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Recent trends in clinical laboratory automation
1Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA.
Clinical Laboratory Management Review : Official Publication of the Clinical Laboratory Management Association
|April 7, 1998
Summary
Clinical laboratory automation is advancing due to integrated systems and interfaces. Laboratory automation systems (LAS) enhance efficiency by connecting instruments and managing workflows alongside laboratory information systems (LIS).
Area of Science:
- Clinical Laboratory Science
- Medical Technology
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Clinical laboratory automation adoption is increasing.
- Key advancements include automation control interfaces, direct track sampling, and universal interfaces.
- Integration of laboratory automation systems (LAS) with laboratory information systems (LIS) is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the convergence of concepts enabling clinical laboratory automation.
- To outline the essential components and capabilities of a laboratory automation system (LAS).
- To highlight the impact of discipline-specific workcells on automation acceptance.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of the integration of automation control interfaces and universal interfaces.
- Explanation of the necessity for real-time operation and the single tube per carrier paradigm.
- Description of the parallel information flow between LAS and LIS.
Main Results:
- Laboratory automation systems (LAS) must interface with laboratory information systems (LIS) for routing, scheduling, and rules-based processing.
- LAS capabilities should encompass the entire clinical laboratory, running parallel to LIS information flow.
- Automation software controls automated technology, transportation systems, and interfaces with patient information.
Conclusions:
- Clinical laboratory automation is facilitated by integrated interfaces and systems.
- Laboratory automation systems (LAS) are essential for optimizing laboratory resource utilization and supporting healthcare goals.
- The development of discipline-specific workcells significantly influences the acceptance of clinical laboratory automation.