Automation

• What is automation in the context of clinical chemistry?

  It is the process by which instruments or machines automatically perform tests that would otherwise have to be performed manually by the MLS.
• How did laboratory procedures change before and after the 1950s?

  Before the 1950s, all procedures and processes were manual, while modern laboratories use a high degree of automation.
• What are the benefits of automation in clinical chemistry laboratories?

  Automation improves reproducibility, accuracy, flexibility, and turn-around time of testing.
• What impact does automation have on laboratory costs and error rates?

  Automation lowers laboratory costs and eliminates errors by standardizing tests.
• Who was the first to release an auto-analyzer and what technology did it use?

  Leonard Skeggs released the first auto-analyzer based on continuous flow technology.
• When was the first commercial centrifugal analyzer introduced?

  In 1970.
• What company introduced the automatic clinical analyzer (ACA) in 1970?

  DuPont, now known as Siemens.
• What are the three phases of laboratory testing?

  • Pre-analytical phase: Involves sample processing, collection, transport, and patient identification.
  • Analytical phase: Involves chemical analysis and processing of tests.
  • Post-analytical phase: Involves data management, result release, and sample storage.
• What does the pre-analytical phase involve?

  It involves sample processing, collection, transport, and patient identification.
• How has sample delivery changed in modern laboratories?

  There is now automated delivery of samples, replacing manual methods.
• What is the earliest automated transport system introduced in laboratories?

  The pneumatic tube system.
• What occurs during the analytical phase of laboratory testing?


  The actual chemical analysis and processing of tests are performed.
• What is involved in the post-analytical phase of laboratory testing?

  Data management, release of results, and storage of samples for repeat testing.
• Why are samples stored after testing?

  Samples are stored for repeat testing when needed and not discarded immediately.
• What is the typical shelf life for stored samples according to laboratory SOP?


  Samples are typically discarded after 1 or 2 weeks.
• What are the advantages of automation in clinical laboratories?

  • Rapid results due to elimination of manual steps.
  • Increased number of tests performed.
  • Saves time and effort.
  • Reduced errors in calculations and transcription.
  • Better precision and accuracy.
  • Addresses staff shortages.
  • Economical.
• What are the disadvantages of automation in clinical laboratories?

  • Expensive to purchase and maintain.
  • Limitations in methodology.
  • Discourages personnel from making observations.
  • Impractical for small laboratories with low sample numbers.
• What is meant by 'test repertoire' in a laboratory context?

  It refers to the number of tests that can be performed on an instrument, as seen in the machine's manual.
• What does 'dwell time' refer to in laboratory testing?

  Dwell time is the minimum time required to obtain results after the initial sampling of the specimen.
• What is 'throughput' in the context of laboratory testing?

  Throughput is the maximum number of samples or tests that can be processed in an hour.
• What is the definition of 'workload' in a laboratory?

  Workload is the number of test results generated by the laboratory during a given time.
• What is 'walk-away capability' in laboratory automation?

  It is the ability of an operator to program the instrument to perform other tasks while the instrument processes the tests.
• What is the purpose of a barcode in laboratory testing?

  A barcode provides positive sample identification for each tube.
• What does 'selectivity' mean in laboratory testing?

  Selectivity is the lowest value that can be reliably detected by a method without providing a false positive result.
• What is 'specificity' in the context of laboratory testing?

  Specificity is the ability to measure only the analyte requested.
• What does 'shelf life' refer to in laboratory reagents?

  Shelf life defines the stability of a reagent before use.
• What is 'carry over' in laboratory testing?

  Carry over occurs when previous samples affect the results of subsequent tests due to insufficient washing of reusable cuvettes.
• What is 'maintenance time' in the context of laboratory analyzers?

  Maintenance time refers to the time the analyzer is not in use.
• What is the difference between an open reagent system and a closed reagent system?

  An open reagent system allows the use of reagents other than the manufacturer's, while a closed system requires the use of the manufacturer's reagents only.
• What are the different types of automatic analyzers?

  • Continuous Flow Analyzer: Handles samples through a common analysis pathway.
  • Discrete Sampling Analyzer: Each sample reaction is handled in separate compartments.
  • Centrifugal Analyzers: Uses centrifugation to transfer specimens and reagents.
  • Thin Film Analyzers: Uses dry slide technology for reflectance spectrophotometry.
• Who developed the continuous flow analyzer and when?

  Leonard Skeggs developed it in 1957.
• What is the principle of a continuous flow analyzer?

  All samples are carried through the same analysis pathway without waiting for completion.
• What is the maximum number of tests that the Technicon Autoanalyzer II can run?

  It can run 3 different tests at 60-80 samples/hour.
• What is the major advantage of discrete sampling analyzers?

  They allow for random access capability, enabling STAT samples to be easily tested.
• How do centrifugal analyzers transfer specimens and reagents?

  They use the force generated by centrifugation to transfer specimens and reagents.
• What is the principle of thin film analyzers?

  A chip accepts a drop of serum, spreads it into a reagent layer, and confines the colored product for reflectance spectrophotometry.
• What is an example of a brand that uses dry slide technology?

  Vitros.