St. Joseph Health Boosts Lab Accuracy and Efficiency

[BRYAN, TX] – [March 5, 2026] – St. Joseph Health announced a significant investment in its Bryan Hospital laboratory that will accelerate diagnostic turnaround times and enhance accuracy, delivering critical information to providers as quickly as possible, especially in time-sensitive situations.

St. Joseph Health unveiled the installation of an automated laboratory track solution at Bryan Hospital. This upgrade marks a pivotal moment as it is the first installation at a CommonSpirit Health facility.

“Our dedication to patient well-being drives every decision, and this investment in advanced laboratory automation is a testament to our continuous pursuit of excellence,” said Erin Marietta, Market Vice President of Operations for St. Joseph Health. “We are proud to be at the forefront of diagnostic innovation, ensuring our community receives the most precise and timely care.”

This is the first automation system in the U.S. for clinical labs to feature smart-car technology. This system utilizes self-propelled sample carriers – or “CARs” – to intelligently route individual patient samples through the laboratory on a proprietary, belt-free track system. Throughout the process, the automated system continuously verifies the precise location of each CAR and test tube, ensuring unparalleled accuracy and integrity. Final test results are then seamlessly provided via readout to lab team members for interpretation, dissemination and ultimately, diagnosis.

This is engineered to minimize manual processes by as much as 80%, substantially reduce human errors and significantly improve turnaround time for test results. St. Joseph Health Bryan Hospital processes approximately 1,500 tests each day, making the efficiency gains of this system particularly impactful.

This investment in automation is a direct investment in the health of the Brazos Valley community. By modernizing our laboratory capabilities, St. Joseph Health ensures it remains strong, prepared for future healthcare needs and capable of supporting patients for many years to come.

About St. Joseph Health: St. Joseph Health, a member of CommonSpirit Health, has been a leader in providing high-quality, patient-centered healthcare in the Brazos Valley since 1936. Its extensive network includes five hospitals (St. Joseph Health Bryan Hospital, College Station Hospital, Madison Hospital, Grimes Hospital and Burleson Hospital), a rehabilitation hospital, and numerous primary care and specialty clinics. A pioneer in the region, St. Joseph Health established the first air and medical service in a nine-county region, deploying two advanced helicopters for emergency scene response and patient transfers between facilities. Recognized for its excellence, St. Joseph Health is the first in the area to be accredited as both a Chest Pain Center and a Primary Stroke Center. The organization's strong academic and clinical partnership with the Texas A&M Health Science Center further enhances its capabilities. For more information, visit commonspirit.org/stjoseph-health.

[For more information, please contact Communications Manager, Tracy Bates, at tracy.bates@commonspirit.org.]