Automation Flashcards
The process whereby an analytical instrument performs many tests with only minimal involvement of an analyst
Automation
Type of analysis in which many specimens are grouped in the same analytical session
Batch analysis
The transport of a quantity of analyte or reagent from one specimen reaction into and contaminating a subsequent one
Carryover
Type of analysis in which the sample is aspirated into the sample probe and then is delivered, often with reagent, through the same orifice into a reaction cup or another container
Discrete analysis
Type of analysis in which all specimens are subjected to a series of analytical processes at the same time and in a parallel fashion
Parallel analysis
Type of analysis in which any test can be performed on any sample in any sequence
Random access analysis
Type of analysis in which each specimen in a batch enters the analytical process one after another, and each result or set of results emerges in the same order as the specimens are entered
Sequential analysis
The number of specimens processed by an analyzer during a given period of time, or the rate at which an analytical system processes specimen
Throughput
An area dedicated to a defined task and contains appropriate laboratory instrumentation to carry out that task
Workstation
First Automated Analyzer
Technicon autoanalyzer (1957)
Characteristics of Technicon autoanalyzer
Continuous, flow, sequential batch analyzer
Single channel
Capable of analyzing one sample at a time
Can provide a single test result on approximately 40
samples per hour
Characteristics of Simultaneous Multiple Analyzers (SMA-6, SMA-12)
Multiple Channel
Capable of analyzing multiple samples at a time
Can produce 6 or 12 test results at a rate of 360 or 720 tests per hour
First centrifugal analyzer from NASA outer space research
Centrifugal analyzer (1970)
Developed a prototype of centrifugal analyzer at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Dr. Norman Anderson (1967)
Significant drawbacks of centrifugal analyzer
Carryover problems
Costly reagent waste
The first non-continuous flow, discrete analyzer
Automatic Clinical Analyzers (ACA) (1970)
The first instrument to have random-access capabilities
Automatic Clinical Analyzers (ACA) (1970)
Unique features of ACA
Plastic test packs
Positive patient identification
Infrequent calibration
Characteristics of ACA
Single Channel
Capable of providing a single test result on approximately 40 samples per hour
The first to use microsample volumes and reagents on slides for dry chemistry analysis
Kodk Ektachem (Vitros) Analyzers (1978)
Two types of CC tests done in the laboratory
Dry Chemistry
Wet Chemistry
Type of analysis that utilizes strips with impregnated reagent
Dry Chemistry
Type of analysis that utilizes liquid reagents
Wet Chemistry
Slide that contains the entire reagent chemistry system
Vitros slide
Utilizes the original collection tube as sample tube/container
Primary Tube Sampling
Automated systems that are commonly used in CC labs today
Aeroset and Architect analyzers
Advia analyzers
Synchron analyzers
Dimension analyzers
Vitros analyzers
Several Roche analyzers
Time it takes when a test is ordered or specimen is submitted for analysis and when the test result is reported
Turn around time
Time of reduced activity of the analyzer
Down time
Type of analysis where liquids (reagents, diluents, and samples) are pumped through a system of continuous tubing
Continuous flow analysis
Type of analysis that uses the force generated by centrifugation to transfer and then contain liquids in separate cuvettes for measurement at the perimeter of a spinning rotor
Centrifugal analysis
Major advantage of centrifugal analysis
Batch analysis
Type of analysis where there is a separation of each sample and accompanying reagents in a separate container
Discrete analysis
Type of analyzer capable of running multiple tests one sample at a time or multiple samples one test at a time
Discrete analyzers
Most popular and versatile analyzers
Discrete analyzers
Used to handle and load specimens
Robotics
Eliminates need for specimen aliquoting as gel separator separate RBC and plasma, serve as sample container in analyzer
Plasma separator tube
There is no need to remove the closure or the lid of the collection tube prior to analysis
Closed tube sampling
How does closed tube sampling works?
The sample probe of the analyzer will automatically pierce the rubber stopper to aspirate sample
Layers of vitros slides and their functions
Spreading layer
→ accepts the sample
Reagent layer (central layer)
→ where the reagent is impregnated
→ central layers can alter the aliquot
Scavenger layer (central layer)
→ filters substances that may interfere with the reaction
Indicator layer
→ layer where the analyte of interest may be quantified
Mixing process using different automated analyzers
Continuous flow analyzers
→ through the use of coiled tubing
Centrifugal analyzers
→ start-stop action of the reaction tray or bubbling of air though the sample
→ air bubbles serve as mixing media
VITROS Microslide technology
→ spreading layer
Most automated wet chemistry analyzers
→ stirring paddles that dip into the reaction container to stir sample and reagents
Separation process using different automated analyzers
Continuous flow analyzers
→ dialyzer using a fine-pore cellophane membrane
VITROS Microslide technology
→ spreading layer
Discrete analyzers
→ no automated methodology to separate interfering substances
Incubation process using different automated analyzers
Discrete or Continuous flow analyzers
→ heating bath
VITROS Microslide technology
→ precondition station before slides enters the incubator
Reaction time depends on
Rate of transport through the system to the “read” station
Reaction rate is controlled by
Temperature
The idea of totally automating a clinical laboratory has its roots in
Japan
Advantages of TLA
A decrease in labeling errors
Reduced turnaround times
A reduction in full-time equivalents
Major limitations of TLA
The need for substantial financial investment and increased floor space
The need for highly technical personnel
3 Phases of Testing
Pre analytic (Sample Processing)
Analytic (Chemical Analyses)
Post analytic (Data Management)
