Automation

in automation, analytical instruments perform many tests

with minimal involvement of an analyst

automation is computer controlled operation of…

apparatus
process
system

automation uses

mechanical or electronic devices without human intervention

automation is defined as

the mechanized versions of basic manual lab techniques and procedures

What are the components of the pre

analytical phase

What are the components of analytical phase

analysis automated instrument
proportioning reagent and sample
mixing
incubation
sensing
computation
readout

What are components of the post analytical phase

archiving specimens
specimen ID
sorting, capping, racking specimen
specimen stored in refrigerator stockyard
Retrieval of specimen for add on testing

Automation permits increased workout

without an increase in staff

What was the first application of automation

it started with the analytical phase of CLS testing

Further application of automation was developed for

the pre

Then intelligent automation was developed to

self monitor for changing condition which helps reduce errors and improve reproducibility

further new areas of of automation

continue to evolve with incorporation of post analytical phase

Today, total integration consists of

total automation

What is the overview of automation

Patient
Physician
Need for information
Sample collection
Specimen transfer
Lab receive unit
front end specimen processing
analysis
result
result transfer
specimen archive and retrieval

What is the primary driving force for automation

Decreased operating budgets for labs

What are the driving forces for automation

minimal staffing
higher volume of testing to minimize TAT
Need for more centralized core labs to minimize variation
decline in use of lab panels or profiles with a focus on diagnostic focused test
regulatory standards requiring greater accuracy and precision
intense competition among instrument manufactures

What are advantages to automation

increases number of tests performed in lab
decreases lab and salary
decreases cost per lab
high throughput (fast TAT)
minimizes variation through centralized lab
eliminated potential errors of manual analyses
uses very small amounts of sample and reagents

What is random access analysis

test is performed on collection of specimens without regard to their initial order or sequence and each specimen is analyzed for a different selection of tests

this analysis is versatile and analyzes any test any time

random access analysis

What is parallel analysis

all specimens all subjected to a series of analytical processes at the same time and in a parallel fashion

what is continuous flow analysis

each specimen in a batch passes through the same continuous stream at the same rate and is subjected to the same analytical reactions

what is multiple channels analysis

each specimen is subjected to multiple analytical processes so that a set of test results is obtained on a single specimen

what is single channel analysis

each specimen is subjected to a single process so that only results for a single analyte are produced

what analysis is non discrete and non versatile with one test at a time

continuous flow analysis

What is sequential analysis

each specimen in a batch enters analytical process one after another and each result or set of results emerges in the same order as specimen are entered

what is batch analysis

many specimen are processed in the same analytical session or run

which analysis is less routine and sample is collected and stored under enough sample is obtained

batch analysis

What is the purpose of specimen ID in a lab

it ensures that samples are tracked correctly linking them to the right patient information throughout the testing process

What type of information in included in specimen ID

it includes personal information and the types of test ordered

What are the two types of specimen labels

specimen labels and barcodes

What are the advantages of barcodes

they reduce the risk of errors in identification

Which specimen identifiers is the technology of choice for automation

bar codes

What are the benefits of specimen preparation

reduces delays in prep
allows for the use of whole blood which promotes fast result

What is an examples of automated process in electrolyte measurements

using an ISE or ion selective electrode impregnated with valinomycin to measure potassium levels in blood samples

What is the advantage of using dry reagent films in automated systems

allow for the application of whole blood and can provide fast results in just a few minutes

What type of analyzer is used for rapid electrolyte measurements

a fully automated dry chemistry analyzer

What is a courier service delivery mechanism

it is usually reliable but costly and may require batches, however there is a risk of specimen breakage or loss

What is a pneumatic tube delivery mechanism

it works like that in a bank, however there is a risk of misrouting or hemolysis

what is the electric track vehicles delivery mechanism

larger capacity than pneumatic tube systems and makes use of dry ice or refrigerator packs possible

What are mobile robots mechanism

it is easily adapted and programmable with a need of batching of specimen and a need for personnel to load robots

what are the benefits of specimen loading and aspiration

allow direct sampling from primary collection tube or samples of aliquots from original specimen
minimize evaporation of sampling
minimize degradation of sampling
protect sample integrity

What does a specimen loading/aspiration and dedicated specimen loading zone achieve

permits specimen handling for subsequent analysis
increase efficiency
reduce risk of disease transmission
reduce other contamination

specimen processing procedures requires the capability to

remove proteins and other interferants from some specimens

Specimen processing assure ….

specificity of an analytical method

What are methods used to remove proteins and interferants

dialysis
column chromatography
filtration

What is the tool used in continuous flow system used for sample introduction and internal transport

the peristaltic pump

What is the problem with using a peristaltic pump

it has the potential problem of sample carryover

discrete flow systems do not use

continuous flow system

in sample introduction and internal transport; discrete flow systems factors include

positive liquid displacement pipettes
fixed volume pipettes
variable volume pipettes
selectable volume pipettes

What are examples of positive liquid displacement

a syringe for delivery of viscous fluid

What do you use fixed volume pipettes for

a small number of tests

What do you use selectable volume pipettes for

they allow selection for predetermined volume

What is an important component of variable volume pipettes

it has replaceable knobs

Reagent handling and storage varies

depending on the analyzers

what are the containers liquid reagents can be in

plastic or glass

the reagent volume depends on the

number of test

reagent containers contain varying volumes of

stock reagents

what other form can reagents be in

tablet form

reagents can be impregnated on

strips or slides

what reagents are used for high throughput systems

bulk reagents or master mixes

reagent delivery for high throughput systems include

pumps for continuous systems
Syringes for discrete systems

Automation has refrigeration system

where perishable samples and reagents are spared

Liquid reagents are acquired and delivered to

mixing and reaction chambers via pumps and syringes

How are reagents delivered in continuous systems

liquid reagents are delivered via pumps through tubes. Reagents and dilutants are drawn from bulk containers

How is the sample drawn in continuous systems

the sample is drawn from the specimen cup using an aspiration probe

What is a discrete system for reagent delivery

it uses a positive displacement syringe devices for both reagent and sample delivery. these syringes can be programed to deliver specific volumes

Why is washing or flushing of the probe important

it can prevent reagent carryover especially in analyzers that use the same syringe to dispense more than one reagent

Important considerations in the chemical reaction phase are

temperature control and efficient heat transfer devices
use and maintenance of reaction vessels and cuvettes

What are instruments used for incubation in chemical reaction phase

air bath
water bath
warm plates

Discrete analyzers use

individual and disposable reaction vessels or cuvettes

what is the advantage of disposable cuvettes

they prevent carryover

What are the 5 main means of mixing reactants in discrete analyzers

forceful dispensing
magnetic stirring
vigorous lateral displacement
a rotating paddle
the use of ultrasonic energy

continuous flow analyzers use

the same reaction vessel or cuvettes

measurement approaches use

traditional equipment for measurement

What are the types of analytical instruments used for measurement approaches

photometers and spectrophotometers

What are the main components of photometry and spectrophotometry

radiant energy source
spectral isolation device for wavelength selection
photometric detectors

Why is proper alignment of the cuvette important

is crucial to ensure the light path is perpendicular to the cuvette and for interference detection of stray light

What are the new approaches for measurement approaches

reflectance photometry
fluorometry
turbidimetry and nephelometry
Luminometers

What are the 3 functions of integrated computers to the automated analyzers

signal processing
data handling
process control

Automated analyzers and analytical systems are integrated to the computer system to

calculate (blank subtraction)
monitoring (linearity, beers law)
Display (error warning, progress of analysis)

Why is computer integration important

because it helps coordinate the various activities within the lab, making processes more efficient and improve workflow

the integrated automation is composed of …

workstations or devices equipped with a defined task or consolidation

What is workstation 1 tasked with

the preanalytical processes with stand alone front end automation tasked with sample processing

What is workstation 2 tasked with

the analytical process or testing

What is workstation 3 tasked with

post analytical

Computer integration has middleware to

control instrument clusters

Middleware allow control of …

several instruments by one tech

Middleware acts as what between systems

a bridge

Middleware is a

process control system

Middleware systems can be used for …

auto verification
delta checking
reflex checking
samples with critical values
quality control

Integrated automation has a

built in diagnostics

What is the function of the built in diagnostic

it can detect the source of hardware problems and can provide warning signals if system fails

Integrated automation has work cells

such as WS 1,2,3

Work cells are …

arrangements of resources in workstations for different activities such as sorting, uncapping, and proportioning

Robotic specimen preparation uses a tech

as a monitor

Automated specimen transport uses

conveyor belts and robot arms

work cells improve the

quality, speed, and cost of the process and promote seamless transition of phases

Integrated automation has auto

verification

auto verification can …

verify sample results from different analyzers and provide central workstation to monitor quality of results