Hello,

Errors in the analytical phase could be due to various causes. Briefly speaking, if a laboratory analyzer is dependable and can handle a large sample volume, a human error can lead to instrument failure and unreliable results.

Hi,

Intelligent and automated laboratory instruments help labs operate more efficiently and provide more advanced testing services while setting the stage for AI-driven workflows and procedures.

Laboratory automation uses sophisticated laboratory information from management systems (LIMS) and automated laboratory instruments to achieve accurate and precise results at high scalability. These intelligent laboratory instruments use embedded processors to drive robotics, support Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, and perform sophisticated analysis.

For more details and information about this subject, I suggest you see thye links on the topic.

https://www.mlo-online.com/continuing-education/article/21230466/minimizing-laboratory-errors-with-automation

Article Automation in the clinical laboratory: Integration of severa...

Article Automation and productivity in the clinical laboratory: expe...

Chapter Automation in Clinical Laboratory

https://blog.labtag.com/implementing-automation-in-the-clinical-laboratory/

https://automata.tech/what-is-lab-automation/

Best regards

Laboratory errors vary from the various phases that any laboratory tests undergo. There are three phases in a laboratory setting, namely; the Pre-analytical, Analytical, and Post Analytical phases, and each of these has its corresponding analytical, technical, and human error that is unforeseeable and inevitable.

In a research study conducted by Abdollahi, et. al., it was found that more than half of the percentage of laboratory error comes from the pre-analytical phase, where sample collection occurs, which has a huge impact on the following phases. Some of the commonly made mistakes are inappropriate test requests, misidentification of the patient, improper sample collection, insufficient samples, and improper transportation and storage. On the other hand, less than half of the laboratory methods are affiliated with both analytical and post-analytical phases. Common error in the analytical phase includes malfunction of the equipment, mix-up of samples, undetected failure in quality control, and failure to oblige in a standard procedure. For the post-analytical phase, which includes the decision-making of the physician, the most common cause of error includes excessive turnaround time, improper data entry, failure to report data, and erroneous validation of analytical data however, a huge influence for this error is the aforementioned phases that greatly contributes to the end result of your tests.

In conclusion, it is not the laboratory error that is dependent on the laboratory instrumentation, or either that a piece of certain laboratory equipment can be classified as least affected among all, rather instruments and automation are affected by certain factors such as; inevitable human error and technical casualties that laboratory error is able to happen.

Reference: Abdollahi, A., Saffar, H., & Saffar, H. (2014). Types and frequency of errors during different phases of testing at a clinical medical laboratory of a teaching hospital in Tehran, Iran. North American Journal of Medical Sciences, 6(5), 224. https://doi.org/10.4103/1947-2714.132941

Good day,

In the study by Poon, Tse, and Fung (2018), the authors examined the impact of laboratory automation on reducing errors in clinical laboratory testing. They noted that while no technology is completely immune to errors, automation of pre-analytical processes such as specimen handling, transportation, and identification have shown to significantly reduce errors in the laboratory. This is because automated systems are less prone to human errors, such as mislabeling or mishandling specimens.

Moreover, the authors found that the use of automated instruments for routine tests, such as complete blood count (CBC) and electrolyte measurements, have been found to be less prone to errors compared to manual methods. This is because automated instruments can perform tasks more precisely and accurately, reducing the likelihood of errors that may occur with manual testing.

Overall, the study suggests that automation of pre-analytical processes and the use of automated instruments for routine tests can help reduce errors in clinical laboratory testing. However, it is important to note that no technology is completely error-free, and proper validation and quality control procedures should be in place to ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results.

I hope this answers your question.

Reference:

Poon, C.C.Y., Tse, E., & Fung, K.S.C. (2018). Laboratory automation and the impact of new technologies on the clinical laboratory. In K. Herrmann & G. Schafer (Eds.), Automation in Clinical Laboratory (pp. 21-39). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-61407-9_2

Good day. Automation enables humans to perform the majority of numerous routine manual tasks (such as sorting, loading, centrifugation, decapping, aliquoting, and sealing of specimens), minimizing significant differences between individuals and between samples.19 This improved process standardization can have a positive impact on the overall testing process' quality and reduce the likelihood of diagnostic errors, particularly those resulting from the manually demanding tasks.

In addition, preventing human mistake is the goal of using automation in the pre-analytical phase, which is made more difficult by the fact that laboratory staff are currently managing growing workloads while facing a reduction in manpower, resulting to physical and mental tiredness. Sorting, labeling, and aliquoting specimens using automated robotic workstations significantly reduces the amount of laboratory errors, improving the integrity of the specimens throughout the many stages of specimen processing. According to research, information management and automation must work together effectively to ensure a more sophisticated level of control over laboratory procedures. The effectiveness of clinical laboratories has really been significantly impacted by automated technologies.

Source:

Reithel, J., MBA, MT (ASCP). (2021, July 21). Minimizing laboratory errors with automation. Medical Laboratory Observer. Retrieved February 24, 2023, from https://www.mlo-online.com/continuing-education/article/21230466/minimizing-laboratory-errors-with-automation