Entire range of organ functions like cardiac, hepatic

and renal profiles can be performed by analyzers.

Speed

A typical workload in a laboratory is expected to be finished

in a couple of hours. Samples collected during the morning

hours are analyzed in the afternoon. Before the evening,

results are compiled and patient reports prepared to be

delivered in the evening. A medium size laboratory can meet

its work load through a semiautomatic analyzer (about 100

tests per day). As the number of tests per day increases, a

batch analyzer or large random access analyzer is called for.

Accuracy and Reliability

The chances of manual errors are reduced in analyzers

because of automatic settings of wavelength, temperature,

factors and other variable parameters which have to be setup on machines. Pipetting errors are also eliminated by use

of automatic micropipettes. The analyzers are computerbased instruments and have self-monitoring features. They

monitor the progress of chemical reactions and indicate

any abnormality. Manual steps at various stages are

reduced and the results obtained are accurate and reliable.

Convenience

The convenience achieved through the use of the analyzer

is manifold. Three main features are: (i) elimination of

manual calculations, (ii) digital display and print out of

results, (iii) emergency requests can be handled with

speed and accuracy. For example, a colorimeter based test

for SGOT/SGPT would take 1½ to 2 hours whereas on an

analyzer the results are available within minutes.

Non-dependence on Technicians

An analyzer is easy to operate as most of the steps are

automatic. A technician requires only a few days to learn

operations of the machine. Besides, in absence of the

technician it is not very difficult for the senior person/doctor

to handle the workload in case of a small/medium laboratory.

Business Growth

With an automatic analyzer installed in the laboratory,

physicians as well as patients develop a great amount of

confidence in the results. This added by wider range of

tests make the business of the laboratory grow fast.

Which Lab Needs Automation?

Given above are some of the expectations that can

be fulfilled by an analyzer. The importance given to

a particular factor would depend on the choice of an

individual lab. Even if the analyzer is purchased primarily

for any one of the above mentioned reasons, all of the

remaining purposes are served.

Earlier, the main criterion used to be speed, keeping in

mind the requirement of finishing the lab workload in 2 to

3 hours. The ideas have changed. There are laboratories

which have purchased it for handling the ‘night’ (emergency) workload—by keeping the laboratories open all 24

hours. There are laboratories which have started with the

purchase of a semi-automatic analyzer and established

themselves in the group of reputable laboratories in the

towns in a span of one year. There are quality conscious

buyers wanting to give adequate confidence to their

referring physicians and patients. There are nursing homes

who have started laboratories with an analyzer not limiting

the facilities only to their in-house and OPD patients but

making them available to any patient.

In short, presently there is no predictable trend of

particular laboratories buying analyzers. It is quite

understandable looking to the varied purposes an analyzer

can serve. Any laboratory is fully justified in its purchase of

an analyzer unit.

Selection of A Model

While selecting a particular model the primary objective

of the laboratory for purchase has to be well-defined. It

could be anyone or a combination of the above mentioned

points. A particular model may have an advantage in

one area (say economy), whereas another will be a

better choice for some other features (say, an elaborate

display or print out). Quicker pay back of the analyzer’s

investment is the next point that one must consider. This

should be looked at from different angles. One model

may be available at a price, say, ` 20,000 less but if its

recurrent costs on reagents, etc. are comparatively more

that would not turn out to be the best alternative. The cost

analysis should be done for a period of 5 years minimum.

510 Concise Book of Medical Laboratory Technology: Methods and Interpretations After-sales service forms an important part for all

instrumentation systems. The company selling it should

be of repute and should have a network of field service

engineers. Failure rate is normally more in a country

with tropical weather conditions. As far as possible the

system should be proven to be working reliably in various

places and be tropicalized. A modular system can be of

advantage.