The lab is renewed at the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital.

The official opening of the lab was held Tuesday to cap off the multi-year project that saw the laboratory tranformed from a small and cramped space to a spacious and modern facility.

Northern Health Diagnostic Services Regional Director Ken Winnig who oversees the lab says that plans have been in the works for years to update it. "I'm thinking 5-6 years, and then after you've done some refinement of the plan and asked engineers to get involved and architects to get involved, it does take time, so we're here today you know a couple years later with really good results"

The new lab replaces an area that is said by some staff to have had tripping hazards and also will help get results to doctors and patients more quickly.