EDUCATION::AI/ML IN THE LAB
Artificial intelligence pushes lab automation forward
by Kara Nadeau I
n a healthcare environment where clinicians and patients demand accurate diagnosis faster, laboratory professionals have turned to automated analyzer technology to replace time and labor-intensive manual analysis. The latest advancements in this area include the applica- tion of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to analyzer software. Today, most of these efforts are aimed at boosting efficiency in the face of ongoing shortages in skilled laboratory professionals. Labs are leveraging AL/ML to automate workflows, triage and prioritize samples, differentiate between conditions, verify results, and perform quality checks. “Machine learning in microbiology represents a much- needed advance,” said Glen Hansen, PhD, Medical Director Microbiology & Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory at Hennepin County Medical Center. “It’s the distinction between robotics and software that can aid in decision making processes in the lab and this is a big distinction.” Looking forward, experts anticipate the use of AL/ML in automated analyzers will broaden in scope to encompass the entire testing continuum from research and devel- opment (R&D) through to proactive patient diagnosis and treatment. In this article, manufacturers and users of automated analyzer technology share their insights on the current and future state of
Glen Hansen, PhD
AL/ML, offering examples of where these advances provide benefit to laboratory professionals and patients.
Streamline workflows As Brooke Story, Worldwide President, BD Integrated Diagnostic Solutions, explains, the flow of specimens through labs has typically required extensive handling by lab personnel both before and after a test. She describes how robotics and sample
28 JANUARY 2022
MLO-ONLINE.COM
management software algorithms are now being applied to sophisticated molecular diagnostic instruments so that they can integrate and automate the complete molecular laboratory workflow from sample to result. “BD has watched how specimens make their way through labs and we’ve seen how much handling was needed both before and after the test,” said Story. “We also heard firsthand from customers that laboratory instruments have begun to manage them and their time instead of helping them improve efficiency of the lab. Systems that help address these needs, using AI and automation, give control back to medical laboratory scientists in high- throughput and large-scale laboratories.” Story says cervical cancer screening with HPV extended genotyping has been a key focus area for complete molecular labora-
Brooke Story
tory workflow automation given the hundreds of thousands of women who are tested each year. “When robotics facilitates the processing of samples directly from liquid-based cytology vials, the creation of molecular aliquot tubes and assay testing — you cut out a lot of labor- intensive and error-prone manual processes,” she explains. “Plus, being able to rely on onboard capacity for reagents and samples to provide hours of unimpeded system processing eliminates multiple technologist interactions currently required per shift.”
Triage and organize specimens According to Hansen, automation in plate reading and antimi- crobial susceptibility testing are the most visible applications of AI/ML in laboratories today. He states that “AI/ML is currently being applied to microbiology plate reading, which has shown advances in accuracy and workflow efficiencies. Automated blood culture cabinets, which remove negative cases from the
Photo by Rosshelen @
Dreamstime.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50
