Automation is considered one of the most important breakthroughs in the recent history of laboratory diagnostics.
The word automation is inspired by word automatic. Automatic means exercising control without interference. So automation means getting work done by machines which can run on their own without our continuous monitoring. Automation refers to machines with intelligence and adaptability which reduces our workload.
However, the most important risks in automation are potential downtimes, because automation could lead to loss of personnel’s manual.
One of the advantages to the automation is faster processing, but it is not necessarily faster than the human operator.
However one must balance all these advantages against two main disadvantages. These disadvantages essentially apply to all forms of automation. Redundancy of staff: Whether staff are made redundant or not due to the implementation of such a system, the fact is that this type of automation will get through more specimens with less staff required.
The advantages of automation in medical diagnostics
Automation helps in making sure that doctors don’t have to second-guess their recommendations, and patients can rest easy knowing that they will always receive the treatment they need. More patients treated: By reducing the time it takes to complete a diagnosis, the laboratory can perform more tests. With the right automated equipment.
Reduces Costs in the Lab. Using laboratory automation in your lab will decrease the number of lab technicians needed to label tubes, therefore resulting in cost savings. Not only will you reduce costs in the lab, but you also might find an increase in revenue due to lab automation.Eliminates Human Error.
The main pitfall during the process of automation in a laboratory and during development of additional modules is to force the automated system to do exactly what is done now in the classic system.
the author is a Microbiologist Certified infection control Auditor Kidney Hospital Srinagar [email protected]
