18) Automation

Question 1

Use of LIS was a ….. seen when laboratory results were manually transcribed.

Answer 1

decrease in the expected 5% transcription error rate

Question 2

examples of demands that drive automation

Answer 2

• Decreased turnaround times (TATs)
• CLS staff shortages
• Economic factors
• Less maintenance
• Less down time
• Faster startup times
• 24/7 uptime
• Increased throughput
• Environmental concerns such as biohazard risks
• Computer & software technology
• Primary tube sampling
• Increased number of different analytes on one system
• Increased number of different methods on one system
• Reduced lab errors
• Improved safety of CLS

Question 3

Samples and reagents are pumped continuously through a system of modules interconnected by tubing

Answer 3

continuous-flow analysis

Question 4

Number of tests performed per hour

Answer 4

specimen throughput

Question 5

Measures only the test requested on a sample

Answer 5

discrete testing

Question 6

A group of samples is prepared for analysis. A single test is performed on each sample in the group.

Answer 6

batch analysis

Question 7

Measure any specimen by a command to the processing systems. Analyze the specimen by any available process.

Answer 7

random-access testing

Question 8

methods to transport specimens

Answer 8

Human carriers or runners
Pneumatic-tube delivery systems
Electric-track-driven vehicles
Mobile robots
Conveyors or track systems

Question 9

A designated area in which a limited number of specific tasks are completed

Answer 9

workstation

Question 10

Represents the most cost-effective automation strategies for the clinical laboratory

Answer 10

Automated Specimen Processing/front-end sample processing

Question 11

2 goals of automated specimen processing

Answer 11

1. Minimize non-value-added steps in the laboratory process
2. Increase available time for value-added steps in the tasks that the tech performs

Question 12

2 important features of sample introduction probes

Answer 12

• clot detection
• liquid-level sensing

Question 13

how does liquid level sensing work?

Answer 13

Measures the electrical capacitance of the surrounding area

Question 14

ways to reduce carryover

Answer 14

• Aspirating a wash solution in between each pipetting,
• Back flushing the probe using a wash solution
• Using disposable plastic pipette tips to transfer samples

Question 15

Only enough reagent for a single test

Answer 15

unit test reagents

Question 16

most labs use ——- reagents

Answer 16

bulk

Question 17

Reagents other than the manufacturer’s reagents can be used.

Answer 17

Open-reagent analyzer

Question 18

Operator can only use the instrument manufacturer’s reagents.

Answer 18

Closed-reagent analyzer

Question 19

types of automated mixing

Answer 19

Magnetic stirring
Rotating paddles
Forceful dispensing
Use of ultrasonic energy
Vigorous lateral displacement

Question 20

….do not require mixing of sample and reagents

Answer 20

Dry-slide analyzers

Question 21

In automated analyzers, —————- remains the principal means of measuring a wide variety of compounds.

Answer 21

absorption spectroscopy

Question 22

Involves conversion of an analog signal derived from the detector to a digital signal usable by all communication devices

Answer 22

signal processing

Question 23

Data processing by computers includes…

Answer 23

Data acquisition
Calculations
Monitoring and displaying data

Question 24

Refers to combination of pre-analytical components, intra-analytical components, and post-analytical components interconnected together

Answer 24

Total laboratory automation (TLA)

Question 25

advantages of total lab automation

Answer 25

* Decrease in labeling errors * Reduced turnaround times * Potential reduction in full-time equivalents (FTEs)

Question 26

drawbacks of total lab automation

Answer 26

* Needs for substantial financial investment * Increased floor space * Highly technical CLS to operate and troubleshoot the system * Infrastructure remodeling * Software interfacing * Doesn’t allow STAT samples to interrupt workflow * Airflow — instruments create a lot of heat

Question 27

Provide a more attractive approach for hospital laboratories and physician group laboratories because the systems are smaller, require less initial capital investment, and require less planning

Answer 27

Integrated modular systems

Question 28

Combination of a specimen manager with instruments or consolidated instruments of chemistry and immunoassay reagents

Answer 28

work cells

Question 29

Mechanical device that allows the storage and buffering of specimens before and after analysis and may include pre and post-analytical specimen-processing capabilities such as centrifugation and decapping

Answer 29

Specimen manager

Question 30

The instruments used are designed to interface directly with the specimen manager

Answer 30

modular work cells

Question 31

Advantages of integrated modular systems over single-batch, discrete analyzers.

Answer 31

* multiple platform analysis, * incorporation of multiple numbers of similar analyzers, and * inclusion of preanalytical modules.

Question 32

Trend to integrate several modules into one continuous system that will allow the user to assay photometric, immunoassay, and electrochemical assays

Answer 32

fully integrated systems

Question 33

5 types of detectors used in automated chem analyzers

Answer 33

* photometers, * ion-selective electrodes, * nephelometers, * fluorometers, and * luminometers (for chemiluminescence).

Question 34

Described as a group of microprocessors and computers connected together to provide management and processing of information

Answer 34

LIS

Question 35

A U-Connector uses intelligent sample management and tube-presorting capabilities.

Answer 35

instrument connectors

Question 36

Software that allows a laboratory to: Connect its existing LIS and instrumentation to facilitate automating information Perform tasks not currently done with the laboratory’s existing hardware and software

Answer 36

middleware

Question 37

Connecting computers to other computers or instruments

Answer 37

interfacing

Question 38

Two modes of transmission with LIS

Answer 38

**Unidirectional interface**: Only transmits or uploads results to the LIS **Bidirectional interface**: Simultaneously transmit or download info to and receive uploaded info from the instrument