Chapter 5: Clinical Laboratory Automation Flashcards
The process by which an instrument automatically performs tasks
Automation
Automation reduces…
Errors and costs
What performs a subset of tests from the master profile
Variable profle analyzer
What performs a signle test on a large number of samples?
Batch analyzer
What selects samples and reagents regardless of placement on analyzer?
Random access analyzer
Characteristics of a random access analyzer
- single analytic pathway
- tests are not batched
- flexible configuration
- performs tests diescretely
- throughput is based on number of tests run per hour
What stage begins with delivery of samples from location?
Pre-analytic stage
One of the earliest atomated transport systems that transport 4-6 inch diameter high-impact carriers
Pneumatic tube
these can transport more specimens than pneumatic tubes
Electrical track vehicles
They deliver samples directly to the workstation
Mobile robots
They are designed to transport specimes horizontally and vertically
Conveyors or track systems
This minimizes non-value-addes steps in the laboratory process
Automated specimen processing
Common specimen handling steps
- Primary tube identification
- LIS receiving sorting
- centrifuging
- decapping
- secondary tube labeling
- volume checks
- destination sorting into analyzer racks
- recapping
- sample storage and retieval
These selectively target a group of pre-analytic or post-analytic steps
Standalone units
Here, samples are scanned and placed in numbered positions in numbered racks
Post-analytic processing
Automated specimen inspection can address two of the most significant pre-analytic concerns:
- Sample Identification Error
- Sample integrity issues
This device can change how lab samples are tracked from collection to final disposition
Radio Frequency Identification Device(RFID)
Advantages of RFID
- no line of sight reading
- dynamic data storage
- not affected by cold storage
What is central to the operation of the clinical laboratory sampling
Automated analyzer
Analyzer uses a blade to slit the stopper, and the sample probe pierces the stopper to withdraw an aliquot of the sample
Cap piercing technology
Stores master lot or master calibration
Bar-coded reagent label
Can accommodate third-party reagents
Open reagent system
Can only use instrument manufacturer’s reagent
Closed reagent system
Mixing techniques
- magnetic stirring
- rotating paddles
- forceful dispensing
- ultrasonic energy
- vigorous lateral displacement
Measured by absorption of reflectance spectroscopy
General Chemistry Assays
measured by ion-selective electrodes
Electrolytes
May be based ib chemiluminescence and ths require a luminometer
Immunoassays
Can transorm non-linear input signals into linear calibration plots, thereby enabling non-linear assays to be automated
Data processing
-alloes vendors to continuously analyze instrument sub-system and identify components
Real-time monitoring
This is the most-basic unit of automation
Workstation
Integrated groups of analyzers
Workcell
Types of work cell
- Physical workcell
- virtual workcell
Multipple analyzers are coupled to a specimen
Total laboratory automation
Common specimen handling steps
- Calculate number of aliquots and volume needed for each workstation
- route samples to analyzers in most optimal way
- recap sample
- auto retrieval of samples for reflex or repeat testing
- auto verification of results
Benefits of Total Lab Automation
- decrease in pre-analytic errors
- shorter turnaround times
- reduction in full-time equivalents necessary to process a given test volume
Challenges of Total Lab Automation
- financial investment
- increased floor space
- need for highly technical personnel to operate and troubleshoot system
Use various technologies to count and classify red cells, white cells, and platelets, and to identify abnormalities
Hematology Analyzer
Key prerequisite to developing a performance optimization strategy - understanding of lab workflow and role of tech
Planning for Lab Automation
Outlines laboratory strategies, service needs, and goals
Request for Proposal(RFP)
