AUTOMATION

There are several individual steps in the analysis process as a whole in a laboratory such as:

1. Identifying the patient
2. Getting the correct sample
3. Identifying and proper labeling of the sample
4. Delivery of sample in proper storage condition and within time
5. Preparation of sample for test
6. Sample loading/aspirating
7. Analysis
8. Reporting 
9. Entering in register

Automation has a lot of benefits for the laboratory personnel:

1. Reduces the workload 
2. Increases turnaround time (Saves time used per analysis) 
3. Increases total number of tests done in less time 
4. Eliminates repetition and monotony from human life so decreases human error, improves accuracy
5. Improves reproducibility (repeatability)
6. Uses minimum amount of sample and reagent

Usefulness of automation in advanced and well equipped clinical laboratory can be also extended to:

1. Transport of specimen
2. Processing of specimen 
3. Loading of specimen into auto analyzer 
4. Assessment of results of performed tasks

     Analysis in lab can be automated right from the step of patient identification upto report delivery. However, due to the hidden cost and demand of trained personnels at each stage most of the labs restrict their automation only at the laboratory analysis level. This is mainly done by auto analyzer. Modern auto analyzers run mostly on the principle of discrete analysis where each analysis takes place in different cuvets, avoiding carry over effect. Random access analyzers are the most versatile type where multiple tests can be run at any time. Integrated system in auto analyzers improve efficiency but increases maintenance tasks and cost per test. :)