As one of the first hospitals in the nation to provide rapid cardiac markers in the emergency department, Western Baptist Hospital has been named a Cardiac Center of Excellence by the Dade Behring Corporation.
    According to Debbie Taffer, director of laboratory, cardiology, neurodiagnostics, cardiac rehab and sleep lab at WBH, the recognition reflects the hospital’s dedication to providing immediate and comprehensive treatment of heart attack symptoms.
    “By implementing a series of three lab tests that are specific to heart disease, we can quickly identify and initiate treatment for those who are at risk for heart disease,” said Taffer.
The tests can be run in the emergency department in a matter of minutes, with physicians receiving prompt and accurate results.
    “Rapid cardiac marker testing provides faster test results,” said Taffer. “The ability to quickly identify and treat acute myocardial infarction patients is critical to minimizing cardiac injury. Additionally, rapid pregnancy testing provides faster results so that the patient may have further diagnostic procedures such as x-rays and cat scans, if needed.”
    Taffer said that the interaction between WBH’s laboratory and emergency departments is a perfect example of teamwork at its best.
    “It’s an interdisciplinary approach to providing the best in patient care,” said Taffer. “When this level of interaction occurs, everyone benefits—patients, physicians, staff and the community.”
    Nearly 185 patients are treated each month at WBH’s Chest Pain Center, located within the hospital’s emergency department. The National Registry of Myocardial Infarction lists WBH as having one of the fastest response rates in the nation.

Learn more about the new Baptist Heart Center, scheduled for completion in spring, 2007, by clicking here or phoning Baptist Health Line at (270) 575-2918.