Does laboratory automation for the preanalytical phase improve data quality?

Author(s): Lima-Oliveira G, Lippi G, Salvagno GL, Danese E, Montagnana M, Brocco G, Voi M, Picheth G, Guidi GC

Publication: J Lab Autom, 2013, Vol. 18, Page 375-81

PubMed ID: 23686657 PubMed Review Paper? No

Purpose of Paper

Conclusion of Paper

Studies

1. Study Purpose

   The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of manual versus automated preanalytical processing by the MODULAR PRE-ANALYTICALS EVO-MPA system as well as subsequent storage on routine clinical chemistry analytes in plasma. After collection, all specimens were left at room temperature for 10 min. Paired specimens were then either centrifuged manually, uncapped manually, and loaded onto the analyzer, or they were loaded directly into the MODUALR PRE-ANALYTICALS EVO-MPA system where they were centrifuged and fed directly into the same analyzer as the manually processed specimens were analyzed with. After analysis, manually processed specimens were stored at 4 degrees C while those subjected to automated processing were stored in output buffer at room temperature in the MPA system. All specimens were reanalyzed after 6 h of storage.

   Summary of Findings:

   Significant differences were noted for several clinical chemistry analytes between manual and automated processing regimes both immediately after processing and even more significant differences were noted between the two processing regimes when specimens were stored for 6 h after processing. Further, significant differences were observed in many clinical chemistry analytes when specimens that were manually processed were compared before and after 6 hours of storage at 4 degrees C. Storage of specimens processed in the MPA system in the MPA output buffer for 6 hours led to fewer significant changes in clinical chemistry analytes as compared to measurements before the additional storage.

   Biospecimens

   • Bodily Fluid - Blood
   • Bodily Fluid - Plasma

   Preservative Types

   • None (Fresh)

   Diagnoses:

   • Not specified

   Platform:

   Analyte	Technology Platform
   Protein	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer
   Small molecule	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer
   Electrolyte/Metal	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer
   Cell count/volume	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer
   Steroid	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer
   Lipid	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer

   Pre-analytical Factors:

   Classification	Pre-analytical Factor	Value(s)
   Biospecimen Aliquots and Components	Centrifugation	Automated Manual
   Storage	Storage duration	0 h 6 h
   Storage	Short-term storage solution	None MPA output buffer
   Storage	Storage temperature	4 degrees C Room temperature
   Biospecimen Aliquots and Components	Blood processing method	MODULAR PRE-ANALYTICALS EVO-MPA Manual

   View more