1. Development, Simulation and Optimization of Oncology Laboratory Sample Processing Automation
Emily Salmon
Advisor: Norman Purvis, PhD, Esoterix

2. Introduction
Blood and Bone marrow and tissue samples undergo assays performed by certified technicians. Using fluorescently labeled antibodies, flow cytometers are used to measure surface cell antigens. Results are analyzed for conditions related to leukemia and lymphoma.

3. Project Goals
Understanding, developing, and simulating an automated model for oncology screening procedures.
Show benefits of cost reduction as well as decreased manpower, increased throughput, and/or decreased time through simulation.

4. Sample Volume
Approximately 60 blood/bone marrow and 40 tissue samples per day, 5 days per week.
Goal: Improve process for theoretical growth of 100% over 3 years

5. Aspects of Project
Phase1: Understand basic screening procedures; Determine types of equipment that can perform the process.
Phase 2: Simulate the procedure using laboratory automation software; compare automated to manual time estimates.
Phase 3: Optimize Automation.
Phase 4: Additional issues in Optimization, Implementation

6. Time Estimates

7. Automation Software

8. Scheduling

9. Biomek FX

10. Engineering Issues Plate Setup General Logistics
Verification of Simulated Method

11. Log Files 03/18/2003 18:27:53,Action completed: Pod2 Absolute Move
Z1 :
Z2 :
Z3 :
Z4 :
Z5 :
Z6 :
Z7 :
Z8 :
Speed=100%
X :
Pod1
X :
Y :
Z :
D :
Pod1 Extend Gripper
D :
Z :

12. Writing the Transfer Files
Source Position,Source Well,Destination Position,Destination Well,Amount
Cells, 1, Dest, 1, 100,
Cells, 2, Dest, 9, 100,
Cells, 3, Dest, 17, 100,
Cells, 4, Dest, 25, 100,
Cells, 5, Dest, 33, 100,
Cells, 6, Dest, 41, 100,
Cells, 7, Dest, 49, 100,
Cells, 8, Dest, 57, 100,
Cells, 1, Dest, 2, 100,
Cells, 2, Dest, 10, 100,
Cells, 3, Dest, 18, 100,
Cells, 4, Dest, 26, 100,
Cells, 5, Dest, 34, 100,
Cells, 6, Dest, 42, 100,
Cells, 7, Dest, 50, 100,
Cells, 1, Dest, 3, 100,
Cells, 2, Dest, 11, 100,
Cells, 3, Dest, 19, 100,
Cells, 4, Dest, 27, 100,
Cells, 5, Dest, 35, 100,
Cells, 6, Dest, 43, 100,

13. Pipetting Time Reductions Tissues--11:43 to 11:13 Blood/Bone Marrow
Antibody Additions: >9 to 3:38
Patient Samples: :00 to 4:48

14. Future Work
Pipetting: Incorporate Variables, Review Procedures, Improve times where possible.
Simulations: Gather Overall Time Estimates for different process volumes

15. Thank You