Automation in Biochemistry (Autoanalyzers)

Autoanalyzers, Fully automation, Semi automation, Clinical Biochemistry, Robotic Phlebotomy

1. AUTOMATION IN BIOCHEMISTRY SALEHA NASEEM M.Sc . MLS HIMSR, Jamia Hamdard New Delhi, India

2. WHAT IS AUTOMATION? Automation is a process by which instruments perform many tests with the least involvement of an analyst. Many steps that were previously performed manually can now be performed automatically. The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) define 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-monitoring or self adjusting”.

3. PHASES OF ANALYSIS PRE-ANALYTIC ANALYTIC POST-ANALYTIC

4. TYPES OF ANALYZERS Continuous flow analyzer Single channel continuous flow analyzer Discrete autoanalyzer Multi-channel continuous flow analyzer Random access analyzer Fully automated Semi-automated

5. CONTINUOUS FLOW ANALYZER Early automated chemistry are single or dual channel devices. In these system, the samples and reagents are passed sequentially through the same analytical pathway and separated by means of air bubbles. The relative proportions of sample and reagent are determined by their individual flow rates. Mixing occurs when tubes are joined to form a common pathway.

6. It functions is like a push-button pipette. Probe Sampler Proportioning pump Dialyzer Heater Colorimeter Printer This module is used to hold the batch of samples awaiting analysis in separate cups on a circular tray, which rotates at intervals. This module determines the relative flow rates of samples and all the reagents. It contains a semipermeable membrane and when samples are passed through it, batches of protein-free filtrate are obtained. This module is used to maintain reaction mixture at a constant temperature. The batches of filtrate and reagents reacts to form colored complexes at specified temperature. This module contains a colorimeter with a flow through cuvette attached with a de-bubbler. The function of this module is the same as any other photometer in a laboratory. This module performs the function of recording the photometric readings and calculates the values of the analyte in printed form. Different parts of this system & their functions:

7. Different parts of this system

8. Single Channel Continuous Flow Analyzer

9. Multi-channel Continuous Flow Analyzer Sequential multiple analyzer 6/60. This auto-analyzer performs 60 specimens/hour and reports the results of 6 tests simultaneously.. Sequential multiple analyzer 12/60. This auto-analyzer is used to process 60 specimens/hour and reported 12 tests simultaneously.

10. Discrete Autoanalyzers Discrete analyzer separates each sample and reagents in a separate container. Discrete analyzer have the capability of running multiple tests on one sample at a time or multiple samples one test at a time. They are the most popular and versatile analyzers and have almost completely replaced continuous flow. This requires components such as specimen handling, reagent systems, optics and computers to be fully integrated with one another. The significant introduction of computers improves the quality of 'discrete auto-analyzer' considerably.

11. Types of Discrete Auto-analyzers Semi-automated :- S emi-auto analyzer functions are: Reading end point, rate of reaction in mono-chromatic and bi-chromatic modes. Displaying test results, printing and storing data in memory of all linear and nonlinear reactions.

12. Disadvantages of Semi Autoanalyzers More time consuming . More amount of sample is needed. More chances of error. Higher labor cost.

13. Fully automated Example of fully automated is: Random access analyzers

14. Random Access Analyzer Random access analyzer perform analyses on a batch of specimens sequentially with each specimen analyzed for a different selection of tests. The tests perform in the random access analyzers are selectable through the use of different containers of liquid reagents, different reagent packs depending on the analyzer. This approach permits measurement of variab le number and variety if analytes in each specimen.

15. Features Of Random Access Analyzer Level sensors for samples and reagents. Sample rack system: Individual racks for samples, controls calibrators and Q.C. sera. Bar code identification of samples and reagents. Facility for continuous loading of samples. Facility for auto-dilution . Plotting of daily and monthly Q.C. charts. Availability of optional Ion Selective Electrode module for the determination of sodium, potassium and chlorides. Capability to perform 2 to 3 reagent tests .

16. AUTOMATED MACHINES IN OUR LAB Beckman coulter AU-480 analyzer Cobas e 411 analyzer D-10 HbA1C analyzer 9180 electrolyte analyzer

17. BECKMAN COULTER AU-480 Parts of analyzer and functions: Sample tray: Use to keep samples. The samples may be either presented in sample cups or in primary sample tubes. The analyzer may have on board bar code reading capacity or manual entry of sample Id. Sampling probe: Aspirates sample in conjunctions with sample syringe from a sample container and dispenses it into a cuvette.

18. Cuvette wheel: Cuvette wheel houses glass cuvettes where measured volume of reagent and sample is delivered for the reaction to occur and absence reading are taken. The cuvettes are either made of quartz glass, plastic or disposable one time use. Reagent refrigerator: Refrigerator compartment which houses reagents to ensure integrity of reagent.

19. Reagent probe: Aspirates and dispenses reagent into glass cuvettes located in the cuvette wheel. Mix bar component: Houses spiral-shaped and L-shaped mix bars that mix the reagents and sample dispensed into the cuvette. Photometer lamp: Component of the photometric system that is used to measure reaction.

20. Cuvette wash station: Cuvette wash station is used to wash the cuvette after the test have been performed. Washing is carried out automatically. It clean rinses and dries cuvette after analysis. At the end of the wash cycle cuvette are ready for the test. Stat position: Stat position are used to process urgent samples while the regular tests are being analyzed. Machine is programmed to pick samples from these positions first.

21. Tank storage area: Houses the deionized water tank, wash solution tank and diluted wash solution tank used to clean cuvettes, mix bars and rinse components. Regular cleaning of this water tank and filters is very important. Deionization water plant: The tap water is the feed water to the machine and processed through the deionization plant.

22. Daily Start Procedure: Set the start condition Perform daily analyzer maintenance Check the analyzer status Check and replenish reagents Perform analyte calibration (if required) Process quality control(qc)

23. STEPS IN PRE-ANALYTICAL PROCESSES Specimen acquisition Robotic phlebotomy Specimen identification Labelling -Automatic phlebotomy tube labeller Bar coding Specimen delivery to laboratory Pneumatic tube system Electric track vehicles Mobile robot Specimen preparation Centrifugation

24. Robotic Phlebotomist That Makes Drawing Blood Faster- Veebot It combines the latest in robotics and imaging technology to ultimately speed up the process of drawing blood or inserting IVs. The patient slides his or her arm into an inflatable cuff, which acts as a tourniquet. An infrared light illuminates the inner elbow for a camera that searches for a suitable vein using software that compares the camera’s view against a model of an arm’s veins. Next , ultrasound confirms that the choosen vein has sufficient blood flow for a successful blood draw. Finally, the robotic arm aligns itself with the chosen vein and inserts the needle.

25. Automatic Phlebotomy Tube Labeller Write a few lines about it…..

26. STEPS IN POST-ANALYTICAL PROCESSES Report generation Automated specimen storage and retrieval

27. BENEFITS OF AUTOMATION More samples can be analyzed in a given unit of time . Minimize the variations in results from one person to another. Minimize errors found in manual analysis ,pipetting etc. Use less sample and reagent for each test. Labor saving. Improved quality and consistency .

28. DISADVANTAGE OF AUTOMATION Excessive development costs. High initial cost. Displaces workers due to job replacement.

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