by Automated analyzers are precision laboratory instruments that are designed to perform chemical, immunological and microbiological testing on samples automatically with minimal human intervention. They automate many of the tasks involved in clinical testing such as sample sorting, preparation, reaction, and measurement and result analysis. This significantly increases the testing capacity as the analyzers can process hundreds of samples per hour as compared to manual testing which can analyze only a few samples per run.
Advantages
Higher Testing Throughput: One of the major advantages of Automated Analyzers is that they can analyze hundreds of samples simultaneously thereby increasing the testing throughput exponentially as compared to manual methods. This high volume testing helps in faster turnaround time of test reports.
Increased Accuracy and Precision: They perform analysis using standardized protocols and calibrations which eliminates human errors and inconsistencies. The precision photometry and immunoassay technologies employed provide highly accurate and reproducible results.
Minimal Manual Intervention: They require very little hands-on time and manual sample processing. They are designed to handle repetitive tasks like sample sorting, dilution, reagent dispensing etc. automatically through microprocessors thereby minimizing human errors.
Enhanced Efficiency: The high throughput capability enables laboratories to perform a large volume of tests with reduced turnaround time and effort. This translates to improved efficiency, higher productivity and reduced operational costs for laboratories.
Standardized Workflows: Automated systems follow pre-defined standardized workflows for all analyses ensuring consistency in testing protocols irrespective of staff or shift. This maintains ISO accreditation and quality standards.
Types of Automated Analyzers
Clinical chemistry analyzers: These Automated Analyzers biochemical components in blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid and other body fluids using wet chemistry photometry and ion-selective electrode methods. They are used to analyze electrolytes, proteins, enzymes, lipids, metabolites etc.
Immunoassay analyzers: Based on ELISA, CLIA and ECL technologies, immunoassay analyzers detect antigens and antibodies through immunological reactions. They are used to measure hormones, tumor markers, cardiac markers, infectious disease markers etc.
Hematology analyzers: Used in hematology laboratories, these analyzers perform complete blood count and differentials through impedance, flow cytomtery and microscopic imaging technologies.
Microbiology analyzers: These identify microbes like bacteria and analyze antibiotic susceptibility. Automated systems expedite culture incubation, screening, identification and antibiotic sensitivity testing.
Applications in Various Laboratory Settings
Clinical laboratories: Automated analyzers have revolutionized clinical pathology and chemistry laboratories. They efficiently handle the large volumes of routine and specialized clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology and microbiology tests.
Research laboratories: Researchers leverage the high throughput capabilities of automated platforms for applications like screening large sample numbers in drug development, biomarker discovery and validation studies.
Point-of-care testing: Compact table-top and portable automated analyzers brought laboratory quality testing at the patient’s bedside or physician’s office through POCT systems for applications like glucose monitoring, coagulation testing, cardiac marker testing etc.
Veterinary laboratories: Veterinary clinics leverage automated analyzers for in-house testing of samples from livestock, pets and wildlife for conditions like infectious diseases, organ function testing much like in human pathology laboratories.
Future Directions
Miniaturization: Development of microfluidic chips and miniature detectors is enabling the miniaturization of it to develop truly portable lab-on-chip platforms for point-of-care and field applications.
Automation of Sample Handling: Advanced sample handling systems are being integrated which can centrifuge, aliquot, barcode samples automatically with minimal human input. This improves efficiency further.
Data Integration: Manufactures are enhancing systems with LIS/HIS connectivity, artificial intelligence for automated validation, interpretation and flagging of critical values. Cloud-based remote monitoring, troubleshooting and upgrades are being incorporated.
Novel Detection Technologies: Advances in technologies like mass spectrometry, lab-on-a-chip, optoelectronics are propelling the development of new automated platforms that bring higher sensitivity and multiplexing capacity for novel testing.
Wider Applications: Point-of-care, veterinary, food microbiology testing are expanding applications of it, driven by technological advancement and miniaturization of systems. This will spur demand growth further.
automated analyzers have revolutionized clinical testing by greatly increasing productivity and efficiency of laboratories. Their precision, quality assured standardization and capacity to integrate with IT systems is changing the landscape of laboratory diagnosis. Advancing technologies will make these analytical powerhouses even more compact, intelligent and multipurpose in future to become ubiquitous in healthcare and other application areas. Their further development will continue to enhance patient care through timely and accurate laboratory testing.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public Source, Desk Research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
