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NoemaLife Demonstrates HALIA Lab Automation Software at AACC

24 Jul 2012
Sonia Nicholas
Managing Editor and Clinical Lead

Product news

NoemaLife was demonstrating its HALIA middleware at AACC this year. HALIA Middleware is FDA cleared and is now available in the US. The interface uses a powerful rule-based engine to provide a fully functional response to the needs of laboratories during daily workflow management. The complete web-based computerization system allows central management and connection of every analyzer through a single interface on any workstation.

HALIA middleware enables auto-verification and sample routing, as well as real-time clinical data capture and management, for improved quality control. By supporting open automation systems, and addressing issues such as regulatory compliance, workforce reductions and enhanced quality control, HALIA meets the complex automation and data management challenges currently facing laboratory managers.

Growing levels of Point of Care Testing are reflected in HALIA’s POCT Data Manager function. This gives lab managers a real-time overview of all the data relating to multiple blood gas analyzers or other devices, including instrument maintenance schedules and QC alerts.

HALIA provides detailed real-time data on total turnaround time (TAT) – a key performance indicator in laboratories striving to increase throughput. Addressing the situation where works stops if a LIS/LIMS system goes down, HALIA’s LIS/LIMS backup module allows manual input of sample information so that analysis can continue. Manual samples are then matched to LIS/LIMS data once the connection is restored.

Andrea Chiapponi, Managing Director of NoemaLife S.p.A., commented, ‘In addition to laboratories looking for open middleware which is vendor independent, HALIA will be of interest to IVD device vendors wanting to create turnkey solutions which include maximum LIS/LIMS connectivity. HALIA’s vendor-independence also enables merging of laboratories and even hospitals with different LIS/LIMS solutions into a seamless wide area network. For example, HALIA can manage re-tests on different analysers deployed in separate labs and co-ordinate specimen storage information relating to multiple locations.’

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Data AnalysisData analysis hardware and software is available to make data processing straight-forward yet powerful. Data software can be used for math and stats, technical graphing and image analysis. In addition, software is available for specific data analysis of electrophoresis, densitometry, ELISA and DNA sequencing.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.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.Cellular PathologyCellular Pathology deals with the microscopic analysis of tissue samples and cells. Sample preparation and processing includes fixation, staining, sectioning and slide mounting, using equipment such microtomes and cryostats. In choosing immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry kits, consider chromogens, staining method, antibodies, microscopes and imaging.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 GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.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.Healthcare IT SystemsAACCThe American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Annual Meeting and Clinical Lab Expo is the largest meeting for clinical laboratory professionals in the world. This year's meeting is being held in Atlanta, USA, July 26th-30th, 2015.

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