General Laboratory: Automation Overview Online Training

The Administrator or Point of Care Coordinator (POCC) is responsible for providing each user with a User ID, password, and relevant network domain. The User Log In screen is the initial screen viewed by all users. To log in to the UniPOC software application: Start UniPOC software using your assigned URL address Enter your User ID and password Select your domain from the dropdown list, and Select Log In Laboratories strive to deliver accurate results in a timely manner while: Workload is increasing Workforce is decreasing Cost to operate is increasing Laboratories have met these challenges with automation. Select Next to continue.    Describe the sample processing workflow Identify the components of automation and their function State the value of automation in the laboratory Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to: Select Next to continue. Upon completion of this course, you will be able to: Identify the hardware components of the Mammomat Inspiration X-ray stand and the acquisition workstation Perform emergency stops and emergeny release procedures. Use the single-touch function for angulation adjustment. Recognize the information on the stand display. Identify the buttons on the control box and recognize the colour-coding. Congratulations. You have completed the Automation Overview Online Training course. Listed below are the key points that have been presented. Take time to review the material before you proceed to the final quiz. Identify the components of automation and their function Pre-analytical User interface - Centralized control of the system Loading area - No sorting of samples by discipline Robot -  Loads and unloads samples from the track Transport system- Uses carriers to move samples on the track Centrifuge - Spins sample, if necessary Decapper -  Removes cap, if necessary Analytical Instruments - One primary sample tube can be shared amongst multiple instruments IT Middleware - Consolidates patient and QC data for connected instruments Post-analytical Sealer - Seals tubes to maintain sample integrity Unload area - Samples placed in racks for storage Storage Module - Onboard refrigerated storage, automatic retrieval and disposal of samples Describe the sample processing workflow Assure system readiness Load samples Place on track Centrifugation Decapping Analysis Sealing Sorting Storage Disposal State the value of automation in the laboratory Decreases sample processing time Decreases costs Efficient use of sample Reduces risk of contamination for laboratory staff Reduces errors Increases productivity  Select Next to continue.       The operation keys are located on both sides of the swivel arm and the compression unit. Their function is identical. Use the operation keys for height adjustment and angulation adjustment.   Laboratories manage samples from the time they are received to disposal. Pre-analytical phase prepares samples for analysis Analytical phase performs tests, validates and releases results Post-analytical phase archives storage locations and manages disposal Select Next to continue.   The compression control knobs are located on both sides of the compression unit. Compression and Decompression are driven by a motor. You can adjust the compression and decompression of the breast manually with the control knobs: Turn the knob downward to compress the breast manually. Turn the knob upward to decompress the breast manually. Introduce primary sample tubes to the system Transport samples to modules for processing Prepare samples by centrifugation and decapping (when required) Pre-analytical Components Learn about the pre-analytical components of automation. Slide NumberText BlocksCalloutsAudio ScriptImage File1 User Interface  Centralized control for automation system System and analyzer readiness is displayed here Tracks sample location Select Next to continue.   Note: If audio does not automatically start, select the play arrow in the top left to begin.The user interface provides a centralized control area for managing the automation system and sample processing. It provides an overview of each module or instrument and their readiness to accept samples for processing. The user interface also provides sample tracking information such as current location on the system or storage information. Select Next to continue.2 Centralized Loading Area    Main area to introduce samples No sorting by discipline required for connected analyzers Select Next to continue.Each automation system has a centralized loading area where the operator places samples. For all connected analyzers, there is no need to sort samples by discipline or test request as samples will be directed to the appropriate instruments based on the workorder. Select Next to continue.3 Robot  Loads and unload samples from track and modules  Manages different sample tube sizes Handles capped and uncapped, spun and unspun samples Select Next to continue.   Robots are located in various modules or instruments and move samples to and from the track. Examples of modules that typically use robots are sample loading modules and centrifuge modules. Robots can manage a variety of sample tube sizes according to the manufacturer's specifications and can handle both capped and uncapped, spun and unspun samples. Select Next to continue. 4 Transport system  Consists of track, sample carriers and connectivity slots Track allows samples to be transported to modules and instruments Samples placed by robot into pucks located on the track Sample is identified by barcode ID, coupled to its puck RFID and managed individually  Track contains gates that divert samples to specific modules and instrument slots Software provides intelligent routing Select Next to continue. The transport system manages samples individually and delivers then to the appropriate modules and instruments to complete processing. It consists of a track, sample carriers and slots. The track moves samples to various points, or slots, where modules or instruments are located. Samples are introduced to the track by a robot which places them in a sample carrier called puck. The sample ID is read by a barcode reader and coupled to the Radio Frequency ID, or RFID, of that very puck; the sample is then transported to its next destination. When it arrives, a gate located on the track diverts the sample to its targeted module or instrument for processing. The software intelligently moves the primary sample tubes to each analyzer based on sample orders and test availability. When sampling is completed, the tube is sent back to the main track and transported to the next destination. Select Next to continue. 5 Centrifuge  Automatic loading and unloading of samples Balanced by weight Configurable based on sample tube manufacturer's recommendations Select Next to continue.The centrifuge module automates the loading, balancing, spinning and unloading of samples. A robot places the tube into a bucket insert and the samples are weighed, balanced and loaded into the centrifuge. Specific parameters are configured based on sample tube manufacturer's recommendations. After centrifugation is completed, samples are reloaded by the robot onto the track. Select Next to continue. 6 Decapper Automatic removal of caps Variety of caps managed    When complete, select the X in the upper-right corner to close the window and continue.  The decapper automatically removes the caps of sample tubes that require open tube sampling. The decapper handles caps of all approved sample tube types for the automation system. When complete, select the X in the upper-right corner to close the window and continue. The flat panel detector (FD) object table is located in the front of compression unit. The detector in the object table is 24 x 30 cm. Please note: External influences as temperature fluctuations, humidity or vibrations can change the settings of the detector. Therefore, you should calibrate the detector regularly every three months and if the constant room temperature deviates by more than 7°C from the temperature at the last calibration. Select each tab below to learn about the analytical components (perform tests, manage patient and QC results, and autoverify results) of automation. Located along the track Multiple disciplines can be on one system Examples are Immunoassay, Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Hemostasis Multiple occurrences of the same instrument is possible One primary sample tube can be shared amongst multiple instruments eliminating sample splitting   Consolidates patient data and QC for all connected instruments Provides rule based autoverification, rerun and reflex testing Direct connection to instruments, LIS and automation system to manage workflow Select Next to continue.     Prepare samples for storage, sorting and disposal Archive storage location of samples Optional storage module has automatic retrieval and disposal Post-analytical Components Learn about post-analytical components of automation. Slide NumberText BlocksCalloutsAudio ScriptImage File1 Tube Sealer/ Capping Device Seals tube to maintain integrity of sample Select Next to continue.   Note: If audio does not automatically start, select the play arrow in the top left to begin.Tube sealers or capping devices help maintain sample integrity by protecting the sample from contamination or evaporation while storing. Select Next to continue.2 Centralized Unloading Area  One main area for unloading of samples when completed Samples placed in racks Select Next to continue.     Automation systems have centralized unloading area where samples are placed when processing is complete. A robot removes the sample from the track and places it in a rack, recording the sample location. Select Next to continue. 3 Storage and Archiving Module Optional onboard refrigerated storage module Automatic retrieval for further testing Automatic discarding of sample when beyond stability      When complete, select the X in the upper-right corner to close the window and continue.  Optional onboard refrigerated storage modules are available for automation. Instead of the sample being removed from the track by the operator, the samples are unloaded by a robot into storage racks and placed into the refrigerated storage module. This allows for automatic retrieval of samples for further testing and discarding of the sample when it is beyond the specimen stability. When complete, select the X in the upper-right corner to close the window and continue. Automation: Provides total sample management from receipt in lab until disposal Takes manual, non-added value tasks from the laboratory staff and performs them automatically Uses IT middleware for autoverification of results, automatic reruns and reflex testing Sample Workflow Learn about sample workflow. Slide NumberText BlocksCalloutsAudio ScriptImage File1 Operator Assures System Readiness Operator accesses user interface Assures all modules and instruments are ready   Select Next to continue.  Note: If audio does not automatically start, select the play arrow in the top left to begin.The first step in processing samples is to assure that the system and all necessary modules and instruments are ready to process samples. This is done through the user interface software. Select Next to continue.2 Samples are Placed in Central Loading Area Samples placed in racks  Bulk loading optional   Select Next to continue.   Samples are placed in the central loading area. Samples are loaded into racks or can be bulk loaded depending on the system. Select Next to continue.3 Samples are Loaded onto the Track Robot places samples into pucks on track Barcode ID read Track transports samples to the next destination Destinations are determined by processing needs and sample workorder Select Next to continue. From the loading areas, a robot places samples into pucks located on the track. The sample barcode ID is read and coupled to the puck's RFID; then the sample is transported to its next destination based on its processing needs and workorder. For example, samples requiring centrifugation will be transported to a centrifuge. Samples not requiring centrifugation, such as hematology or previously spun and uncapped samples, will be transported to an instrument. Select Next to continue. 4 Samples are Centrifuged Robot loads and unloads samples Balanced by weight Select Next to continue. When samples arrive at the centrifuge, a robot removes them from the track and loads them into centrifuge bucket inserts. The samples are weighed, balanced and then placed into the centrifuge. The samples are spun and then removed by the robot and placed into carriers on the track. Select next to continue. 5 Samples are Decapped Remove caps and stoppers Select Next to continue.   Samples requiring cap removal are sent to the decapper module. The module is capable of removing caps and stoppers from all sample tubes used on the system. Select Next to continue.6 Samples are Analyzed Transported only to required instruments Sample either remains on track for point in space sampling, or is placed by robot into the instrument After aspiration, sample is transported to next instrument Track software intelligence distributes samples for best throughput    Results not autoverified are reviewed by the operator If additional testing is required, sample is automatically rerouted to the instrument Select Next to continue. Samples that have completed all preanalytical processing are then sent to instruments for analysis. Depending on the instrument, the sample may remain on the track (point in space sampling) or be loaded by a robot into the instrument for sampling. After sampling is completed, the sample is transported to any additional instruments required for test analysis. Track software intelligence balances distribution of samples for best throughput. Results are sent to the IT middleware when completed. Those that are not autoverified will be reviewed by the laboratory staff and dispositioned accordingly. If additional testing is required, such as reruns or reflex tests, samples are fully automatically rerouted to the appropriate instruments. Select Next to continue.7 Samples are Sealed or Capped Maintains sample stability during storage Optional module  Select Next to continue. Once sample analysis is completed, the sample may be sealed or capped before storage in order to maintain sample stability. Devices to perform this process may not be offered on all automation systems. Select Next to continue.8 Samples are Sorted   Samples separated based on further testing required Select Next to continue.     Before samples are stored, they can be sorted based on laboratory needs. An example is samples with orders for tests not performed by instruments connected to automation. These samples are separated from those whose work is complete and ready for storage. Select next to continue. Select Next to continue.9 Samples are Placed in Storage and Archived Storage locations are tracked for sample retrieval Optional storage module may be located on the track Select Next to continue. Once sample analysis is completed, samples are removed from the track by a robot to a centralized unloading area. Sample locations are recorded to facilitate their retrieval if further testing is required. Some automation systems offer refrigerated storage modules connected to the track. This provides automatic retrieval of samples upon LIS or operator request. Select Next to continue.10 Samples are Disposed  Racks of stored samples can be retrieved from archives Operator retrieves samples and discards appropriately Automation with storage modules perform this automatically When complete, select the X in the upper-right corner to close the window and continue.  When samples in storage have exceeded their stability limit, they are disposed of according to the laboratory's procedures. The sample storage racks are retrieved from the archives, removed from the storage area by the laboratory staff and discarded. Automation tracks with refrigerated storage modules perform this task automatically. When complete, select the X in the upper-right corner to close the window and continue. In the Filming task card you can perform the following actions: Select the image display, Set the camera and available film formats, Set the film sheet layout and print images Automation: Manages samples from receipt in lab to disposal Removes non-added value, repetitive tasks from the laboratory staff Reduces sample processing time, errors and waste Increases productivity   Value of Automation Learn about the value of automation. Tab TitleTextPre-analytical Increases productivity. One operator oversees the operation Eliminates aliquotting (splitting of samples) Reduces costs overall Reduces time to complete preanalytical processing Reduces lab errors Reduces risk of contamination for laboratory staff     Analytical Maintains consistent and predictable sample processing TAT even during peak times Provides faster sample delivery to instruments Provides sample efficiency through primary tube processing Reduces errors by using  autoverification and rule based rerun and reflex testing Autoverification reduces the amount of time spent reviewing results  Post-analytical Increases productivity Reduces time spent capping or locating samples Offers faster sample retrieval Reduces the risk for lost samples Reduces risk of contamination for laboratory staff    When complete, select the X in the upper-right corner to close the window and continue.