Sleep Disorder Laboratory

Keeping with the needs of the community we serve, Holy Cross Hospital is pleased to announce a new service with the opening of the “Sleep Disorder Lab”. This department, located in the heart of the main hospital, provides overnight sleep studies and the interpretation of the sleep parameters.

The laboratory provides physicians with scored reports attained by an in house sleep technologist and “Sleep Med -Incorporated”. This formula assures the quality of the study and provides Holy Cross sleep staff with a network of sleep specialists for consultation issues as needed.

The studies are attended by specially trained sleep - technologists. The program development and oversight was made possible with the co- medical direction of Douglas Whitmore, MD, PhD, FCCP, Board Certified in Pulmonology, Sleep Specialist; and David Onstad, MD, Board Certified in Pulmonology, also a Sleep Specialist.

Today we know that sleep disorders are one of the most common medical conditions but are under diagnosed and under treated. “Sleep disorders can lead to numerous medical conditions that could be prevented with proper diagnosis and treatment,” says Frank Schambeck, RRT, Technical Director of the sleep lab. “As an organization we are eager to provide these services and are committed to excellence.”

Introduction to Sleep Testing

Polysomnography or Sleep Testing is a sleep study that is activity-based monitoring (actigraphy) of motility patterns. The polysomnogram may be used to diagnose specific sleep disorders.

Once the problem has been diagnosed through sleep studies, the patient may receive the following treatments:

• CPAP/BIPAP
• BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION
• MEDICATION
• SURGICAL INTERVENTION

Holy Cross Hospital Sleep Lab Equipment

We have computerized polysomnographic equipment, multi-channel monitoring recording workstations and cabling for hook-ups to individual patients; pulse oximetry, ETCO2 monitors, video and audiography capabilities The most current technologies are provided.

Facility

The Holy Cross Sleep Lab provides a comfortable private sleeping quarter, T.V., bathroom access and a technical workstation for the polysomnographic technologist. Our facility and staff help patients feel at ease and comfortable. We provide refreshments and snacks and make the environment suitable for a completely thorough, non-invasive sleep study.

Personnel

A well-trained polysomnographic technologist and or a Respiratory Care Practitioner with special training in sleep studies provides patient “hook-up” and recording of all the essential parameters. Scored reports are then provided to our reading physicians through “Sleep Med - Inc.” The sleep lab associates are on the cutting edge of patient education with sleep apnea disorders, being able to provide the appropriate patient education and simply meet the needs of the patients concerns.

For more information or to schedule a procedure, please contact the scheduling department at: “Sleep Med Inc./Holy Cross Hospital” 1- 800-277-4998.