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Background: Purchase of automated systems in today’s clinical laboratory needs justification based on demonstrable improvements in efficiency and a sound payback model. Few studies provide information on laboratory automation that focuses on the preanalytical portion of specimen processing.Methods: We recently evaluated an automated preanalytical processing unit (GENESIS FE500) at two academic health centers. This preanalytical unit processes blood specimens through automated specimen sorting, centrifugation, decapping, labeling, aliquoting, and placement of the processed specimen in the analytical rack. We quantified the output of the FE500 by processing >3000 barcode-labeled specimens according to a protocol designed to test all of the features of this automated specimen-processing unit.Results: Depending on the batch size, aliquot number requested, and percentage of tubes that required centrifugation, the mean system output performance varied between 93 and 502 total tubes/h. Throughput increased when the batch size expanded from 40 or 100 samples (mean = 211 total tubes processed/h) to batch sizes of 200 and 300 tubes (mean = 474 total tube processed/h). The GENESIS FE500 processed specimen tubes differing in size from 13 × 65 mm (width × height) to 16 × 100. At one site, the FE500 was operated by one person, compared with the three individuals required to perform the same tasks manually. Finally, the specimen-processing error rate determined at one of the institutions was significantly reduced.Conclusions: We conclude that the GENESIS FE500 effectively reduces the labor associated with specimen processing; decreases the number of laboratory errors that occur with specimen sorting, labeling, and aliquoting; and improves the integrity of specimen handling throughout the steps of specimen processing.

Specimen centrifugation is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with preanalytical specimen processing. We report the first clinical use and impact study of the novel centrifugation method, axial separation, using the Axial Separation Module (ASM). The ASM centrifuges medical specimens one at a time (in 1 min 9 s) in proprietary Axial Process Containers (APC). Here we report tests of the ASM in an outpatient clinical laboratory. Use of the ASM in the outpatient clinic laboratory led to an average total improvement (decrease in total bench time) of 8 min 9 s per specimen compared with conventional centrifugation. Laboratory analysis revealed no statistical difference between plasma obtained from the APC vs that from a Becton Dickinson Vacutainer Tube. We conclude the ASM offers a cost-effective alternative to conventional centrifugation. Further, the use of axial separation may allow specimen separation to become an integral part of the phlebotomy process.

Background: Total laboratory automation (TLA) has been shown to increase laboratory efficiency and quality. However, modular automation is smaller, requires less initial capital, and requires less planning than TLA. We engineered and performed clinical trials on a modular robotic preanalytical workcell for coagulation analysis. Methods: Timing studies were used to quantify the efficiency of the manual processes and to identify areas in the processing of coagulation specimens where bottlenecks and long waiting periods were encountered. We then designed our modular robotic system to eliminate these bottlenecks. Our robotic modular workcell was engineered to allow a choice of specimen introduction manually, by conveyor, or by mobile robot. Additional timing studies were performed during clinical trials of the robotic system. Results: Prior to automation, the time required for preanalytical processing time was 18–107 min; after automation, it was 45–50 min. Additional improvements in workcell efficiency could be realized when high quality, prelabeled specimens were introduced into the system. Conclusion: Compared with manual methods, modular automation provides more predictable variation in specimen processing.

I describe the automation/mechanization of several areas of sample processing at SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories. By analyzing and implementing new systems for conveyance and sorting of incoming specimens, specimen processing, within-laboratory specimen delivery, specimen storage and retrieval, and client resupply, we greatly improved the productivity of the nontechnical aspects of laboratory operations.