Increasing efficiency and quality by automation and consolidation of tests: the experience of a hospital-based laboratory

AUTORI

ABSTRACT

In this study we evaluated efficiency and quality in our laboratory after the implementation of total laboratory automation for clinical chemistry and immunochemistry assays. Thermo EnGen pre-analytical automation with a track system connecting two Vitros Fusion 5.1 and two Tosoh AIA-2000 analyzers were implemented. For Vitros Fusion 5.1, CVs were <8% (within-run) and <10% (inter-assay), except for measurement of anti-streptolysin O titre (CV 22.7%-27.7%). For Tosoh AIA-2000 analyzers, within-run CVs were <10% and between-run CVs <11%. No drift effects were observed, neither there was any carry-over. When evaluating the functionality of the whole automation system, we observed a turnaround time (TAT) 90% <10 min for tubes needing check-in and exit only. For tubes needing check-in and centrifugation – exit cycle, TAT 90% was <30 min. Result availability for clinical chemistry and/or immunochemistry on-line analyzers showed a TAT 90% <120 min. The adopted automation system effectively reduced the labor associated with specimen processing, possibly decreasing the number of laboratory errors that occur with specimen sorting, labeling and aliquoting, and improved the integrity of specimen handling throughout steps of specimen processing.

BIBLIOGRAFIA