AUTOMATION IN CLINICAL CHEMISTRY Machine systems that incorporate continuously monitoring of the product (information), with the results

s of the checking process used to control the entire process. Operates in the principle of "feedback" Automatic analyzers do the following: 1. Control the following operations Sampling Addition of reagents Photometric and oher mmts. Calibration Calculation of results

Continuous Flow Analyses Ex : Technician Autoanalyzer Typical Feature: Continuous pumping of samples and reagents using peristaltic pumps Protein removal by dialysis Segmentation of sample and reagent streams, separation of one sample for the next by air bubbles. Flow through cuvettes un interferences filter photometer Recorder read-out (basic systems) collated patient reports in latest symptoms (SMAC) Modular design

Self-checking and other diagnostic processes Error detection Curve fitting programs for true kinetic enzyme systems Quality control processes (calibration curves and quality control values)

Upper surface of disk are concentric rings of shaped cavities Centrifugal force transfers and mixes the reagents and samples and transfers them into the cuvettes Each cuvette is read by the photometric system every 130 milliseconds

TYPES OF AUTOMATIC ANALYZERS Technician continuous flow system Discrete analyzers Centrifugal analyzers Thin-fil analyzers An analyzer may be Discretionary Non Discretionary 1. The test or tests to be run on each sample can be predetermined or every sample can be processed for a test or series of tests

Discrete Analysis Each specimen is handled as a separate process in its own reaction vessel A logical replacement of manual processes in the Clin. Chem Lab. Test or combiantion of tests can be presented using a keyboard. Computer determines the sequence in shich the various tests will be run. Small volumes required (60-500)

Discrete Analyzers with Discretionary Ability Examples: Beckman Astra4 4' Astra 8 analyzers American Monitor KDA DuPont ACA (Automatic Clinical Analyzers)
Test or combination of tests

can be preselected using a keyboard

 Computer determines the

sequence in which the various tests will be run Small volumes (60-500)

Each cuvette is read by the photometric system every 130 milliseconds

Thin Film Analyses

Discrete Analyzers without specific Discretionary Ability Examples: Abbott ABA -100 Bichromatic Analyzer ABA -200 VP Analyzer Gilford Clinical Chemistry Analyzers
Reaction vessels and cuvettes

1. Example: - Kodak "Ektachem"

are combined into a single dsposable plastic compartment molding Uses ultra micro volumes (5l) Absorbance readings taken at two wavelenths Very sensitive (0.00015 absorbance)

Unique due to the following features: Only fluid used is the sample Exact measurement replaced by drop wise dispensing Transmission spectrophotometry replaced by reflectance spectrophotometry Utilizes a square chip with several layers Completely discretionary 10l sample needed Suitable for pediatric analysis 60500mciroliter)

Centrifugal Analysers Examples: ENI GeMSAEC Automatic Fast Analyzer Rotochem II Centrichem

Operate usinf the GeMSAEC principle (National Institute of General Medical Science and the U.S Atom Energy Commission) The heart of the system is a thick Telefon roto disc which can be spun at high speed Upper surface of disk are concentrc rings of shaped cavities Centrifugal force transfers and mixes the reagents and samples and transfers them into the cuvettes