Although the focus of this issue (and the survey it is based upon) is automation and technology use, the fact remains that a clinical laboratory cannot function without educated, skilled, and engaged personnel. Today’s clinical laboratories rely on a complex system of advanced technologies coupled with the expertise and experience of laboratorians in order to ensure safety and success. A narrow ... read more

The laboratory information system (LIS) serves as the central information hub and clearinghouse for most clinical laboratories. Given the wide range of clinical lab sizes and degrees of automation, LIS providers of all sizes and specialties have market appeal. As clinical testing and information systems become more advanced and further intertwined, continual refinement of the LIS is imperative to ... read more

The value of medical-grade temperature control and comprehensive temperature monitoring easily can fade into the background until an unexpected event (such as a power failure), or an expected event (such as an accreditation inspection) brings it to light. As hospital laboratories grow in scope and physical size, tightly maintaining certain temperatures becomes critical for the insurance of reagent ... read more

Abstract Building on existing models,1,2 distinct phases of laboratory quality were identified and organized into phases comprising the Lab Quality Continuum (LQC), a tool designed to help laboratories determine their current level of quality. A self-assessment was developed to accommodate this function and to provide improvement recommendations.3 The objective of this study was to assess the ... read more

The vast majority of clinical laboratories use some type of automated chemistry analyzer, and most of these (85%) are medium and high-volume instruments. That said, some facilities also utilize low-volume instruments to supplement core chemistry functions. Chemistry analyzers receive solid satisfaction ratings, and there is a deep market offering well-rated chemistry automation solutions. Test availability ... read more