The need to accommodate a new automated chemistry line and resolve issues of inadequate capacity with the existing air handling system, Samaritan Hospital asked Hyman Hayes Associates to redesign their clinical laboratory.

The $1.065-million project included a complete renovation of the 6,900-sf basement space. Utilizing an open lab configuration, the various departments; cytology, hematology, chemistry and blood bank were arranged by grouping equipment. Histology was the only completely enclosed laboratory. Minimal actual partitions were constructed and only to provide further division of groups and allow for installation of utilities.

Department offices, locker rooms, break room and other staff support spaces were located separate from the lab adjacent to the lab entry.

The low headroom of the basement provided challenges for routing ductwork and utilities. But the largest challenge was dividing the project into numerous phases to allow construction while still keeping the overall lab in operation.