Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Mayo Clinic Florida Innovation, collaboration, and commitment to excellence in patient care

Medical Laboratory Observer's 2025 Lab of the Year is the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (DLMP) at Mayo Clinic Florida. The DLMP serves the 304-bed Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida hospital with 434 full-time equivalent staff. The laboratory’s total test menu is 644 tests within surgical pathology, frozen section, autopsy, hematopathology, cytology, histology, chemistry, hematology/coagulation, flow cytometry, bacteriology, parasitology, infectious serology, mycology, molecular virology, mycobacteriology, blood bank, apheresis, cell therapy, histocompatibility, molecular pathology, and point of care. In addition to supporting patient care at this renown destination medical center and transplant facility, the DLMP is an educator of graduate medical education and allied health education students and involved in researching innovative solutions to advance healthcare (e.g., hematopathology, cytopathology AI algorithms to improve workflows and standardize interpretations, AI algorithms for renal transplant evaluation).

MLO received many notable nominations for this year’s Lab of the Year recognition

Lab of the Year nominations are judged on achievements across five categories: customer service, productivity, teamwork, education and training, and strategic outlook. The achievements of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic Florida follows.

Customer service

The DLMP is strongly committed to partnering with clinicians and improving patient outcomes at Mayo Clinic Florida. “At Mayo Clinic, our core values guide everything we do. We believe that the needs of the patient come first, and this principle drives our dedication to respect, integrity, compassion, healing, teamwork, innovation, excellence, and stewardship. These values are not just words on a page; they are the foundation of our daily interactions and the cornerstone of our professional practice,” said Aziza Nassar, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., FACHE, the Chair of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Several initiatives were launched in 2024 to demonstrate DLMP’s commitment to customer service, including the following:

• The laboratory is in the process of digitizing its archived anatomic pathology slides. Digitizing Mayo Clinic’s extensive archive of slides will enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, facilitate research and medical breakthroughs, and improve the in-house educational resources for Mayo Clinic Florida’s staff and learners. Future plans will use the large, diverse datasets to build powerful artificial intelligence models in pathology. The lab validated and deployed Grundium digital pathology scanners. These scanners have been particularly beneficial in reading frozen section slides. The scanners have significantly increased DLMP's capacity, averaging 28,800 slides per month.
• DLMP expanded its reference lab by 20% and now serves as a reference lab for 40 hospitals in a 10-state service area. The reference lab also now receives renal biopsy and bone marrow specimens, a significant achievement for the laboratory’s Anatomic Pathology department. In 2024, the Anatomic Pathology department also developed 25 additional immunohistochemistry stains and 20 immunofluorescence stains, which were previously sent out for processing.
• The core hospital lab began utilizing the Genomadix CYP2C19 System to identify patients with different metabolizer phenotypes (e.g., poor, intermediate, or ultra-rapid metabolizers) for drugs metabolized by the CYP450 2C19 genetic pathway (such as Clopidogrel). By identifying upfront the clinical effectiveness and safety of these drugs, the laboratory is assisting its clinical partners in decreasing management costs and shortening patients’ lengths of stay. The laboratory’s clinical partners have told them this is particularly helpful in emergent neurovascular indications.
• The lab played a crucial role in the launch of gene therapy and tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, which involves extracting T cells from a patient's tumor, expanding them in a laboratory, and reinfusing them back into the patient to target and destroy cancer cells. The lab's responsibilities included the ex vivo culture and expansion of TIL from tumor nodules, ensuring that the cells are not gene-modified and they express endogenous T cell receptors to many antigens, including both self and tumor antigens. The lab also handled the processing, storage, and preparation of the TIL cell product. This involved packaging the collected tumor tissue and shipping it to an external processing facility, where the TIL cells were isolated and expanded to therapeutic numbers. Once processed, the TIL cell product was frozen and sent back to Mayo Clinic for temporary storage until it could be infused into the patient. By launching this therapy, the lab has significantly contributed to advancing cancer treatment, providing more personalized and effective options for patients with various types of cancer.

Productivity

DLMP’s productivity has significantly increased through various technological advancements and process improvements that have streamlined workflows and increased accuracy. Notable strides in laboratory processes by implementing new technologies include the following:

• Installation of overhead cameras in the Anatomic Pathology department has been a significant advancement in mitigating the issue of missing or lost tissue samples. These cameras provide continuous monitoring and recording of the tissue handling process, ensuring that every step is documented and traceable. The overhead cameras have significantly reduced the time spent looking for missing specimens by 70%, now averaging less than 1 hour per week, compared to the previous 2–3 hours per week.
• The implementation of the VITEK® 2 susceptibility test system with new cards has significantly reduced the time required to get information to the patient. This system can provide results within 24 hours for bacteria and up to 36 hours for yeast. This rapid turnaround time ensures that patients receive timely and accurate information, which is crucial for effective treatment. Similarly, the Vitek VITEK® MS PRIME MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry has also improved the speed of microbial identification. This advanced technology allows for the rapid and precise identification of microorganisms, significantly reducing the time needed for traditional culture-based methods. As a result, patients can receive their diagnostic information much faster, often within a few hours.
• Automation of the chemistry line significantly enhanced the lab's productivity and efficiency. By integrating advanced automation technologies, the lab streamlined workflows, reduced manual handling, and minimized errors. The use of automated analyzers and digital systems allowed for continuous processing of samples, resulting in faster turnaround times and higher throughput. This automation also improved the consistency and reliability of test results, ensuring that patients received accurate and timely diagnoses. Additionally, standardized protocols and quality control measures were implemented to monitor the performance of the automated systems.
• The implementation and testing of a new enterprise document control system in Florida has been a highly productive initiative for the lab. This system has streamlined the management of documents, ensuring that all records are accurately tracked, easily accessible, and securely stored. By automating many of the manual processes involved in document control, the lab has significantly reduced the time and effort required to manage documentation. This has led to a 25% increase in overall efficiency, allowing lab staff to focus more on critical tasks and less on administrative duties. Additionally, the new system has improved compliance with regulatory standards, ensuring that all documents are up-to-date and properly maintained. This advancement not only enhances operational efficiency but also supports the lab's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and accuracy in its work. A group of staff called the “Enterprise Document Laboratory Convergence Team” won the Excellence Through Teamwork Award for the development of this document control system. This award recognizes groups that have displayed exemplary teamwork and whose efforts go beyond normal job responsibilities to create positive outcomes for the organization.
• The laboratory transitioned to a weight-based inventory system that automatically orders supplies, significantly improving efficiency and freeing up valuable time previously spent on manual inventory management. This new system, known as PAR BAR, uses scale technology to monitor the weight of individual items stored in plastic bins. Each bin is calibrated to the specific item's weight, and reorder points (ROP) are set based on historical usage. When the weight of an item reaches its ROP, the system automatically sends an order signal, eliminating the need for manual intervention. This automation has streamlined inventory management practices, allowing staff to focus more on critical tasks rather than spending time on inventory checks and orders. The system's "grab-andgo" functionality ensures that items are always available when needed, reducing the risk of stockouts and improving overall workflow efficiency.

Teamwork

DLMP considers teamwork a cornerstone of its laboratory's success. Initiatives such as Morning Operations and Quality Assurance (MOQA) meetings, town hall meetings, and various teamwork and volunteer activities have fostered a collaborative and team-minded working environment. The laboratory’s DEI efforts further enhance the team's cohesion and inclusivity. Examples of teamwork in the DLMP are as follows:

• MOQA daily meetings bring together staff from various laboratory departments to discuss and address any issues that may arise, such as staffing, supplies, safety concerns, and above and beyond recognition. During these meetings, team members actively support each other, whether it's by sending additional staff to assist in busy areas or by quickly resolving any operational challenges. This spirit of cooperation and mutual support has greatly enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of the lab, ensuring smooth operations and high-quality patient care.
• The DLMP quarterly town hall meetings in 2024 provided a platform for leadership updates, notable highlights, and discussions on quality priorities for 2025. The town hall meetings covered a range of topics including operational efficiency, staffing levels, and the integration of AI and automation in lab processes. These meetings also featured updates on strategic growth projects, such as the integrated oncology building and the hospital vertical expansion. Overall, the town halls played a crucial role in keeping the staff informed, engaged, and aligned with the lab's goals and initiatives and were pivotal in fostering communication and collaboration within the lab.
• The DLMP DEI Taskforce provided feedback and resources to the team including a webpage for team members to visit for more information, a group email address, an anonymous suggestion box, and Lab Week events such as “Taste the Globe” with candies from around the world.
• The laboratory implemented several activities to foster teamwork and joy in the workplace, including “Blooms in June,” “Tie Dye July,” and “Caring Canines.” During the “Blooms in June” team-building experience, staff stepped into a room filled with flowers and created their own beautiful arrangements. During “Tie Dye July,” staff got creative and designed vibrant hats, shirts, and socks together. For a calming and uplifting encounter, medical laboratory staff scheduled time to interact with the “Caring Canines” therapy dogs.
• The lab also organized team outings for golf, painting, and a beach bonfire. The lab team also participated in volunteer opportunities to support the local community. Some of these activities included a collection drive for the Alpha-Omega Miracle Home, which provides housing and support for women and children in need; the Walk to Defeat ALS to raise awareness and funds for ALS research; and volunteering at Hope Therapy, a provider of hippotherapy/equine-assisted therapy and activities for children and adults.

Education

Mayo Clinic Florida and the DLMP have a strong commitment to education — for graduate medical education students, its own staff, and the future generation of laboratory professionals. Christina Narakorn, MHS MLS(ASCP)^CM, PA(ASCP)^CM, who is the Manager of Laboratory Education and Instructor in Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, has been instrumental in addressing recruitment and retention challenges in laboratory medicine and pathology. She has implemented a variety of strategies, including personality workshops, laboratory awareness sessions, and hospital lab tours to attract and retain talent in this critical field. She shared, “Witnessing the excitement in students' eyes during workshops and hospital lab tours reaffirms my commitment to this profession and implementing innovative strategies to attract and retain talent in this vital field. I remember being the student and I am grateful for those who have helped me find my career in the lab.”

Examples of DLMP education initiatives include the following:

• To address the lack of awareness about careers in the laboratory field this, Christina participates in career fairs for middle and high school students where she provides hands-on toolkits to spark their interest, such as a practice phlebotomy arm, blood tubes with synthetic blood, microbiology plates, and example slides. The anatomic pathology toolkits contain preserved organ specimens, histology blocks, and digital images of organs in both healthy and diseased states. Additionally, Christina even arranges mentor sessions for students to learn more from experienced laboratory professionals.
• The development of allied health staff in the lab is a priority, with a strong emphasis on continuing education and professional growth. The lab offers a variety of continuing education opportunities including monthly continuing education sessions, Chemistry CEU, Hematology Conference, Cytology Conference, HLA Journal Club, and the DLMP Book Club. These programs ensure that the allied health staff stay current with the latest advancements in their fields, fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence.
• The laboratory has a robust GME visitor learner program that includes a new anatomic pathology/clinical pathology residency, a surgical pathology fellowship, student rotation in molecular pathology with Florida Gulf Coast University, and a new Artificial Intelligence Engineering internship for Carnegie Mellon University graduate students pursuing this degree. For allied health education students, the laboratory provides medical laboratory science clinical rotations, histotechnology clinical rotations, cytology clinical rotations, molecular pathology clinical rotations, pathologist’s assistant clinical rotations, specialist in blood bank HLA rotations, and phlebotomy program.

Strategic outlook

The strategic outlook for Mayo Clinic Laboratory in Florida is guided by the enterprise initiative "Bold. Forward." This initiative encompasses several key areas, including supporting care in any place, immunotherapy manufacturing, transforming transplant processes, and leveraging AI and automation. By focusing on these areas, the laboratory aims to enhance patient care, improve outcomes, and stay at the forefront of medical innovation. The commitment to providing care anywhere ensures that patients have access to high-quality medical services regardless of their location, while advancements in immunotherapy and transplant processes promise to revolutionize treatment options.

In addition to the enterprise initiative, the DLMP is dedicated to several strategic priorities. These include digital pathology, LIS modernization, innovation and practice transformation, AI and automation, and enhancing educational practices with digital pathology and AI. By embracing digital pathology, the laboratory can improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, while LIS modernization ensures that laboratory information systems are up-to-date and capable of handling the demands of modern healthcare. Furthermore, the focus on AI and automation allows DLMP to streamline processes, reduce errors, and enhance overall productivity. By integrating AI into various aspects of laboratory operations, the laboratory can provide faster and more accurate results, ultimately benefiting patient care. Additionally, enhancing educational practices with digital pathology and AI ensures that the next generation of laboratory professionals is well-equipped with the latest knowledge and skills.

Closing

The Mayo Clinic has a renowned reputation as a beacon of hope for patients around the world, and Medical Laboratory Observer is proud to award the 2025 Lab of the Year award to the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (DLMP) at Mayo Clinic Florida. The lab inspired us with its commitment to continuously improving numerous areas of its lab with the patient always in mind, from testing technologies and procedures so that patients are receiving the best care and treatment possible, staff retention initiatives and activities that foster a supportive and inclusive work environment, and commitment to educating future laboratory professionals. When we shared the news with the laboratory, its leadership expressed the following sentiments about being recognized as the “Lab of the Year:”  

“Our department is honored and humbled to receive this award. It could only have been possible because of the unwavering dedication of every DLMP colleague. Together we celebrate."

- Dr. Dlott, CLIA Director

"This recognition is a testament to the relentless hard work, innovation, and commitment to excellence that each member of our department brings to their work every day. I am incredibly proud to lead such a talented and passionate group of individuals. Their unwavering dedication and collaborative spirit inspire me daily. We will continue to push the boundaries of laboratory medicine and pathology, striving for even greater achievements in the future. Thank you for this prestigious honor." - Dr. Nassar, Chair of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine