As technological breakthroughs continue to be made in laboratory science, clinical labs remain reliant on fundamental technologies to manage day-to-day operations; one glance at the list of Key Technologies on page 5 bears this out. However, as these stalwart technologies also continue to grow in sophistication and features, there remains a need to unite data producing instruments together in order to harness the significant power of transparent, near-real-time operations information. Moving forward, clinical laboratory operations will continue to depend heavily on technology advancements, comprising a variety of automated and manual diagnostic instruments, bridging middleware, software-based algorithms, and developing methodologies. Given this dependence, MedicalLab Management will continue to examine the context of these technologies.

In the third quarter of 2017, MLM polled a random, nationwide sample of laboratory directors and administrators. We asked about technology adoption rates, satisfaction with technology vendors, and plans to purchase new systems. Responses were solicited via email and a total of 389 responses from hospital-based facilities were received, yielding a confidence interval of 4.80 (95% +/- 4.80) based on the total population of laboratory directors nationwide.

The 4th Annual State of Laboratory Technology issue covers use and satisfaction metrics for the bulk of today's clinical laboratory technology, including:

Temperature Monitoring: The value of medical-grade temperature control and comprehensive temperature monitoring is never more apparent than amidst a power failure, or an accreditation inspection. To read more CLICK HERE.

Centrifuges: Centrifuges are in high use in clinical laboratories and enjoy strong satisfaction rankings, with 89% giving their devices a rank of excellent or good. To read more CLICK HERE.

Hematology Analyzers: With a universal need for blood processing and analyzation in clinical laboratories, the high marks given to hematology analyzers are encouraging. To read more CLICK HERE.

Refrigerators & Freezers: As medical-grade refrigeration devices become more common in the lab and throughout health care facilities, it is encouraging to see that the accompanying satisfaction ratings are quite high. To read more CLICK HERE.

To read the 4th Annual State of Laboratory Technology in its entirety, CLICK HERE.

Do You Know . . .
Which laboratory technologies rate among the highest in user satisfaction? CLICK HERE to find out.