Reagent and labor cost optimization through automation of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with the VP 2000: an Italian case study.
In the modern molecular diagnostic laboratory, cost considerations are of paramount importance. Automation of complex molecular assays not only allows a laboratory to accommodate higher test volumes and throughput but also has a considerable impact on the cost of testing from the perspective of reagent costs, as well as hands-on time for skilled laboratory personnel. The following study tracked the cost of labor (hands-on time) and reagents for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) testing in a routine, high-volume pathology and cytogenetics laboratory in Treviso, Italy, over a 2-y period (2011-2013). The laboratory automated FISH testing with the VP 2000 Processor, a deparaffinization, pretreatment, and special staining instrument produced by Abbott Molecular, and compared hands-on time and reagent costs to manual FISH testing. The results indicated significant cost and time saving when automating FISH with VP 2000 when more than six FISH tests were run per week. At 12 FISH assays per week, an approximate total cost reduction of 55% was observed. When running 46 FISH specimens per week, the cost saving increased to 89% versus manual testing. The results demonstrate that the VP 2000 processor can significantly reduce the cost of FISH testing in diagnostic laboratories.
Department of Oncology and Pathology, General Hospital of Treviso, Treviso, Italy luzanatta@ulss.tv.it.
Lucia
L
Zanatta
Department of Oncology and Pathology, General Hospital of Treviso, Treviso, Italy.
Laura
L
Valori
Department of Oncology and Pathology, General Hospital of Treviso, Treviso, Italy.
Eleonora
E
Cappelletto
Department of Oncology and Pathology, General Hospital of Treviso, Treviso, Italy.
Maria Elena
ME
Pozzebon
Department of Oncology and Pathology, General Hospital of Treviso, Treviso, Italy.
Elisabetta
E
Pavan
Department of Oncology and Pathology, General Hospital of Treviso, Treviso, Italy.
Angelo Paolo
AP
Dei Tos
Abbott Molecular, Max-Planck-Ring 2, Wiesbaden, Germany.
Dennis
D
Merkle
D057205:Automation, Laboratory / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods*; D003582:Cytogenetics / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D006280:Health Workforce / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods*; D007202:Indicators and Reagents / Q000191:economics*; D007558:Italy; D010336:Pathology / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D013997:Time Factors
D007202:Indicators and Reagents
FISH; VP 2000; automation; cost reduction; fluorescence in situ hybridization