Chapter 5: Clinical Laboratory Automation

Question 1

The process by which an instrument automatically performs tasks

Answer 1

Automation

Question 2

Automation reduces…

Answer 2

Errors and costs

Question 3

What performs a subset of tests from the master profile

Answer 3

Variable profle analyzer

Question 4

What performs a signle test on a large number of samples?

Answer 4

Batch analyzer

Question 5

What selects samples and reagents regardless of placement on analyzer?

Answer 5

Random access analyzer

Question 6

Characteristics of a random access analyzer

Answer 6

• single analytic pathway
• tests are not batched
• flexible configuration
• performs tests diescretely
• throughput is based on number of tests run per hour

Question 7

What stage begins with delivery of samples from location?

Answer 7

Pre-analytic stage

Question 8

One of the earliest atomated transport systems that transport 4-6 inch diameter high-impact carriers

Answer 8

Pneumatic tube

Question 9

these can transport more specimens than pneumatic tubes

Answer 9

Electrical track vehicles

Question 10

They deliver samples directly to the workstation

Answer 10

Mobile robots

Question 11

They are designed to transport specimes horizontally and vertically

Answer 11

Conveyors or track systems

Question 12

This minimizes non-value-addes steps in the laboratory process

Answer 12

Automated specimen processing

Question 13

Common specimen handling steps

Answer 13

• Primary tube identification
• LIS receiving sorting
• centrifuging
• decapping
• secondary tube labeling
• volume checks
• destination sorting into analyzer racks
• recapping
• sample storage and retieval

Question 14

These selectively target a group of pre-analytic or post-analytic steps

Answer 14

Standalone units

Question 15

Here, samples are scanned and placed in numbered positions in numbered racks

Answer 15

Post-analytic processing

Question 16

Automated specimen inspection can address two of the most significant pre-analytic concerns:

Answer 16

• Sample Identification Error

- Sample integrity issues

Question 17

This device can change how lab samples are tracked from collection to final disposition

Answer 17

Radio Frequency Identification Device(RFID)

Question 18

Advantages of RFID

Answer 18

• no line of sight reading
• dynamic data storage
• not affected by cold storage

Question 19

What is central to the operation of the clinical laboratory sampling

Answer 19

Automated analyzer

Question 20

Analyzer uses a blade to slit the stopper, and the sample probe pierces the stopper to withdraw an aliquot of the sample

Answer 20

Cap piercing technology

Question 21

Stores master lot or master calibration

Answer 21

Bar-coded reagent label

Question 22

Can accommodate third-party reagents

Answer 22

Open reagent system

Question 23

Can only use instrument manufacturer’s reagent

Answer 23

Closed reagent system

Question 24

Mixing techniques

Answer 24

• magnetic stirring
• rotating paddles
• forceful dispensing
• ultrasonic energy
• vigorous lateral displacement

Question 25

Measured by absorption of reflectance spectroscopy

Answer 25

General Chemistry Assays

Question 26

measured by ion-selective electrodes

Answer 26

Electrolytes

Question 27

May be based ib chemiluminescence and ths require a luminometer

Answer 27

Immunoassays

Question 28

Can transorm non-linear input signals into linear calibration plots, thereby enabling non-linear assays to be automated

Answer 28

Data processing

Question 29

-alloes vendors to continuously analyze instrument sub-system and identify components

Answer 29

Real-time monitoring

Question 30

This is the most-basic unit of automation

Answer 30

Workstation

Question 31

Integrated groups of analyzers

Answer 31

Workcell

Question 32

Types of work cell

Answer 32

- Physical workcell | - virtual workcell

Question 33

Multipple analyzers are coupled to a specimen

Answer 33

Total laboratory automation

Question 34

Common specimen handling steps

Answer 34

- 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

Question 35

Benefits of Total Lab Automation

Answer 35

- decrease in pre-analytic errors - shorter turnaround times - reduction in full-time equivalents necessary to process a given test volume

Question 36

Challenges of Total Lab Automation

Answer 36

- financial investment - increased floor space - need for highly technical personnel to operate and troubleshoot system

Question 37

Use various technologies to count and classify red cells, white cells, and platelets, and to identify abnormalities

Answer 37

Hematology Analyzer

Question 38

Key prerequisite to developing a performance optimization strategy - understanding of lab workflow and role of tech

Answer 38

Planning for Lab Automation

Question 39

Outlines laboratory strategies, service needs, and goals

Answer 39

Request for Proposal(RFP)