1. How can a Laboratory Automation Solution help me manage my lab more efficiently?
Today, the increasing number and complexity of tests that many labs are expected to manage can be a major challenge. Labor costs are increasing, and finding highly qualified staff can be difficult. As a result, more labs are considering automation as a solution to assist in managing productivity challenges and increased volumes while offsetting labor costs and staff shortages. At the same time, labs seek to address the need to improve quality and safety. Specifically, many laboratories are turning to automation to improve workflow, turnaround times, and standardize processes while reducing errors. For example, both pre- and post-analytical points in tube processing offer opportunities for improvement. If you can reduce the number of touches in these two areas, you may reduce the potential for errors, offer faster results, and improve cost efficiency. If done correctly, implementing an automation system should assist in achieving these goals.
Additional Resources
2. What are the key solution features of a best-in-class Lab Automation Solution?
The key solution features to be considered when selecting a best-in-class lab automation solution are as follows:
- Flexible track configurations
- Ability to handle multiple tube types and sizes
- Tube multi-sorting criteria
- Point-in-space sampling
- Intelligent tube routing
- Centralized view of lab systems
- Aliquotter module
- Refrigerated storage module with proper capacity
- Options for tube input, output, and storage
- Front-loadable analyzers
- Integrated IT/middleware solution
- Maximum instrument connections
- Required monthly system maintenance time
- Vendor capability, support structure, and flexibility of IT solution, including vendor history and local staff
Additional Resources
3. How do flexible track configurations, multiple tube sizes, post-analytical sorting of tubes, and point-in-space sampling contribute to the success of my Lab Automation Solution?
- The lifespan of an automation system is typically considered to be about 10 years. That’s why it is important to weigh a number of factors before selecting an automation solution. For example:
- Are flexible track configurations available? The track configuration will impact the footprint of the system. If the track can’t be easily configured in different ways, there may be additional costs associated with installing it into your existing space.
- If you have multiple tube sizes coming into your laboratory, the automation system will need to handle these multiple sizes. Otherwise, you will need to standardize the tube sizes in your lab.
- Do you need to post-analytically sort your tubes? If your lab is small, you might not need complex sorting. If, however, the tubes can be processed with multiple sorting criteria, you can reduce the number of touchpoints during the post-analytical phase—and perhaps gain some efficiency.
- How effective and efficient is the automation system’s sampling? It’s important that the analyzer releases the tube very quickly after sampling. Even a few seconds can back everything up, causing a delay in results. Automation systems with point-in-space sampling can save valuable time. Remember, it’s not how fast the track is by itself, but how efficiently all the components—track, modules and analytics—work together.
Additional Resources
4. Why are intelligent tube routing, a centralized view of the lab, aliquotting, and refrigerated storage important to Laboratory Automation?
- With regard to intelligent tube routing, the more efficiently you can route individual tubes, the more effective your staff can be. Intelligent tube routing can move tubes where they need to be as quickly as possible, without waiting for other stops along the line.
- Why should you consider a centralized view of your lab? The answer is simple: so you can see what’s going on throughout the entire system from one location. With a low-profile system that offers a centralized view, you can see how each analyzer is performing and if there are any error messages.
- Many times automation systems require pre-analytical aliquotting to compensate for workflow inefficiencies. If consistent, predictable turnaround times can be maintained without pre-analytically aliquotting the primary sample, it makes sense to reserve aliquotting post analytically for send-outs, etc. This can reduce costs and improve quality.
- Today, most automation systems offer refrigerated storage, but the capacity and flexibility of tube management of that storage module matters. Multiple storage capacity options tailored to meet the specific workflow of a laboratory is critical in maintaining a fully automated process. If the refrigerated storage module is too small, it may require overflow tubes to be stored offline. Be sure to choose a system that can meet your refrigeration needs without additional touchpoints. The capability of refrigerated storage to manage the life cycle of tubes, through a totally automated process, can greatly contribute to quality, workflow efficiency and productivity. No operator intervention would be necessary for add-on, repeat and tube disposal.
Additional Resources
5. How important are options for tube input, output, and storage to the success of my Lab Automation Solution?
- If an automation system provides multiple options for tube input, output and storage―then your staff will have different ways to load the samples on the system. This can lead to fewer mistakes, increases in productivity, and reduced labor.
Additional Resources
6. Is the option for front-loading analyzers a critical component of a Laboratory Automation Solution?
- Even with an excellent automation system, you should consider what your staff will do if the automation system goes down. What happens if the track isn’t working? If your analyzers can be front-loaded without pausing, then your staff can still load the tubes. Without front-loading capability, you can’t process samples until the automation track is back up and running. What kind of front-loading does the system offer, and is it easy for staff to do?
Additional Resources
7. How does IT and middleware play into my Laboratory Automation Solution?
- Take a closer look at the IT or middleware solution that’s included with the system. Is it integrated, or does it come from a third party? This is important. If you have a problem with the IT portion of your automation system, you might need to call the third-party vendor to get it fixed. You could face additional charges, and it could cost you more time.
Additional Resources
8. What else should I consider when selecting a Laboratory Automation Solution?
- Consider, too, the maximum number of instrument connections the automation system offers. If the system has a limited number of instrument connections, how will you grow when you need to? Be sure to plan for possible growth potential.
- When it comes to system maintenance, the amount of required manual maintenance can differ drastically among various automation systems. Be sure to ask how much maintenance is required. How long does it take to complete that maintenance? For example, if it takes 4 hours every day to perform routine maintenance, then your system will be down for 4 hours each day. Remember, if you are not reporting out results, your system is down.
- Automation is a huge investment. Be sure to consider the history of the vendor you select. Will they be able to support you for the long haul? What kind of support do they offer? Are there local people who can help if you run into issues? All of these factors will play a part in the success of your automation system.
Additional Resources
