Clinical Chemistry
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Clinical Chemistry 46: 772-777, 2000;
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(Clinical Chemistry. 2000;46:772-777.)
© 2000 American Association for Clinical Chemistry, Inc.

Articles

Modular Robotic Workcell for Coagulation Analysis

Sean Graves1, Bill Holman1 and Robin A. Felder1,a

1 Medical Automation Research Center, Box 800168, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908.
a Address correspondence to this author at: The University of Virginia, Department of Pathology, Box 800168, Medical Automation Research Center (MARC), Charlottesville, VA 22908. Fax 804-924-5718; e-mail rfelder{at}virginia.edu

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.




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J. W. Holman, T. E. Mifflin, R. A. Felder, and L. M. Demers
Evaluation of an Automated Preanalytical Robotic Workstation at Two Academic Health Centers
Clin. Chem., March 1, 2002; 48(3): 540 - 548.
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