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Automation

Automation in clinical chemistry involves mechanizing and electronically controlling analytical processes to increase efficiency. There are three basic approaches: continuous flow analyzers that pump reagents and samples through tubing, discrete analyzers that separate each sample and test in containers, and centrifugal analyzers that use centrifugal force. Common features of automated systems include sampling small aliquots of serum, performing single or multiple tests on samples, using wet or dry reagents, and mixing via various mechanical means. They integrate computers for calibration, quality control, and transmitting results to information systems.

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70 views

Automation

Automation in clinical chemistry involves mechanizing and electronically controlling analytical processes to increase efficiency. There are three basic approaches: continuous flow analyzers that pump reagents and samples through tubing, discrete analyzers that separate each sample and test in containers, and centrifugal analyzers that use centrifugal force. Common features of automated systems include sampling small aliquots of serum, performing single or multiple tests on samples, using wet or dry reagents, and mixing via various mechanical means. They integrate computers for calibration, quality control, and transmitting results to information systems.

Uploaded by

KiarahEunizeGica
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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LABORATORY AUTOMATION

Automation is the technique, method or system of operating or controlling a mechanical or production


process by highly automatic means such as with the use of electronic devices. When applied to clinical
chemistry it implies a mechanical or electronic control over an analytical process which the instrument
performs. The following are the advantages of automating procedures:

1. It increase the number of tests performed by one laboratory in a given period of time
2. It minimizes the variation in the results from one personnel to another.
3. It eliminates the potential errors of manual volumetric pipetting steps, calculation of results and
transcription of results required.
4. It uses very small amounts of samples and reagents decreasing the cost of consumables.

Basic Approaches:

1. Continuous flow liquids (reagents, diluents and samples) are pumped through a system of
continuous tubing. Samples are introduced in a sequential manner following each other through
the same network. A service of air bubbles at regular intervals serve as separating and cleaning
media.
2. Discrete analysis this is the separation of each sample and accompanying reagents in a
separate container. These analyzers have the capability of running multiple test one sample at a
time or multiple samples one test at a time. They are the most versatile.
3. Centrifugal analysis this uses the centripetal force generated by centrifugation to transfer and
then contain liquids in separate cuvets for measurement. These analyzers are most capable of
running multiple samples, one test at a time or in batch. Batching is their major advantage.

Common features:

1. Sample tube: serum maybe transferred into a special disposable cup and placed in numbered
position on a tray by the operator so the serum can be identified by the instrument. When
labeled with a bar code, the primary tube of centrifuged blood can be identified and sampled by
the instrument.
2. Sampling: Continuous-flow analyzers withdraw a large aliquot of each serum sample into a piece
of tubing. Alternatively, during discrete analysis, instruments repetitively pipet small aliquots of
serum into reaction chambers, where only a single test is usually performed.
3. Analyses:
a. Multi-channel analyzers machines that perform more than one test and produce a set
of results for each specimen
b. Single channel analyzers performs only a single type of reaction
c. Batch analysis a group of specimen is processed within the same analytical session,
with either sequential analysis of samples within each batch or parallel analysis of
groups of sample undergoing the same test at the same time.
d. Random access analysis any test can be performed on any sample at any time

4. Reagents:
a. Wet
b. Dry
c. Open
d. Closed

Wet reagents are subject to faster deterioration than dry reagents and consequently, those
instruments may require more frequent recalibration. Dry reagents may be combined with the
sera directly or sonicated into solution prior to addition of sera.

5. Pipets: The contamination of subsequent analysis, known as carry-over, is avoided by aliquoting


devices designed with internal and external rinsing stations or with disposable pipet tips.

6. Mixing: reagents and samples can be mixed by many devices, including blenders, magnetic stir
bars, vibrating rods and forced liquid displacement. In centrifugal analyzers, mixing occurs when
the reagents and samples within a rotor cavity are forced together by centrifugal force as the
rotor accelerates and decelerates.

7. Cuvets and reaction vessels may either be reusable or disposable.

8. Computer can perform calibration calculations, quality control monitoring, and data
transmission directly to and from a laboratory information system (LIS).

9. Maintenance & Quality Control schedule machine maintenance as well as built-in internal and
external quality control system can be programmed into the operating system.

DRY SLIDE TECHNOLOGY:

Components:

1. Spreading layer
2. Reagent layer
3. Indicator layer
4. Support layer

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