1. 3
Laboratory Automation

2. Objectives Level I
List four advantages of automated chemical analysis.
Define the following terms: throughput, test menu, carryover, discrete testing, random-access testing, open-reagent analyzer, and closed-reagent analyzer.
Identify five laboratory tasks associated with the preanalytical stages of laboratory testing.

3. Objectives Level I Identify three reasons why automation is necessary.
Give examples of how automated analyzers perform the following functions:
Mixing
Incubating
Transferring reagents

4. Objectives Level I
List four tasks associated with the analytical stage of laboratory testing.
Identify five demands placed on the laboratory that serve to drive automation.
List three techniques used to mix samples and reagents in an automated system.
Identify three techniques used to incubate samples and reagents. 4

5. Objectives Level I
List three drawbacks of total laboratory automation.
Identify three tasks associated with the post-analytical stage of laboratory testing. 5

6. Objectives Level II
Explain the concept of total laboratory automation.
Distinguish the three stages of laboratory testing from one another.
Differentiate between proportioning reagent by volumetric addition and by continuous flow.
Explain the operating principle of a Peltier thermal electric module. 6

7. Objectives Level II Distinguish between workstation and work cell.
Explain the principle used for clot detection in automated analyzers. 7

8. Three Stages of Testing
Preanalytical
Analytical
Postanalytical

9. Preanalytical Stage Methods to transport specimens
Human carriers or runners
Pneumatic tube delivery systems
Electric-track-driven vehicles
Mobile robots
Conveyors and/or track systems

10. Specific Tasks Performed by Automated Sample Processors
Presorting of samples
Centrifugation
Sufficient sample volume check
Detection of the presence of clots in the samples

11. Specific Tasks Performed by Automated Sample Processors
Removal of tube stoppers (decapping)
Secondary tube labeling
Aliquotting of samples
Destination sorting into analyzer racks 11

12. Tasks Performed in Analytical Stage of Testing
Sample introduction
Dispense reagents:
Open-reagent system
Closed-reagent system
Mixing
Incubation
Detection

13. Figure 3-1 COBAS Integra 800. Courtesy of Roche Diagnostics13

14. Postanalytical Stage of Testing
Signal processing
Data processing by computers includes:
Data acquisition
Calculations
Monitoring and displaying data

15. Automated System Designs
Total laboratory automated systems (TLAs)
Integrated modular systems
Workstations
Work cells
Figures 3-2 and 3-3
Fully integrated systems

16. Figure 3-2 Siemens StreamLAB
Figure Siemens StreamLAB. Courtesy of Siemans Healthcare Diagnostics 16

17. Figure 3-3 Siemens Work Cell CDX
Figure Siemens Work Cell CDX. Courtesy of Siemans Healthcare Diagnostics 17

18. Put It All Together
Figure Roche Modular Analytics Serum Work Area. Courtesy of Roche Diagnostics 18

19. Future Trends
Intelligent Laboratory Systems 19

20. Figure 3-5 Siemens Dimension Vista 1500
Figure Siemens Dimension Vista Courtesy of Siemans Healthcare Diagnostics 20

21. Molecular Diagnostics Analyzers
Automated bench top analyzer for amplification and detection of PCR testing. 21

22. Figure Roche COBAS Amplicor Analyzer Automated Real-Time PCR System. Courtesy of Roche Diagnostics 22