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PubMed1997

The use of automated HPLC to detect and quantitate haemoglobins.

The introduction of automation for haemoglobinopathy screening is an important advance in technology for haematology laboratories. This paper evaluates the utility of an automated HPLC instrument, the Bio-Rad 'Variant' for the detection and quantitation of the normal haemoglobins (Hb A, A2 and F) and the common abnormal haemoglobins (Hb S, C, DPunjab, E, OArab and Lepore) which need to be evaluated in laboratories undertaking carrier and/or neonatal screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia. The instrument only uses a small amount of whole blood (5 microliters), a 3 mm disc from a Guthrie spot may also be used for analysis of samples from neonates. It uses a 100 place automatic sampler with a cycle time of 6.5 min for adult samples (using the 'Beta Thalassaemia Short' reagent pack) and 3 min for neonatal samples. The automatic sampler also allows samples to be analysed 'out of hours'. A 'STAT'; position allows urgent samples to be analysed before, or during, a routine analytical run. All reagents, other consumables and application notes are provided by the suppliers. Other types of reagent packs, such as the 'Sickle Cell Short' for neonatal screening were not assessed during this study.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Automation in clinical microbiology.

Automation was introduced into the clinical microbiology laboratory in the 1960s but initially met with limited success. Today, instruments are an integral part of many clinical laboratories and are used for microbial detection, identification, and susceptibility testing; detection of positive blood cultures; screening urine samples for potential pathogens; and assaying levels of antimicrobial agents in body fluids. Automation has allowed more rapid diagnosis and elimination of the subjective interpretation of many manual tests. In addition, in some cases, automated tests are more sensitive and specific than manual techniques. However, automated testing often is more expensive than manual testing and is associated with the possibility of mechanical failure. Automation will continue to be an important part of the clinical microbiology laboratory and in the future will include more molecular biology technologies, such as the polymerase chain reaction. Perhaps practical applications of flow cytometry will be identified.

Automation↗
PubMed2003

[Influence of reagent evaporation on other laboratory reagents and appropriate countermeasures].

When the automated analyzer was first introduced, abnormally high values of urine creatinine and abnormally low values of serum creatinine were seen. It was shown that evaporation of the reducing agent stabilizer(sulfurous acid), which is present in the serum iron measurement kit, was occurring and that the observed low values of serum creatinine were due to consumption of hydrogen peroxide by gasifying sulfurous acid. After the cause was elucidated, the abnormal lowering of creatinine values was prevented. This experience demonstrates that care must be exercised when introducing new analytical method in clinical laboratories because evaporation of reagents can influence in other reagent systems.

Autoanalysis↗
PubMed2006

Spectrophotometric measurements of pH in-situ: laboratory and field evaluations of instrumental performance.

Automated in-situ instrumentation has been developed for precise and accurate measurements of a variety of analytes in natural waters. In this work we describe the use of 'SEAS' (spectrophotometric elemental analysis system) instrumentation for measurements of solution pH. SEAS-pH incorporates a CCD-based spectrophotometer, an incandescent light source, and dual pumps for mixing natural water samples with a sulfonephthalein indicator. The SEAS-pH optical cell consists of either a liquid core waveguide (LCW, Teflon AF-2400) or a custom-made PEEK cell. Long optical path lengths allow use of indicators at low concentrations, thereby precluding large indicator-induced pH perturbations. Laboratory experiments show that pH measurements obtained using LCW and PEEK optical cells are indistinguishable from measurements obtained using conventional spectrophotometric cells and high-performance spectrophotometers. Deployments in the Equatorial Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico demonstrate that SEAS-pH instruments are capable of obtaining vertical pH profiles with high spatial resolution. SEAS-pH deployments at a fixed river-site (Hillsborough River, FL) demonstrate the capability of SEAS for observations of diel pH cycles with high temporal resolution. The in-situ precision of SEAS-pH is assessed as 0.0014 pH units, and the system's measurement frequency is approximately 0.5 Hz. This work indicates that in-situ instrumentation can be used to provide accurate, precise, and highly resolved observations of carbon-system transformations in the natural environment.

Automation↗
PubMed2000

Radiation methods in research of ancient monuments

A "Laboratory of Quantitative Methods in Monument Research" is being built at the CTU Prague. Its primary orientation is the investigation of historic architecture, although other objects of art can also be investigated. In the first phase, two radiation methods are being established, but it is set up in such a way, that various other methods can readily be added in its future development. The radiation methods chosen for the initial development of the laboratory are: thermoluminescence dating and X-ray fluorescence analysis. The design of the automated TL-reader, built in our laboratories, is adjusted for the purpose of dating of historic brick architecture (which, of course, does not exclude applications for ceramics and other materials). The investigation of renaissance architecture in southern Bohemia and Moravia is under preparation as the first large campaign of this kind in the Czech Republic. Radionuclide X-ray fluorescence analysis has been chosen as the basic analytical method in the laboratory. The possibility of analyses of paintings and fired building materials (bricks, roof tiles) have been investigated. The first results in both the areas are very promising.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The deployment of information technology in clinical laboratories and its impact on professional roles.

New information technology is deployed in hospital clinical laboratories to increase both the quality and efficiency of laboratory operations. Although total laboratory expenses may rise as a result of technology deployment, the average cost per test may decline. S-curves can be used to illustrate the effects of new information technology--such as a laboratory information system (LIS)--on the useful output and use of resources in laboratories. Major changes are now occurring as a result of the deployment of information technology, most notably in the area of automated information management. The role of laboratory professionals must be modified in response to this new information environment. The generation of information within clinical laboratories should be considered as the beginning--not the end--of the responsibility of laboratory professionals.

Clinical Laboratory Information Systems↗
PubMed1980

Measurement of histamine: a quality control study.

This study evaluated the ability of various laboratories to accurately quantitate histamine in samples of plasma and buffered saline that contained known amounts of histamine. Histamine was dissolved in buffered saline and in plasma and these solutions were lyophilized glass ampules. Sealed ampules were sent to laboratories for analysis of their histamine content by one or more of the following methods: (1) the double-isotope dilution enzymatic method, (2) single-isotope enzymatic method, and (3) manual and automated fluorometry. We analyzed the same solutions in our laboratory by the double-isotope dilution enzymatic method over a 6-mo period; we found a coefficient of variation averaging 26% for these samples over that period of time and our values agreed with theoretical values within 12%. Twelve laboratories analyzed histamine by the double-isotope dilution enzymatic assay. The results revealed a marked variation among laboratories both for the determination of histamine in buffer and, more strikingly, for the determination of histamine in plasma. Three laboratories determined histamine by the single-isotope dilution enzymatic method and one reported results rather close to the standard, while the others reported results that were clearly different from the standards. Five laboratories measured histamine by automated fluorometry and three by manual fluorometry; again, there was marked variation among the results. Overall, these findings indicate that measurements of histamine by different laboratories vary greatly. Thus, absolute values for histamine in biologic specimens in the literature must be regarded with caution.

Chemical Phenomena↗
PubMed1986

Solid-phase techniques in blood transfusion serology.

For nearly a century, erythrocyte agglutination has persisted as the most widely used method for the demonstration of antigen-antibody reaction in immunohematology. So far, no other system has been developed which can match its simplicity, versatility, and general reliability. The major disadvantage of agglutination reactions is the lack of an objective endpoint, which has severely hindered attempts to automate routine pretransfusion tests. To overcome this problem, we have designed a series of solid-phase assays for ABO and Rh grouping, antibody screening, compatibility, and hepatitis tests. Each of these solid-phase assays shares a common endpoint of red cell adherence, which is easily interpreted visually or spectrophotometrically. Computer interface permits the automatic interpretation and recording of results. We believe this solid-phase system should finally bring the blood bank laboratory into the age of automation.

ABO Blood-Group System↗
PubMed1993

Role of automation in new instrumentation.

In recent years there has been an unprecedented increase in the development of automated instrumentation for ophthalmic diagnostic and assessment purposes. An important part of this growth in automated clinical ophthalmic instrumentation has been directed to perimetry and visual field testing. In less than 15 years automated perimetry has advanced from a laboratory curiosity to become the standard for clinical visual field testing. This paper will provide a brief overview of the impact that automated perimetry has had on current clinical ophthalmic practice and patient management. It is presented as a general example of the influence that automated instrumentation has exerted on the clinical environment.

Automation↗
PubMed1975

Semi-automated radioimmunoassays for total serum thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

Single stage semi-automated radioimmunoassays for total serum thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are described which employ an automatic pipetting station, automatic gamma counter, and a programmable calculator with paper tape reader and printing facility. Both assays require only a small volume of unextracted serum, and are specific and sensitive. Their sample capacity, precision, speed, and cost are comparable with the measurement of serum protein-bound iodine. Both assays therefore have significant advantages over previous methods for the assessment of thyroid function in the diagnostic laboratory. A Simple method of automating the calculation of results is described, which is applicable to any radioimmunoassay in which the standard curve is approximately linear on a plot of the free/bound fraction against the antigen concentration. In addition, a general method is reported which reveals the relative contributions of intrinsic, systematic, and random error to radioimmunoassay precision.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1998

Automation in cytology: a survey conducted by the New Technology Task Force, Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology.

Despite the overwhelming interest in the development of several computer based technologies in the last several years, the role of automation in cytology has remained controversial. The potential of these technologies in the reduction of false negative results in pap smears is well recognized. However, there is still remarkable confusion as how to incorporate automation in the routine practice of cytology. This prompted the New Technology Task Force of the George Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology to design a survey to seek the opinion of those engaged in cervicovaginal cytology screening regarding the value of automation in cytology. In 1996, a ten question survey was sent to 1800 cytopathology laboratories throughout the nation. The response rate was 23% (416/1800). The responders represented laboratories varying from those with less than 5,000 pap smears to those with over 100,000 cases per year. The majority of the responders did not believe that automation is essential for cervicovaginal cytology. This was evidenced by the fact that only 12% of the laboratories were engaged in automated cytology and predominantly used it for quality control measures. The inability of small laboratories to absorb the extra expense involved in the integration of automated cytology in their practice, particularly in the current era of managed care was a major concern. There was also concern about the potential for compromise of patient care by the drive for corporate profits and the dissemination of wrong information to the public and physicians. Suggestions most frequently proposed included appropriate patient and physician education about the merits and pitfalls of the pap smear, and also endorsing an affordable universal fee for pap smears. Rescreening for all pap smears, reassessing the benefits of automation in cytology and development of the standards were other proposals. Partnership with larger cytology laboratories, creation of "cytology consortiums" with shared resources to provide regionalized automated rescreening services were also strongly suggested. This survey clearly indicates the need for further evaluation of automation in cytopathology and a focused attention to various issues surrounding cervicovaginal cytology screening.

Automation↗
PubMed2005

Use of the MicroSeq 500 16S rRNA gene-based sequencing for identification of bacterial isolates that commercial automated systems failed to identify correctly.

Reliable automated identification and susceptibility testing of clinically relevant bacteria is an essential routine for microbiology laboratories, thus improving patient care. Examples of automated identification systems include the Phoenix (Becton Dickinson) and the VITEK 2 (bioMerieux). However, more and more frequently, microbiologists must isolate "difficult" strains that automated systems often fail to identify. An alternative approach could be the genetic identification of isolates; this is based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and analysis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible use of MicroSeq 500 (Applera) for sequencing the 16S rRNA gene to identify isolates whose identification is unobtainable by conventional systems. We analyzed 83 "difficult" clinical isolates: 25 gram-positive and 58 gram-negative strains that were contemporaneously identified by both systems--VITEK 2 and Phoenix--while genetic identification was performed by using the MicroSeq 500 system. The results showed that phenotypic identifications by VITEK 2 and Phoenix were remarkably similar: 74% for gram-negative strains (43 of 58) and 80% for gram-positive strains were concordant by both systems and also concordant with genetic characterization. The exceptions were the 15 gram-negative and 9 gram-positive isolates whose phenotypic identifications were contrasting or inconclusive. For these, the use of MicroSeq 500 was fundamental to achieving species identification. In clinical microbiology the use of MicroSeq 500, particularly for strains with ambiguous biochemical profiles (including slow-growing strains), identifies strains more easily than do conventional systems. Moreover, MicroSeq 500 is easy to use and cost-effective, making it applicable also in the clinical laboratory.

Bacterial Typing Techniques↗
PubMed2006

Automated microscopy of amniotic fluid cells: detection of FISH signals using the FastFISH imaging system.

OBJECTIVE: FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) analysis is a valuable adjunct to cytogenetics that provides a rapid screen for common abnormalities. However, FISH is expensive, labor-intensive, and requires a high skill level and subjective signal interpretation. A fully automated system for FISH analysis could improve laboratory efficiency and potentially reduce errors and costs. METHODS: In this study we blindly compared automated FISH signal acquisition and display against standard FISH analysis. A total of 62 amniocentesis samples were prepared using the AneuVysion multicolor DNA probe kit and probed for chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y. Two sets of slides were produced from each sample. Fifty cells were scored in each slide. One set was evaluated using standard manual microscopy and the other using the automated image acquisition and display capabilities of the Ikoniscope fastFISH amnio Test System. This system uses epifluorescence optics, along with optimized slide management to process slides automatically. RESULTS: A 100% concordance was observed between the results obtained using manual microscopy and the automated system. There was also 100% concordance between the FISH results and those obtained by conventional karyotyping. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the automated system is capable of providing accurate and rapid identification and display of cells and FISH signals.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Chagas' disease screening in blood bank employing enzyme immunoassay.

Because of the high prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in Latin America, antibody screening in blood banks is mandatory in this area. This screening may also become a concern in the U.S.A. considering the high frequency of Latin American donors. The tests usually employed (indirect hemagglutination, direct agglutination, immunofluorescence and latex agglutination assays) involve subjective interpretation of results and do not fit the automated procedures requirements of large laboratories. Thus, an enzyme immunoassay was developed using a mixture of antigens purified from the membrane and the cytoplasm of the parasite. Serum of plasma could be used as sample, in a procedure involving 90 min total incubation time and 2 washing steps. Results could be interpreted either spectrophotometrically or by the naked eye. The method was used to test 661 samples from patients undergoing different stages of Chagas' disease, 120 patients suffering other parasitosis and 880 normal subjects. Results were compared with those obtained with the methods mentioned above. The proposed test showed better reproducibility, specificity and sensitivity than those of reference methods, plus an objective interpretation of results and suitability to automation.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Colorimetric in-situ hybridization in clinical virology: development of automated technology.

Automation of in situ hybridization is an important first step toward practical implementation of the widely recognized diagnostic potential of nucleic acid hybridization. Our laboratory has concentrated its efforts towards automating colorimetric in situ hybridization on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections. We have capitalized upon the technology developed for the automation of immunohistochemistry (Brigati et al. 1988) and are collaborating with Fisher Scientific in modifying the Fisher Code-On Stainer to achieve successful automated in situ hybridization. Preliminary results are encouraging. We feel that the capillary gap technology has the potential to be modified to automate other hybridization assay formats such as dot and sandwich blot hybridizations. While specifically developed for colorimetric hybridization, the instrumentation is self-contained and could be safely adapted to the use of radio-labeled probes if necessary.

Colorimetry↗