J&JCD’s AACC BOOTH SHOWCASES
AUTOMATED SOLUTION FROM AUTOMATION LEADERSCHICAGO, July 29--Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostics (J&JCD), Coulter Corporation and Lab-InterLink, Inc. announced that they are developing a strategic arrangement to provide affordable, automated workcell solutions to help laboratories improve their competitive position. These integrated solutions combine J&JCD chemistry and immunoassay instrumentation, automated sample preparation and transport system components from Coulter, plus information management, process control and systems integration from Lab-InterLink. This combination provides a lot of intelligent diagnostic power in the smallest possible footprint.
The WorkCell incorporates up to five Vitros diagnostics systems, and can be configured to provide: · A single interface with the LIS system · Intelligent routing of samples to specific instruments and devices · Automatic repeat capability for errors and out-of-range results · Algorithmic and reflex testing based upon results and selected inputs · WorkCell status and inventory reporting
"This solution is an excellent choice for clinical laboratories because it combines the automation industry leaders strengths in each area of the workcell," noted Kathryn Parra, J& JCD’s marketing manager for automation. "Hospitals can implement intelligent process control and rely on a single point of contact, J&JCD, for sales, service and support." Process Control
Lab Inter-Link supplies advanced information management and process control to run the Coulter pre-analytical and transport system components, as well as the Vitros system. "The process control software contains load balancing algorithms which alter sample routing based on instrument availability, inventory status, equipment error status and other variables. Vitros systems transmit instrument and inventory status to the software to create an intelligent, efficient system that maximizes throughput", says Michael Newcomb, LAB-InterLink’s sr. vice president and chief operating officer.
The three Rs of automation are built into our automation-ready systems," said Parra. "These systems can reroute, repeat and reflex samples in response to instructions from the process control system." Two-way communication enhances the hands-free operation of an automated WorkCell.
"The total system is optimized to help laboratories improve productivity and sample throughput", said Chris Horwood, Coulter’s director of field operations. "It totally automates the entire sample preparation, transport and analysis process, saving time and labor."
Vitros system features such as direct primary tube sampling and the elimination of plumbing systems enable acquisition at the lowest capital cost and with the least impact on facilities. Each increase in automation brings higher levels of productivity.
J&JCD’s Vitros 950AT systems will be available later this year. The Vitros 250AT systems will be available in 1997. The automation-ready units contain direct transport sampling, automated tip loading and disposal, plus built-in intelligence that communicates with the process control system.
Extensive Menu for Automated Testing
J&JCD offers an extensive testing menu as part of its strategy for lowering cost per reportable result and protecting against equipment obsolescence.
J&JCD’s booth display showed primary tube sampling directly from the Coulter automated transport lanes by the automation-ready Vitros 950AT and 250AT clinical chemistry systems. The display also contained a prototype of an automation-ready Vitros immunodiagnostic AT system.
"An automated system with a Vitros 250AT and Vitros 950AT system offers high-volume clinical chemistry testing, along with dilution for urine and out-of-range chemistries," said Parra. "Add the Vitros immunodiagnostic AT system, and a hospital laboratory could run more than 90 percent of its clinical chemistry and immunoassays in a compact workcell."
Phased-in Automation
"Hospitals with our Vitros 250 and Vitros 950 systems have already taken the first step toward automation," noted Bill Schreiber, J&JCD’s director of product marketing for clinical chemistry, lab automation and services.
"These hospitals are currently benefiting from the enhanced productivity and lower operating costs provided by our random access systems and dry-slide technology. At the same time, they can efficiently upgrade these systems to an automated workcell in the future," he said.
Automation systems vendors and distributors also featured Vitros 950 and 250 systems in their booth demonstrations at AACC.
(NOTE: Vitros is a trademark.)
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