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Automation of routine coagulation testing using a random access centrifugal analyzer.
J A Rowell1, M J Elms, J Young
1Division of Hematology, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Queensland, Australia.
American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|March 1, 1988
Summary
Automating hemostasis testing with a centrifugal analyzer significantly reduced workload and costs. This system accurately performed routine coagulation tests, improving lupus anticoagulant detection and offering flexibility for diverse pathology assays.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Hematology
- Laboratory Automation
Background:
- Hemostasis laboratories manage routine coagulation testing workloads.
- Accurate and efficient testing is crucial for patient diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a random-access centrifugal analyzer for routine hemostasis laboratory management.
- To assess the analyzer's performance against manual methods for key coagulation tests.
Main Methods:
- A centrifugal analyzer linked to a personal computer was used for prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin clotting time (TCT), and fibrinogen (Fib) assays.
- Tests were performed on 929 samples, including those from patients on anticoagulants and requiring coagulation screens.
- Results were correlated with parallel manual tilt-tube techniques.
Main Results:
- High correlation coefficients were observed for PT (0.99), APTT (0.96), and Fib (0.97).
- TCT showed a lower correlation (0.72) due to manual test variability and sample-specific factors.
- The analyzer accurately detected abnormalities, improved lupus anticoagulant detection, and reduced workload and reagent costs.
Conclusions:
- A programmed centrifugal analyzer provides a safe, efficient, and flexible method for automating routine coagulation tests.
- This automation enhances the diagnostic capabilities of hemostasis laboratories and offers potential for broader pathology applications.