Leading Laboratories: How a 12-Person Colorado Lab at a Psychiatric Hospital Earned National Recognition

When the team at The Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP) laboratory learned that they had not only received a Leading Laboratories designation but were the sixth laboratory in the entire nation to earn this prestigious recognition, they took the news in the same spirit as they run their lab: as a team. 

The Leading Laboratories designation recognizes laboratory teams for exemplary leadership, mentorship, and innovative best practices, with a patient-centric mission and the intent to increase visibility for laboratories.  

The CMHHIP 12-person laboratory is a small but uniquely tight-knit group that works toward and celebrates their wins together because they are all deeply invested in each other, their work and their impact on patient health.  

For Laboratory Director Christina Bazanele-Sabatka​​, ​​MLS(ASCP)^CM, the designation reflected the hard work of their team. “[It spoke] volumes about the level of quality and dedication coming out of this department,” she said. 

Collaboration that brings visibility 

The Leading Laboratories recognition is especially meaningful to the laboratory at CMHHIP, a psychiatric hospital, where laboratory medicine is often overlooked. However, Ms. Bazanele-Sabatka points to collaboration as a key to their success.  

“Being in a psychiatric hospital, we are very blessed to collaborate with numerous departments throughout the institute,” she said. “We really have a forward impact on the patient’s overall care,” which includes “tailored testing towards the individualized psychiatric needs of our ​​​​​​institute and patients.” 

Lab Manager Erika Montoya, ​MLS ​(ASCP)^CM​​, stressed the close relationship between the laboratory and the pharmacy, which looks to the lab for guidance. “Pharmacy works with us quite a bit because they have to monitor certain medication levels and then how those medications respond in the patient's body, so they are always looking for results and [making] sure that their meds are at the right dose,” she explains. 

The human connection: Seeing patients heal  

Unlike larger hospitals, the laboratory team at CMHHIP gets to work closely with patients, reinforcing the feeling of purpose and satisfaction in their jobs. 

“We get to go out on draws in the morning,” says Lauren Gage,​​ MLS(ASCP)^CM, a generalist and safety lead. “Those patients are not just a number, not just a vial of blood. It’s rewarding to do the science we love while helping someone heal.”  

Given that many of the patients are at the hospital for stays ranging from weeks to years, Ms. Montoya says it’s rewarding to build those connections. “They know us, we know them; it’s very different,” she says.  

​​​“We have the privilege of watching our patients make meaningful progress and begin to heal,” says Ms. Bazanele-Sabatka. “The difference is often profound — from their first arrival to when they reach a more stable, healthier mental state, the change can be like night and day.” 

Small team, big leadership  

While their team may be small, Ms. Bazanele-Sabatka points out that they harness 248 years of collective professional experience. “We bring so much knowledge to this team that allows us to [draw from] endless potential.”  

In addition, they have a second secret to success: “Everybody here is cross trained,” adds Ms. Montoya. “If somebody’s out, we know what to do.” 

Any essential detail necessary to perform any job is also written in either a policy or procedure document or job aid. “It allows people to take time off when they need it and not worry about being the only person who knows how to do something,” Ms. Montoya says. 

This makes for a fluid manner of communication and trust that empowers their every workflow. 

Communication and trust 

Communication, both verbal and written, is the key that allows the team to work so well together. 

“It all goes through communication,” said Ms. Gage. “We have a morning huddle and ask, who’s here, who’s full, who can cover? We’ve all crashed and burned due to communication errors. But we get back up and try again doing our best to give each other a little grace. ​​  

Their communication is also seamless because every member of the team​ has taken​ ​     ​communication style quizzes, such as the DISC and Color Lingo profile. “We know everyone’s behavioral and communication styles,” adds Ms. Montoya. “So we don’t take things personally.” 

Recognition and validation 

The team’s efficiency, collaboration and impact were so naturally impressive, an inspector from the Joint Commission on a visit in 2024 saw it and encouraged them to apply for the Leading Laboratories designation, calling their lab a “shining star,” Ms. Bazanele-Sabatka recalls. That acknowledgement felt almost as good as eventual recognition. 

“It was so exciting to get those letters and certificates,” says Ms. Gage. “It was nice to be recognized for doing a good job.” 

Their recognition also has had a ripple effect on other laboratories. “We got to tell ​     ​​ ​​     ​​seventeen other​ ​​states’ hospitals that we won this,” Ms. Montoya says. “They were so impressed and asked us how to help their hospitals.”  

Lessons for other laboratories  

For other laboratories interested in raising their visibility and pursuing a Leading Laboratories recognition, the team highly recommends the grueling but meaningful work of applying. “The application is overwhelming,” says Ms. Montoya. “But don’t stop—it’s very rewarding.”  

The process of completing the application underscored all the things they were doing well. “We met monthly, tackled one section at a time, and used everyone’s expertise,” Ms. Bazanele-Sabatka adds. “​This process ​​     ​ brought us even closer together.” 

Becoming visible 

Perhaps the biggest benefit of the Leading Laboratories recognition is bringing laboratory medicine and professionals out of the background of healthcare.  

“Laboratory professionals always think they’re invisible,” Ms. Gage says. “We’re behind the scenes, nobody knows us. But we are working to become visible – calling the provider, seeing the patient, attending university career panels, visiting elementary schools – being present in our hospital and community to make a positive impact and raise awareness for the laboratory and mental health. ​​