie, with additional support from per diem professionals Brenda, Luann, and Angela.
Their work is made even stronger by the phlebotomy team, those friendly faces many patients meet first. Full-time phlebotomists Katie and Michaela are supported by per-diem team members Ainsley, Caitlyn, Naoma, and Rylee.
Together, this group brings a wealth of experience to PVH, with team members whose tenure ranges from 2 years all the way up to over 34 years—and some bringing more than four decades of expertise to their craft.
“We’ve seen many changes and challenges over the years,” says Helen, Director of Laboratory Services. “But through it all, our commitment has remained the same: to provide accurate, timely results that help our care teams deliver the best possible treatment.”
Excellence Through Innovation
The PVH lab operates under CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) regulations and proudly boasts a perfect record—they have never failed an inspection. Their success is rooted in a culture of continuous improvement, constantly evaluating and introducing new tests to better serve patients and enhance quality of care.
Recent advancements include molecular technology, which allows for quicker and more accurate identification of infectious diseases, leading to faster treatment and better patient outcomes.
Laboratory Hours of Operation
- Monday–Friday: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed, but the lab is available for urgent testing as needed.
At PVH, the laboratory team is more than just test results—they are compassionate professionals, quietly working behind the scenes to ensure the health and well-being of our community.
As Helen puts it, “The Laboratory staff at PVH are exceptional, and we always strive to give our patients the best possible experience when coming to the lab.”
This Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, we proudly celebrate the incredible individuals at Penobscot Valley Hospital, the science behind the scenes—and thank them for their dedication, skill, and service to Lincoln and the surrounding communities.