3 Automation Flashcards
What is automation?
Mechanizing manual methods
What is discrete analysis?
Separation of each sample and analytical reagents in a separate container
What is a Batch analyzer versus a Random access analyzer?
Batch analyzer: Processes the same test(s) on a predetermined number of samples
Random access analyzer: Process samples independently of other samples on the analyzer (ie. put STAT on analyzer to be tests before previously input samples)
Describe what Throughput is.
Throughput: Maximum number of tests an instrument can perform when operating in steady state under running conditions
What is the term for workload performance in a a given time?
Productivity.
Define what the acronym TAT means.
Turn-around-time (TAT): Time sample enters lab to result send out
What does it mean to prime a machine in the lab?
Prime: Run liquids through lines during maintenance to ready lines or unclog lines during troubleshooting
What is the definition of dwell time?
Dwell time: Time lapse between initiation of a test and its completion
What is it called when a sample is contaminated by the preceding sample?
Carryover: Contamination of a sample by the preceding sample
What are barcodes?
Bar code: A set of vertical bars of varying width used to encode information. Used most frequently in the clinical laboratory for patient and specimen information.
What is calibration?
Calibration: The act of checking or adjusting (by comparison with a standard) the accuracy of a measuring instrument
What is a channel on an automated analyzer?
Channel: On an automated analyzer, a path or passage for reagents, specimens or electrical impulses. Automated analyzers may be single or multiple channel analyzers
What is the term for something that is all one unit?
Integrated systems: All one unit
What does it mean to be an instrument on standby?
Standby: Instrument is ready and waiting for further instructions. Instrument often must be in standby to perform certain maintenance procedures
What does STAT mean?
STAT: Samples with a high medical priority
What is maintenance?
Maintenance: The work of keeping something in proper condition; upkeep
What is a probe?
Probe: On an automated analyzer, a mechanized device that automatically dips into a sample cup and aspirates a portion of the liquid
What do they call a rotor in automated analyzers?
Rotor: A round device on some automated analyzers that holds sample cups and is capable of spinning
What is a sample carousel?
Sample Carousel: A holder for placement of sample tubes or cups that can be placed directly on instrument
What are Modular analyzers?
Modular analyzers: Flexible laboratory instruments that can be expanded and modified by adding or removing components in order to meet the laboratory’s changing testing requirements
Define troubleshooting.
Troubleshooting: To investigate the cause of why something is not working properly in order to fix the problem
What is sample integrity?
Sample Integrity: Quality or condition of the sample
How does a wash step help prevent issues in the analysis in an analyzer?
Wash step: Wash solution used in between samples to prevent carryover
What’s a flag?
Flag: Alert operator of a result or instrument error
What is dead-volume?
Dead-volume: Excess sample that must be present to permit aspiration of the full volume required for testing
What is closed tube sampling?
Closed tube sampling: An instrument’s ability to remove the patient’s sample for analysis from the primary collection tube by piercing through the stopper
