18) Automation Flashcards
Use of LIS was a ….. seen when laboratory results were manually transcribed.
decrease in the expected 5% transcription error rate
examples of demands that drive automation
- Decreased turnaround times (TATs)
- CLS staff shortages
- Economic factors
- Less maintenance
- Less down time
- Faster startup times
- 24/7 uptime
- Increased throughput
- Environmental concerns such as biohazard risks
- Computer & software technology
- Primary tube sampling
- Increased number of different analytes on one system
- Increased number of different methods on one system
- Reduced lab errors
- Improved safety of CLS
Samples and reagents are pumped continuously through a system of modules interconnected by tubing
continuous-flow analysis
Number of tests performed per hour
specimen throughput
Measures only the test requested on a sample
discrete testing
A group of samples is prepared for analysis. A single test is performed on each sample in the group.
batch analysis
Measure any specimen by a command to the processing systems. Analyze the specimen by any available process.
random-access testing
methods to transport specimens
Human carriers or runners
Pneumatic-tube delivery systems
Electric-track-driven vehicles
Mobile robots
Conveyors or track systems
A designated area in which a limited number of specific tasks are completed
workstation
Represents the most cost-effective automation strategies for the clinical laboratory
Automated Specimen Processing/front-end sample processing
2 goals of automated specimen processing
- Minimize non-value-added steps in the laboratory process
- Increase available time for value-added steps in the tasks that the tech performs
2 important features of sample introduction probes
- clot detection
- liquid-level sensing
how does liquid level sensing work?
Measures the electrical capacitance of the surrounding area
ways to reduce carryover
- Aspirating a wash solution in between each pipetting,
- Back flushing the probe using a wash solution
- Using disposable plastic pipette tips to transfer samples
Only enough reagent for a single test
unit test reagents
most labs use ——- reagents
bulk
Reagents other than the manufacturer’s reagents can be used.
Open-reagent analyzer
Operator can only use the instrument manufacturer’s reagents.
Closed-reagent analyzer
types of automated mixing
Magnetic stirring
Rotating paddles
Forceful dispensing
Use of ultrasonic energy
Vigorous lateral displacement
….do not require mixing of sample and reagents
Dry-slide analyzers
In automated analyzers, —————- remains the principal means of measuring a wide variety of compounds.
absorption spectroscopy
Involves conversion of an analog signal derived from the detector to a digital signal usable by all communication devices
signal processing
Data processing by computers includes…
Data acquisition
Calculations
Monitoring and displaying data
Refers to combination of pre-analytical components, intra-analytical components, and post-analytical components interconnected together
Total laboratory automation (TLA)
advantages of total lab automation
- Decrease in labeling errors
- Reduced turnaround times
- Potential reduction in full-time equivalents (FTEs)
drawbacks of total lab automation
- Needs for substantial financial investment
- Increased floor space
- Highly technical CLS to operate and troubleshoot the system
- Infrastructure remodeling
- Software interfacing
- Doesn’t allow STAT samples to interrupt workflow
- Airflow — instruments create a lot of heat
Provide a more attractive approach for hospital laboratories and physician group laboratories because the systems are smaller, require less initial capital investment, and require less planning
Integrated modular systems
Combination of a specimen manager with instruments or consolidated instruments of chemistry and immunoassay reagents
work cells
Mechanical device that allows the storage and buffering of specimens before and after analysis and may include pre and post-analytical specimen-processing capabilities such as centrifugation and decapping
Specimen manager
The instruments used are designed to interface directly with the specimen manager
modular work cells
Advantages of integrated modular systems over single-batch, discrete analyzers.
- multiple platform analysis,
- incorporation of multiple numbers of similar analyzers, and
- inclusion of preanalytical modules.
Trend to integrate several modules into one continuous system that will allow the user to assay photometric, immunoassay, and electrochemical assays
fully integrated systems
5 types of detectors used in automated chem analyzers
- photometers,
- ion-selective electrodes,
- nephelometers,
- fluorometers, and
- luminometers (for chemiluminescence).
Described as a group of microprocessors and computers connected together to provide management and processing of information
LIS
A U-Connector uses intelligent sample management and tube-presorting capabilities.
instrument connectors
Software that allows a laboratory to:
Connect its existing LIS and instrumentation to facilitate automating information
Perform tasks not currently done with the laboratory’s existing hardware and software
middleware
Connecting computers to other computers or instruments
interfacing
Two modes of transmission with LIS
Unidirectional interface: Only transmits or uploads results to the LIS
Bidirectional interface: Simultaneously transmit or download info to and receive uploaded info from the instrument
