Thinking inside the box
Xchange newsletter - Summer 2008
Abbott’s 5-star commitment comes in response to the needs of the modern pathology laboratory to work together with a supplier who can offer expertise and quality across the board. From understanding your process, to providing the IT, instrumentation and technologies you need, and supporting your laboratory into the future.
One of the stars ‘Thinking inside the box’ represents Abbott’s use of science and technology of the highest standard to enhance results provision. Here we take a look at some of the innovative technology within the ARCHITECT systems which help to improve lab efficiency and give confidence in results.
Efficient sample handling
An analyser equipped with an effective sample handler not only significantly reduces manual demands, but also releases samples quickly for transfer to other analysers or processes. Efficient transport of samples within the analyser itself further helps to achieve the high analytical throughput required. This is where ARCHITECT’s Multi-Dimensional Sampling approach offers considerable benefits.
ARCHITECT analysers use a Robotic Sample Handler (RSH) located along the front of the analyser and Multi-Dimensional Sampling is used to pick any sample for aspiration. This alternative to traditional analyser sampling offers both speed and flexibility and avoids ‘traffic jams’ where priority samples become stuck behind routine samples already queued. Importantly, the RSH has been intelligently engineered to minimise the number of moving parts resulting in high reliability and robustness.
Robotic sample handler (RSH)
Inside the robotic sample handler (RSH)
Prioritisation
Dedicated priority loading bays (for up to 35 samples) enable STAT samples, reflex testing and dilutions to be dealt with immediately when they arise, bypassing any waiting routine samples. Dr Mark Lynch, consultant clinical biochemist from Altnagelvin Hospital explains, “We use the separate priority bays a lot at Altnagelvin Hospital for urgent samples, QC samples and calibration, but in general the instrument is so fast we find that samples anywhere on the instrument are processed within our tight timelines and faster than any other analyser we have used.”
Washing
While demands on pathology services necessitate faster turnaround times, the integrity of results must be preserved. Minimising sample-to-sample carryover is crucial, especially for integrated clinical chemistry and immunoassay analysers.
Abbott has developed a number of washing procedures that make up SmartWash on the ARCHITECT platforms. Critical variables such as wash cup/aspirate probe alignment, wash cup design, and wash volume sequencing were balanced to define an Optimised Sample Probe Wash protocol that ensures result integrity with minimal compromise to system throughput.
“ARCHITECT’s SmartWash technologies go on unnoticed in the background,” comments Mark Lynch. “These are automated processes so we can forget about them and remain confident in our results. Errors due to washing problems are extremely rare.”
When developing the ARCHITECT clinical chemistry analyser, the goal for sample-to-sample carryover was set at 0.1ppm. A study of sample-to-sample carryover trends [1] was performed using pooled normal human serum samples processed immediately after a concentrated contaminant of hepatitis B surface antigen at a level of 4,000,000 ng/ml. While the average carryover without the optimised wash was approximately 0.23 ppm, the ambitious target of 0.1 ppm was exceeded using the optimised wash protocol (see graph).
Assays
As well as automation that you can rely on, every laboratory needs assays with high sensitivity and specificity.
Immunoassay reagents on the ARCHITECT feature advanced CHEMIFLEX technology. This combines refined chemiluminescence detection with ARCHITECT’s flexible assay protocols (1 Step, 2 Step, STAT or pre-treatment options) to offer excellent sensitivities and extended linearities.
Abbott’s philosophy of scientific leadership is also carried through to the generation of novel markers such as Cystatin C and Pro Gastrin Releasing Peptide (ProGRP), a marker for lung cancer differentiation. Such assays are designed to add value to the healthcare system, and naturally benefit the patient.
Conclusion
The innovative thinking and the unique technologies central to Abbott’s products play a key role in offering improved efficiency for laboratories while ensuring integrity of results. For further information, talk to your local representative.
Reference
[1] Ravalico T et al, Optimised sample probe wash on the Abbott ARCHITECT ci8200 analyser. Presented at the 18th International Congress of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. 2002.