Automation and continuous flow analyzer

This is a powerpoint of automation in clinical chemistry. This comprises the definition of automation, steps of the analytical process, and detail about the continuous flow analyzer.Thus, this will be helpful for the students of medical laboratory, biochemistry students and teachers.

1. Automation Surendra Marasini (Lecturer) B.Sc. MLT, M.Sc. Med. Biochemistry

2. Contents What is automation? What are the uses of automation? Steps in analytical process?? Phases in analytical process?? Advantages and disadvantages of automation?? Terminologies in automation? Types of automation Basic approaches to automation ??

3. What is automation? Use of laboratory instruments and specimen processing equipment to perform clinical laboratory assays with only minimal involvement of man power ( technicians and technologists). Automation in a clinical laboratory is a process by which analytical instruments perform many tests with the least involvement of analyst. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) defines automation as “ The replacement of human manipulative effort and facilities in the performance of a given process by mechanical and instrumental devices that are regulated by feedback of information so that an apparatus is self monitored or self adjusting”

4. Uses of automation Reduce human error Safety Decrease laboratory cost Improve turnaround time Increase productivity Run more tests Operate with fewer instruments

5. Steps in analytical process Specimen acquisition Specimen identification Specimen delivery to lab Specimen preparation On analyzer—Specimen loading and aspiration Specimen delivery Reagent handling and storage Reagent delivery Chemical reaction phase Measurement approaches Signal processing, data handling and process control

6. Fig: fully automated biochemistry analyzer

7. Phases in analytical process Pre analytical phase : sample processing Analytical phase : chemical reaction Post analytical phase : Data management, processing and report dispatch Substantial improvements have occurred in all three areas. The analytical phase is the most automated . Most research and developments are focusing on the increasing automation of pre and post analytical processes.

8. Advantages of Automation Increase the number of tests by one person in a given period of time Minimize the variation in results from one person to another Minimize errors found in manual analysis eg : equipment variation and pipetting Use of less sample and reagents for each test Reports can be prepared within short period of time Disadvantages of automation no laboratory adaptation ( staff training and shifting is needed) Expectation of increased productivity not achieved A good support and maintenance is essential

9. Some terminologies in automation Batch analysis: large number of specimens in one run Single Channel : capable of providing a single test on multiple samples. Multiple channel: capable of providing multiple tests Random access: the specimens of out of sequence can be analyzed called as stat sequence Modular analyzer: combines chemistry and immunoassay capabilities'

10. Terminologies contd …. Continuous flow : continuous flow of reagent, liquid, diluents Discrete : each sample is analyzed in an individual reaction chamber. Assay : measurement of particular analyte eg : glucose, urea, Creatinine

11. Types of automation in Biochemistry laboratory Open automation : uses instruments that exist independently of each other and can use equipment from another manufacturer. Closed automation: use equipment from only one manufacturer Continuous flow analysis system Discrete analysis system Dry chemistry analysis system: uses impregnated reagent instead of liquid reagents Single channel analysis system Multiple channel analysis system Random access analysis system

12. Please make notes

13. Basic approaches to automation There are four basic approaches with instruments for automation in clinical chemistry laboratory Continuous flow Centrifugal analysis Discrete analysis Dry chemistry analysis {note: all four can use batch analysis that is, large number of specimens in one run, but only discrete analyzers have random access or stat capabilities.}

14. History of automated analyzer Following the introduction of first automated analyzer by Technicon in 1957 , automated instruments proliferated from many manufacturers . Automated analyzers are also called as autoanalyzers Autoanalyzers are defined as the analyzer that uses various techniques and perform all the test procedures automatically.

15. 1. Continuous flow analyzer Liquids ( reagents, diluents, and samples ) are pumped through a system of continuous tubing . Samples are introduced in a sequential manner, following each other through the same network . A series of air bubbles at regular intervals serve as separating and cleaning media . Continuous flow assists the laboratory that needs to run many samples requiring the same procedure .

16. CFA contd ….. An incubator is used to promote color development or the completion of reaction The principle of detection is by measuring absorbance by spectrophotometer through a continuous flow of cuvette. When there is no sample, a sample probe is placed in distilled water to avoid blockages and precipitation Uses: Major use for certain test profiles ( eg : liver function test, lipid profile test, renal function test etc ) Single channel machine may be used for many independent analysis ( eg : blood glucose, blood total protein).

17. Disadvantages of continuous flow analyzer The machine does not allow test selection, all tests must be performed even if not requested The machine must run even when there are not tests Because of the continuous flow reagent must be drawn at all times even when there are no test to perform, which results in reagent wasting. Closely monitored for air bubble uniformity Multichannel machines are usually large and occupy large spac e

18. Components of CFA Proportioning pump Reagent chambers Sample chambers Mixing chambers Incubating system Spectrophotometric detection