Update: Chemistry lab upgrade rescheduled to Oct. 22
Oct. 18, 2026
STAT and timed inpatient tests only during downtime
By: Melissa Willcock, Laboratory Supervisor
Salem Health Laboratories previously attempted a chemistry lab system upgrade but encountered technical issues that required the team to safely revert the changes. To ensure a successful implementation and minimize disruption to patient care, the upgrade has been rescheduled.
Starting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, Salem Health Laboratories will upgrade the chemistry lab system that supports testing such as troponin, CMP, hCG and other chemistry-related studies.
The upgrade is expected to take approximately four hours and will affect testing performed at Salem and West Valley hospitals and Salem Health Laboratories.
What does this mean for me?
- Routine and outpatient chemistry specimens will be held and processed once the upgrade is complete.
- During the upgrade, the laboratory will only perform STAT and timed inpatient chemistry tests.
- STAT and timed inpatient results may take 30 to 60 minutes longer than usual because of temporary manual processing steps.
- Continue placing laboratory orders as usual. Epic will remain fully available.
- Continue collecting specimens according to normal workflows.
- Results will continue to be reported in Epic.
- Normal laboratory operations are expected to resume following the upgrade, and notification will be provided once testing has returned to normal.
If you need chemistry testing during the upgrade, please ensure orders are entered with the appropriate priority designation and plan for potential delays in receiving results.
Questions? Call Laboratory Supervisor Melissa Willcock at 503-81
4-3113.