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Automated Blood Sciences Laboratory Opens at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham

30 May 2012
Sonia Nicholas
Managing Editor and Clinical Lead

Product news

The University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust has opened a brand new automated blood sciences laboratory at the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. Equipped with state-of-the-art Roche analytical platforms and track system, the new laboratory ensures a very efficient workflow and will reduce turnaround times (TAT) for routine, high throughput work.

The track system consists of two cobas® 8000 platforms (one with two cobas c 701 chemistry modules and two cobas e 602 immunoassay modules and the other with one cobas c 701 and two cobas e 602 modules), a MODULAR PRE-ANALYTICS module and a cobas p 501/701 post-analytical unit for automated sample storage and retrieval.

“The fully automated track system with pre and post analytics has eliminated the need for manual transfer and storage of samples once they are loaded on the system”, explains Laboratory Manager, Chris Gaskin. “The cobas 8000 platforms are designed for high throughput and the whole Roche solution has helped us to be more LEAN in our processes and is much more TAT efficient for our high workloads.”

“The whole implementation process has gone smoothly and everything was delivered on target” he continues. “We have been extremely happy with the support we have received from Roche. Our on-site laboratory coordinator from Roche has been very committed and hardworking, and Roche has also been involved in staff training, which has been thorough and practical. They even took our sample reception team leaders to another site to get some hands-on experience prior to our own system going live. This really helped to increase their confidence and is an excellent way to train people.”

The laboratory also has a standalone cobas p 512 module for automated sample receipt. “In the next few months, we aim to introduce a pneumatic sample delivery system and ward order communications throughout the hospital”, Chris concludes. “When a test is requested on the ward, a barcode label will be printed automatically. Then, when samples arrive in the laboratory, they will be loaded directly onto the cobas p 512. The system will register receipt on LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) and then sort the samples into appropriate racks, depending on their destination. This will eliminate the need for paperwork, allowing the process to be entirely electronic from request to result for the very first time. It will streamline sample reception significantly and will further reduce turnaround times.”

For further information about cobas® 8000 and Roche solutions for pre- and post analytics, please click on the request information link below.

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LIMSLIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) is an informatics software system used to improve the quality assurance and quality control (QA / QC) of data management. LIMS can be a standard for common lab workflows, such as commercial off the shelf systems (COTS), or customized for more specialized lab use. Systems are available for mainframe computers or PC.Integration ServicesIncorporate lab systems, software and equipment with integration services.Sample ManagementSample management systems include sample storage devices such as freezers and plate storers, sample environment enclosures and sample organization, retrieval and sorter systems. Useful system features include high-throughput, automation, robotic arms, automated liquid handling and associated database systems. Accessories in sample management include barcode scanners, heat sealers and tubes.Blood TransfusionBlood Transfusion involves giving donor blood to a recipient patient. Screening is essential to avoid transfusion reactions. Blood banks use immunohematological techniques to determine rh and ABO blood group, and screen for antibodies using specific antisera. Blood Banks use Direct Coombs Tests (DCT) and Indirect Coombs Tests (IAT) to detect hemolysis and Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN).HematologyIn Haematology / Hematology, complete blood cell counts (or full blood counts) are obtained using automated blood count analyzers to enumerate blood cell types.  Hematology also encompasses haemostasis and coagulation, thrombophilia and hemophilia, plasma viscosity and ESR analysis, hemoglobinopathies, cell morphology and haematinic measurement.ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.Point-of-CarePoint-of-Care Testing (POCT) or Near Patient Testing (NPT) products are available for urine, blood and other clinical chemistry analyses. POCT includes: blood glucose testing, blood gas and electrolytes analysis, rapid coagulation testing (PT / INR), rapid cardiac markers diagnostics, drugs of abuse screening, urine strips testing, pregnancy testing, fecal occult blood analysis, food pathogens screening, hemoglobin diagnostics, infectious disease testing and cholesterol screening.Software PlatformsSoftware platforms are useful for various stages of laboratory experiments from data collection to data storage and processing. For instance lab software is available for system control, data management, data analysis and qualification / validation.Clinical ChemistryBiochemistry (or clinical chemistry) involves the analysis of bodily fluids using chemical tests. Techniques used include HPLC, chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, immunochemical, electrophoresis, turbidometric / spectrophotometric assay, MRI and ISE analysis. Tests are often carried out on plasma or serum but urine (urinalysis) and fecal specimens are also processed.Clinical MicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms including protists, prokaryotes, fungi, and, often, viruses. Microorganisms are a useful research tool as genetic vectors and, in immunology, for antibiotic susceptibility testing, cellular biology and genetics. Microorganisms commonly grow readily in incubators with microbial culture media; this can contain chromogenic supplements to differentiate between cell lines. Estimate your culture’s density of microorganisms with colony counters, or screen and select colonies for desirable clones with automated colony pickers. Additionally, equipment is available to monitor environments for the presence of microbes and identify with microbial identification instruments. Find the best microbiology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.LEANAutomationAutomation in laboratories and manufacturing processes enhances efficiency, precision, and scalability by reducing the need for manual intervention. It plays a critical role in improving productivity, minimizing human error, and accelerating workflows in fields like diagnostics, drug development, and industrial testing. Automation technologies include robotic systems, automated liquid handlers, and process control systems that streamline complex tasks and ensure consistent, reproducible results. Explore our peer-reviewed product directory to discover the best automation solutions, compare options, read user reviews, and get prices directly from manufacturers.

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Automated Blood Sciences Laboratory Opens at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham