title: An automated hematology laboratory with computer-controlled robotics.
abstract: A highly automated hematology laboratory environment is described that has conveyance systems to move bar-coded specimens from one station ("workcell") to another, robotic handling devices to load and unload hematology analyzers, and a hematology workstation. Computer systems monitor the process and equipment, track the specimen, manage inventory, and interpret patient results. When a specimen arrives at the laboratory, the bar-code determines which workcell the specimen should go to for testing. Each specimen is handled individually and in real-time. Hematology specimens are routed to a workcell of Coulter STKS analyzers where complete blood counts with five-part leukocyte differentials are performed under full robotic control. The entire process is managed by a real-time Windows-based process control system that interacts with a networked laboratory information system. The hematology workstation is being evaluated for interpretive results reporting and to determine follow-up testing.
authors.affiliation: Pathology Institute, University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann Strasse 9, 50924, Cologne, Germany.
authors.forename: L W
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Diamond
authors.forename: D T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.forename: B L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Sheridan
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Strul
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bak
mesh_terms: D002984:Clinical Laboratory Information Systems; D005103:Expert Systems; D006405:Hematology / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008905:Minicomputers; D009864:Ontario; D012371:Robotics; D012984:Software; D013048:Specimen Handling