Laboratory Automation

1. 3 Laboratory Automation

2. Objectives Level I • List four advantages of automated chemical analysis. • Define the following terms: throughput, test menu, carryover, discrete testing, random-access testing, open-reagent analyzer, and closed-reagent analyzer. • Identify five laboratory tasks associated with the preanalytical stages of laboratory testing.

3. Objectives Level I • Identify three reasons why automation is necessary. • Give examples of how automated analyzers perform the following functions: • Mixing • Incubating • Transferring reagents

4. Objectives Level I • List four tasks associated with the analytical stage of laboratory testing. • Identify five demands placed on the laboratory that serve to drive automation. • List three techniques used to mix samples and reagents in an automated system. • Identify three techniques used to incubate samples and reagents.

5. Objectives Level I • List three drawbacks of total laboratory automation. • Identify three tasks associated with the post-analytical stage of laboratory testing.

6. Objectives Level II • Explain the concept of total laboratory automation. • Distinguish the three stages of laboratory testing from one another. • Differentiate between proportioning reagent by volumetric addition and by continuous flow. • Explain the operating principle of a Peltier thermal electric module.

7. Objectives Level II • Distinguish between workstation and work cell. • Explain the principle used for clot detection in automated analyzers.

8. Three Stages of Testing • Preanalytical • Analytical • Postanalytical

9. Preanalytical Stage • Methods to transport specimens • Human carriers or runners • Pneumatic tube delivery systems • Electric-track-driven vehicles • Mobile robots • Conveyors and/or track systems

10. Specific Tasks Performed by Automated Sample Processors • Presorting of samples • Centrifugation • Sufficient sample volume check • Detection of the presence of clots in the samples

11. Specific Tasks Performed by Automated Sample Processors • Removal of tube stoppers (decapping) • Secondary tube labeling • Aliquotting of samples • Destination sorting into analyzer racks

12. Tasks Performed in Analytical Stage of Testing • Sample introduction • Dispense reagents: • Open-reagent system • Closed-reagent system • Mixing • Incubation • Detection

13. Figure 3-1 COBAS Integra 800. Courtesy of Roche Diagnostics

14. Postanalytical Stage of Testing • Signal processing • Data processing by computers includes: • Data acquisition • Calculations • Monitoring and displaying data

15. Automated System Designs • Total laboratory automated systems (TLAs) • Integrated modular systems • Workstations • Work cells • Figures 3-2 and 3-3 • Fully integrated systems

16. Figure 3-2 Siemens StreamLAB. Courtesy of Siemans Healthcare Diagnostics

17. Figure 3-3 Siemens Work Cell CDX. Courtesy of Siemans Healthcare Diagnostics

18. Put It All Together Figure 3-4 Roche Modular Analytics Serum Work Area. Courtesy of Roche Diagnostics

19. Future Trends • Intelligent Laboratory Systems

20. Figure 3-5 Siemens Dimension Vista 1500. Courtesy of Siemans Healthcare Diagnostics

21. Molecular Diagnostics Analyzers • Automated bench top analyzer for amplification and detection of PCR testing.

22. Figure 3-6 Roche COBAS Amplicor Analyzer Automated Real-Time PCR System. Courtesy of Roche Diagnostics