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Clinical Laboratory Automation Technology Buying Guide

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Your exclusive guide to clinical laboratory automation

13 Sept 2016
Sonia Nicholas
Managing Editor and Clinical Lead

Editorial article

Image: Shutterstock

The prospect of automating a laboratory can be a daunting one. This free guide is intended as a starting point for laboratory managers who are about to undertake the process. In this document we will consider the advantages of automation, points to consider during planning, and types of laboratory automation.

Included in the guide:

  • Why Total Automation?

A brief introduction to the evolution of automation over the years.

  • Understanding your Workflow

The starting point for implementing a successful automation system

  • Lean Six Sigma

The importance of Lean processing in the clinical laboratory

  • Types of Laboratory Automation

A guide to automation systems, including pre- and post-analytics, open and closed systems and available technologies

  • Planning

Important factors to consider during planning, including workflow, staff training and interviews with clinical laboratory leaders

  • Conclusion
  • Editors Picks

The best laboratory automation systems, as rated by our members!

Download the Clinical Laboratory Automation Guide Now


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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.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.Clinical AutomationClinical laboratory automation refers to the use of automated systems in clinical laboratories to increase efficiency, reduce human error, and improve patient care. From sample analysis to total laboratory automation, this plays a critical role in modern diagnostics and laboratory workflows. Explore clinical automation solutions in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.

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