Automation

• Automation


  The utilization and/or coordination of machines, analyzers, robotics, computers, and other non-human resources to perform a task or tasks repeatedly, absent (or with a minimum number) of prompts. This often involves a predetermined sequence of individual steps.
• Selectivity


  The ability of an analyzer to run individual test from a panel. The instrument may have dozens of reagents on board, and possess the ability to run all of them at the same time, but has the ability to run only those that are needed.
• Random access instruments


  Have the ability to be selective in testing.
• Discreteness


  The ability of the analyzer to separate individual tests from each other. For instance, if the sample has 12 tests ordered, the analyzer will dispense the sample to 12 different reaction vessels and dispense the correct amount of the correct reagent to the individual reaction vessels
• Carryover


  The contamination of a specimen or reagent by the once processed just previously, usually due to a pipette mechanism not completely cleaned.
• Continuous flow


  A method of constantly pumping samples and reagents through tubing to reaction vessels.
• Flow injection


  The placement of a sample into a continuous flow stream
• Batching


  Combines numerous samples all running the same single test. This is used when a delay in reporting the results is acceptable. Labs will batch tests that are not ordered often, or are cost prohibitive and/or labor intensive when ordered in small numbers.
• Dwell time


  The minimum time required to obtain a result from the time of initial sampling.
• Turnaround time


  The amount of time from receipt of sample to the time it's reported.
• Throughput


  The maximum number of samples capable of being analyzed per hour
• Stat


  Urgent. Most tests ordered by a hospital emergency department are considered stat. labs usually target a very short turnaround time for stat tests