Automation Flashcards
When was the first automated device introduced and what did it involve?
The Autoanalyser was was developed in 1956 for analysing urea, glucose and calcium. This was the first device that did not require manual intervention by a technologist/scientist. It was also a continuous flow system, meaning you could continually load samples to it (no bulk addition then waiting). This started the gradual change of manual to automated techniques.
Very important to remember the analyser is essentially just a robot performing experiments. Need to know the limitations and performance of the assays on board and the chemistry that is actually occurring.
What is the purpose of automation?
Saves time
Improve performance through the elimination of human error (reduction has been quoted as being by >70%)
Increased productivity
Releasing staff to other tasks such as development and introduction of new asssays
Consolidation of costs (IQC, maintenance etc)
Allows for an increase in workload without an increase in staff numbers. In 2001-2007 there was a 50% increase in assays needed, but the same work force - so automation as essential
What is the definition of continuous flow?
Samples can be put onto an analyser at any time and will be analysed directly in real time
What is the definition of a batch analyser?
Samples are collected and analysed in one group, for example if it is something you don’t need in real time
What is the definition of multichannel?
Multiple tests can be provided on the same platform, eg a biochem automated machine will often have >20 tests on it and a similar amount of immunoassays
What is the definition of stand alone?
Not part of a track system, person has to go and put them on and take them off for specific tests - not a big track system
What is the definition of an open analyser?
Can add tests to the analyser which are made by a different manufacturer
What is the definition of random access?
Like continuous flow, you can give an analyser a sample at any time
How are lots of different assays added to the same analyser?
In most cases there are three different wheels that are controlled by different robotics, one with reagents, one with samples, one with a conveyor belt that takes samples past a spectrophotometer. The bar code means the Machine knows what each sample requires before it is measured by the spec.
How does preanalytics in total laboratory automation work?
All modules are physically linked by some kind of track system.
The loading station is where barcoding occurs. Then the sample passes into preanalytics containing the centrifuge. The sample is uncapped for aliquoting then recapped. It will then be refrigerated in storage manager while the aliquot continues through preanalytics until it reaches the analyser.Hence, it is clear that preanalytics takes up a huge part of the system.
What is total laboratory automation?
Increasingly becoming automation of all blood sciences rather than one discipline alone. This is because the pre and post analytical procedures in board are necessary for all specialisms.
TLA involves:
Pre and post analytics also incorporated as much as possible
Archiving of samples and storage
Generally able to complete 80% of the workload
Frequently review portfolio of tests and whether any more can be automated with similar performance
What requirements are specified in tender for TLA?
Since it is very expensive to automate and commercial pressures often mean you are tied in to a contract with one particular supplier for a number of years. In this way laboratories will only enter into a tender if it definitely fulfils all their requirements. However, it can be complex to agree a tender if lots of disciplines are included. The common requirements are as follows:
- Pre-analytics/post analytics
- Specimen handling
- Can check for common interferences eg,haemolysis/icterus/lipaemia
- Able to locate, retrieve and test a sample on dilution (the machine can recognise that there is something wrong with a sample and determine what is wrong in order to repeat tests) - important not to release results that are incorrect.
- Add on testing
- Accommodate fluctuating workloads through the day
- Operate with a LIMs system
- Minimal downtime (usually specify <2%)
If receiving 500 – 2000 samples per day, standalone analysers may be more cost effective - ie smaller labs or disciplines that have less samples
What calibration is involved in automation?
Calibration is required to determine a result/concentration from a measurement
- Continuous flow normally occurs once a day, robot so has extreme accuracy and doesn’t need checking as often
- Batch analysis, occurs with each batch
What IQC is involved in automation?
Internal Quality control (IQC) is required frequently to ensure an assay is performing appropriately.
- Continuous flow this will be several times in a day depending on the lab
- Batch analysis, this will be with every batch
What is wet/dry analysis?
Most companies providing large scale analysers use liquid reagents and technology.
Although there is also Ortho dry slide technology
- Layers of reagents dried onto a slide - When analytes come into contact it creates a spectral change
Dry reagents more expensive than liquid reagents although they are more stable and minimised reagent wastage. They are also compared differently on EQA.
