ANALYTICAL & LABORATORY EQUIPMENT
Lab automation is undoubtedly transformative for scientists but it’s not without its challenges
Todd Graham presents the benefi ts and challenges of lab automation
A
utomation has transformed laboratories over the past 40 years. It has allowed them to perform more tests, of a greater
variety, with fewer staff and lower costs. However, as it changes how labs operate, automation is not without its challenges
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? T e fi rst benefi t is that of reduced test costs. Lab automation has scaled from the batch organisation of a cluster of tests to the ability to perform a large menu of tests within a small set of platforms. Integrated with sorting and aliquoting systems, a large menu of tests can be performed by a limited number of personnel, eliminating large amounts of manual labour. T e fl exibility of automated platforms allows for tests to be performed in a limited amount of space, reducing utilities and equipment costs, meaning that capital expenses can be amortised over a higher number of tests. Faster processing is another benefi t.
Eliminating the need for humans to handle specimens means that they can be prepared for testing much faster. T is means that biochemical tests can be performed rapidly, and technologies
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AUTOMATION ANALYSIS
from molecular diagnostics, liquid chromatography and even microbial and tissue culture can be performed without the need for intervention. Tests can be performed more quickly, allowing for faster turnaround times for results.
EASE OF INTERACTION WITH LIS/HIS SYSTEMS Lab information systems have been used to track the results and follow trends for patients. What laboratory automation can do with LIS systems is to allow for more sophisticated test ordering to suggest tests that may be appropriate based on the results. Integrated with health information systems, this information can inform clinical decisions and guide towards more eff ective treatments. Another benefi t is modularity. Lab automation systems are customisable – the number and the types of modules available mean that diff erent testing technologies can be added and removed. T is gives labs the need to evolve with their patient population and with technology, meaning that services off ered will be more relevant to patient populations. T is also limits the risk of obsolescence, justifying the overall capital cost.
More time to consult is an additional
benefi t. T e reduction of manual labour means that lab professionals have more free time to communicate with their healthcare colleagues on how lab tests work. T ey can guide them towards tests that will help them answer clinical questions eff ectively and avoid tests that may be unnecessary. T ey can also help explain the science behind the tests as to better assist healthcare professionals as to what is going on with the patient in front of them, allowing them to adjust treatments as appropriate.
THE CHALLENGES Automation changes how people interact with testing. Instead of having to interact with specimens, the automation does the work. However, there are judgment calls to be made with releasing tests results, monitoring equipment, performing quality control testing and deciding whether to perform maintenance. Understanding the rhythms of how testing may work with this equipment can be a challenge, particularly as workfl ows may change in a laboratory. Understanding software is another challenge. Lab automation requires
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