University of Iowa Health Care Pathology Core Lab Expansion

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With increased automation of the University of Iowa Health Care pathology core lab and the addition of HLA, an expansion to the core laboratory was needed along with the creation of a new mechanical penthouse to support the lab. In order to keep the lab functional 24/7, this project was completed in two bid packages.

In the first bid package, a preliminary effort was needed to prepare for the arrival of a new Roche Analyzer, which would replace other existing lab equipment, and make room for the second bid package work. Additional cooling and power, along with redistributed DI/RO water systems needed to be in place before the equipment could be set; which required detailed phasing (just like a real-life game of Tetris!) to keep the lab in operation as long as possible. Once the equipment was set, Shive-Hattery helped the contractor detail a protective enclosure to allow construction work to continue over the unit, minimizing disruption to the lab.

The second bid package involved relocation of the following services: blood marrow, flow cytology, molecular, and hematology lab areas and the addition of Pre-PCR processing DNA/RNA extraction and Post PCR & sequencing rooms, a cell culture room, and immunogenetics HLA and analysis work areas. In addition, a new 8th floor penthouse was constructed to provide space for the replacement of two air handling units currently housed in an existing 7th floor penthouse. The new penthouse also contains dedicated rooms for an uninterrupted power supply system and reverse osmosis water system to serve the expanded core lab.