How automation makes diagnostic labs’ results more accurate, precise and timely
Human error is very difficult to manage, after all, ‘to err is to human’. It’s also very common in diagnostics labs where highly-repetitive, exhausting tasks make up the bulk of the work in processing tests.
When automation is used for highly-repetitive processes, such as preparing samples for analysis, there are many benefits:
- With human error eliminated, lab results are more accurate and precise
- Re-testing isn’t necessary and diagnosis can be delivered faster
- Labs are far more efficient, saving time, money and resources, while improving patient outcomes
- Experiments are much more precise and therefore reproducible
- Hugely reduced chances of cross contamination
- Safety of staff can be ensured because they are spending less time handling potentially infectious samples
- Better work life for staff, with fewer monotonous jobs, less exhaustion and walkaway time ensured so they can focus on the work that really matters
Yet, despite the benefits automation brings to laboratory quality, the field has been surprisingly slow to automate. Unfortunately, automation has traditionally been too complex, inflexible and expensive for use in the lab space.
Lab automation shouldn’t be so difficult, and it doesn’t need to be intimidating. It’s a powerful way to empower labs to create better results and supercharge patient care and scientific innovation.
In the last section, we look at how to pick an automation solution that’s right for you.
Finding an automation solution that’s right for your lab
There are three key factors you should consider when looking for a lab automation solution that’s going to effectively increase quality in your diagnostics lab:
Flexibility: Your automation requirements may change, so you need to find a solution and vendor that can be flexible for your changing needs
Complexity: Traditional automation solutions often require an expert with decades of experience to deploy and manage. Finding a solution that is simple enough for your existing staff to use and can be deployed in just a few weeks or months is critical. Managed services are a good option for automation beginners to consider
Cost: Traditional automation solutions can often cost up to the millions to be deployed. Shop around for more affordable solutions – newcomers to the space can often provide more innovative solutions for a lower price tag