Automated Instrumentation

Question 0

the process whereby an analytical instrument performs many tests with only minimal involvement of an alayst; also defined as the controlled operation of an apparatus, process, or system by mechanical or electronic devices without human intervention

Answer 0

automation

Question 1

a type of analysis in which any specimen, by a command to the processing system, is analyzed by any available process in or out of sequence with other specimens and without regard to their initial order

Answer 1

random-access analysis

Question 2

a type of analysis in which many specimens are processed in the same analytical session or “run”

Answer 2

batch analysis

Question 3

a type of analysis in which each specimen in a batch passes through the same continuous stream at the same rate and is subjected to the same analytical reactions

Answer 3

continuous-flow analysis

Question 4

a type of analysis in which each specimen in a batch has its own physical and chemical space separate from every other specimen

Answer 4

discrete analysis

Question 5

a type of analysis in which each specimen in a batch enters the analytical process one after another, and each results or set of results emerges in the same order as the specimens are entered

Answer 5

sequential analysis

Question 6

allows two-way communication via computer linkage between the laboratory information system (LIS) and any online instrument

Answer 6

bidirectional interface

Question 7

prescribed steps performed to establish testing parameters and instrument conditions that provide precise and accurate results

Answer 7

calibration

Question 8

the transport of a quantity of analyte or reagent from one specimen reaction into and contaminating a subsequent one

Answer 8

carryover

Question 9

software programs designed to assess instrument function and to report malfunctions to operator

Answer 9

diagnostic programs

Question 10

time during which instrument is not capable of producing patient results that can be reported

Answer 10

downtime

Question 11

computerized system that transmits many types of laboratory information, including work lists and patient test results. more complex systems allow bidirectional communication between laboratory and patient care units.

Answer 11

laboratory information systems

Question 12

a mode of testing in which the analysis is performed at the site where healthcare is provided

Answer 12

point-of-care testing

Question 13

identifies names of tests offered by an instrument

Answer 13

test menu

Question 14

a group of tests designed to provide info about specific organ function or disease process

Answer 14

test profile

Question 15

typically refers to time required to produce test results once sample arrives in the lab

Answer 15

turnaround time

Question 16

This is system in which the operator is able to change the parameters related to an analysis and to prepare in house reagents, or to use reagents from a variety of suppliers; flexible, less expensive reagents

Answer 16

Open system

Question 17

This is a system in which the analyzer requires the reagent to be in a unique container or format provided by the manufacturer; time saving, fixes problems faster (broken instruments)

Answer 17

Closed system

Question 18

Analyzers that allow a single tech to simultaneously control and monitor the function of several instruments

Answer 18

Cluster testing

Question 19

The excess amount of sample that must be present to permit the aspiration of the full amount of sample required

Answer 19

Dead volume/space

Question 20

The time it takes to produce a result once the specimen is on the instrument

Answer 20

Dwell time

Question 21

A clinical laboratory workstation dedicated to a defined task and contains appropriate lab instrumentation to carry out the task

Answer 21

Workstation

Question 22

The number of tests the instrument produces per hour while operating in a steady state

Answer 22

Throughput

Question 23

This is 400 tests or less, low volume testing, MD office, clinic, small hospital

Answer 23

Low-throughput

Question 24

400-800 tests per hour, AU 680, higher testing

Answer 24

Middle-throughput

Question 25

Greater than 800 tests per hour, AU5800, highest, used in large labs

Answer 25

High throughput

Question 26

The scheduled inspection resulting in minor adjustment or repair to delay Or avoid major repair and emergency or premature replacement (daily, monthly, etc)

Answer 26

Preventative maintenance

Question 27

Examples of preventative maintenance

Answer 27

Change pump tubing at regular intervals, change membranes on electrodes in blood gas Analyzers, cleaning sampling probes and lines, and change motor brushes in a centrifuge

Question 28

This is corrective, breakdown, or reparative maintenance restoring after damage; unscheduled

Answer 28

Repair

Question 29

This is the process by high apparently unsatisfactory instrument performance is traced down to root causes, which permits the correct solution to be applied to identified problems

Answer 29

Troubleshooting