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