GETTING TO KNOW NORTH SHORE HEALTH
Your Local Lab. Your Trusted Team. North Shore Health Laboratory – Grand Marais, MN
By Muain Haseeb, Ph.D., Administrative Laboratory Director
Understanding Laboratory Community Needs
The Laboratory needs in Cook County and Grand Portage Reservation communities are multifaceted, encompassing the range of services offered, the expertise of the staff, and the laboratory's capabilities in handling various tests and samples. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Laboratory Management, understanding community needs is crucial for a laboratory's success and relevance. The study highlights the importance of community engagement and education in fostering a positive relationship between the laboratory and the community it serves.
Laboratory Services at North Shore Health
North Shore Health (NSH) is a vital part of the community's healthcare system, providing essential laboratory services to residents and patients. As the administrative laboratory director, I believe it is crucial to share information about the laboratory services, staff, and capabilities with the community.
NSH’s laboratory offers a comprehensive range of services, including clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, blood bank, urinalysis, molecular diagnostics (COVID-19, flu, RSV Testing), phlebotomy, and send-out tests. These services are critical in supporting the diagnosis, treatment, and management of various medical conditions. For instance, clinical chemistry tests help in assessing the levels of different chemicals in the blood, which is vital for diagnosing conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease. The laboratory's capabilities extend beyond the range of tests it can perform: the ability to provide test results for patients in emergency situations (accidents, heart attacks, etc.), turnaround time for test results, and capacity for various types of testing, supporting the healthcare needs of the community. All of this is backed by advanced technology and stringent quality control measures, ensuring accurate and reliable results.
Get to Know the Lab That Works Behind the Scenes for Your Health
When your provider orders lab work, you typically do not need to leave town. At NSH, our certified Laboratory team is right here to provide accurate, fast, and reliable testing to help guide your care—without the drive to Duluth or beyond. We are your neighbors. We care about your health, your time, and your peace of mind.
Staff Expertise
Our team consists of a Pathologist, Medical Laboratory Scientists and Technicians, trained in advanced diagnostics and passionate about rural healthcare. Whether it is a routine draw or an emergency result, we are here every day to serve Cook County residents and visitors. The expertise of the staff is crucial in ensuring that laboratory tests are conducted accurately and efficiently.
How to Access Lab Services
- Location: North Shore Health – Laboratory Department
- Walk-in Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Phone: 218-387-3040
- Website: www.NorthShoreHealthGm.org
- Accepted Insurance: Most major insurance plans accepted
- Referral Needed: Physician order required from a provider
- For more information, go to: www.northshorehealthgm.org/laboratory
Why Choose Local?
- Faster results for critical care
- Convenient access close to home
- Personal, high-quality care from your local team
- Support for emergency, inpatient & outpatient services
Community Engagement and Education
Engaging with the community and providing education on laboratory services is the enjoyable part of our job. This has been achieved through outreach programs (the laboratory Open House and Healthy Kids day at the YMCA in April, and Grand Portage Wellness Fair in June), educational materials (Laboratory Services Brochure, Clinical/Medical Laboratories Fact Sheet, and website), and communication about the laboratory's capabilities and services. By doing so, NSH's laboratory can foster a stronger relationship with the community, enhancing trust and understanding of the laboratory's role in healthcare.
The NSH Laboratory is proud to be part of your care team—every sample, every time.
For more information, visit: www.northshorehealthgm.org. Stay tuned for future informative Getting to Know North Shore Health articles published monthly in the Cook County News Herald.