Given the breadth of technological options available, rare is the day that the director is not presented with a new instrument or test system that could benefit the laboratory, the facility, and the patient. However, not all requests can be immediately met and due diligence into established and new market vendors is required to make informed decisions and forecast future needs. As we continue to navigate the many challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the laboratory’s ability to remain flexible while optimizing automation is essential. When testing demand fluctuates rapidly due to product or practice changes forced by the COVID-19 response, the risk potential increases. Fortunately, much of this risk can be offset by the introduction or augmentation of laboratory technology. Thus, the value of automation and technology cannot be overstated in such a time of upheaval as has encompassed the year 2020. To ascertain the current state of technology use in hospital laboratories, MLM polled a random, nationwide sample of laboratory directors and administrators in the third quarter of 2020. 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 313 responses from hospital-based facilities were received, yielding a confidence interval of 5.38 (95% +/- 5.38%) based on the total population of laboratory directors nationwide. The State of Laboratory Technology issue covers use and satisfaction metrics for the bulk of today’s clinical laboratory technology, including:

Refrigeration: The value of medical-grade temperature control and comprehensive monitoring cannot be overstated and investment in a robust system is vital to the integrity of laboratory operations. To read more CLICK HERE

Hematology Analyzers: Enabling a core function of clinical laboratories, hematology analyzers are almost universal in use and serve to provide a wide range of functionalities. With increasingly augmented functions, expanded utilization of hematology analyzers is expected to continue apace. To read more CLICK HERE

Robotic Sample Handling: The number of facilities utilizing robotic sample handling systems has steadily risen in the last few years. Automated lines that transport samples and link related instruments and technology are now prevalent throughout all testing phases, including robotic sample transportation to and from the laboratory, and to and from short- or long-term storage. To read more CLICK HERE

Chemistry Analyzers: The vast majority of clinical laboratories use some type of automated chemistry analyzer, and most are medium and high-volume instruments. To read more CLICK HERE

To read the 7th 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.