Total Laboratory Automation: What Is Gained, What Is Lost, and Who Can Afford It?

Clin Lab Med

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, NorthShore University Health System, 2650 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201, USA.

Published: September 2019


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Article Abstract

The first clinical microbiology laboratory in the United States adopted total automation for bacteriology processing in 2014. Since then, others have followed with installation of either the BD Kiestra TLA or the Copan WASPLab. This article discusses commercially available automated systems in the United States; why automation is needed; and quality improvements, efficiency, and cost savings associated with automation. After learning how these systems are used, gains and losses experienced, and how one can afford the most expensive equipment ever purchased for clinical microbiology laboratories, the question is, how can one afford not to purchase one of these microbiology automation systems?

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cll.2019.05.002DOI Listing

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