Table 1 Manual steps involved in processing blood specimens

May 1, 2002

2 min read

BIOCHEMISTRY & IMMUNOASSAYS				HEMATOLOGY-CBC			COAGULATION
	BEFORE AUTO	PHASE I	PHASE II	BEFORE AUTO	PHASE I	PHASE II	BEFORE AUTO	PHASE I	PHASE II
Reception	n	s	t	n	s	t	n	s	t
Sorting	n	s		n	s		n
Scan bar-codes	n	s		n	s		n
Load samples in centrifuge	n						n	s	t
Centrifuge samples	n						n	s	t
Unload tubes from centrifuge	n						n	s	t
Split samples for separate workstation	n						n
Distribute samples to each workstation	n			n	s		n	s	t
Visualize serum indices	n						n	s	t
Decap tubes	n						n	s	t
Load equipment	n	s	t	n	s	t	n	s	t
Store	n	s	t	n	s	t	n	s	t
Total # manual steps	12	5	3	6	6	3	12	9	9

n Computerized Core Lab (including autoverification of results and 75 percent of all specimens bar-coded at point of collection).

s Core Lab – Automation Phase I (Biochemistry and Immunoassays processed by automation ~ 60 percent of volume of samples).

t Core Lab – Automation Phase II (90 percent of all specimens processed on automation. Electronic accessioning performed directly on automation system).