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The scale of the facility allows throughput to increase, yielding faster turnaround times for patient testing results and better patient care. The laboratory layout integrates an 11-foot module system with movable, height-adjustable lab benches, allowing simple reconfiguration as testing protocols advance or change over time. We collaborated with VUMC and equipment vendors to envision and implement a groundbreaking vertical lift system – the first of its kind in a U.S. clinical laboratory. This innovative installation automates the transport, sorting, and distribution of samples, significantly reducing manual handling errors while enhancing processing speed.

The facility is organized into specialized zones supporting specimen management and receiving, toxicology, chemistry, histology, cytology, hematopathology, grossing, molecular diagnostics, infectious disease, and genomic testing – each strategically positioned to optimize workflow and interdisciplinary collaboration. By integrating advanced automation with a highly flexible lab environment, the design enhances operational efficiency and supports Vanderbilt’s mission of delivering faster, more precise diagnostics that improve patient outcomes.

This design-build project transformed a 108,000-SF facility in Nashville’s MetroCenter neighborhood, five miles from VUMC’s main campus. Our scope focused on ensuring that 53,000 SF of lab space was optimized for efficiency, safety, and long-term adaptability. The project included a full interior renovation to BSL-2 environmental standards, with 1,500 SF of BSL-3 space for handling high-risk specimens. The facility integrated two fully automated testing lines for chemistry and microbiology and a whole-facility UPS backup system for uninterrupted operations. Additional features include on-site bulk gas storage, point-of-use DI water filtration, and dedicated spaces for specialized testing, administration, and professional training. The program also incorporates dedicated areas for physician residents, fellows, and allied health professionals, reinforcing VUMC’s role as a leader in medical education and innovation.