Siemens Healthineers has launched the Atellica Integrated Automation on Atellica CI analyser to consolidate 25 tasks that are usually handled manually by clinical laboratory staff.
The Atellica analyser is said to enhance automation for clinical labs and has been shown to reduce 75% of manual workflow steps performed by laboratory professionals.
Traditionally, total laboratory automation requires a track to transport patient samples throughout the laboratory to sample preparation equipment, followed by connected analysers for testing.
Siemens Healthineers said that its Atellica Integrated Automation combines sample management, decapper, and sealer functionality within the Atellica CI Analyser.
It enables laboratories with lower patient testing volumes or limited laboratory space to access automation capabilities that are primarily available in high-volume or mega-laboratories.
Initially offered with the company’s Atellica analyser, Atellica Integrated Automation also supports laboratories with high testing volumes.
Currently, the Atellica Solution and Atellica CI Analyser offer standalone automation capabilities and can integrate with track-based automation systems, said Siemens Healthineers.
Siemens Healthineers diagnostics head Sharon Bracken said: “Successful automation addresses the lab’s specific needs while standardizing routine and repetitive tasks that safeguard quality and safety.
“When it’s customisable, and implemented thoughtfully with input from key stakeholders, automation can save time, more efficiently produce quality test results, accommodate shifting testing demands, and eliminate biohazards for staff.
“Regardless of volume, laboratory footprint, or geographic location, laboratory staff deserve technology that will help them overcome their laboratory’s current growth limitations and improve patient care in the communities they serve.”
According to the company, automation is increasingly important for labs of all sizes, and there is a serious shortage of skilled lab workers in the US, the UK and Europe.
Siemens said that its automated solution allows a single technologist to manage calibration and QC, daily sorting, and archiving processes within minutes, which may have taken hours.
It reduces repetitive, manual tasks freeing up laboratory professionals to focus on value-added or growth activities, such as training and mentoring employees, or quality control efforts.
Also, the automated processes reduce waste, increase the number of samples run, and allow laboratories to run a wider range of tests to support patient care as testing needs shift.
Furthermore, the optimised sample handling with Atellica Integrated Automation facilitates 65% faster turnaround times than competitor systems, said Siemens Healthineers.
