Sample Management System Is Combined with Lab Analyses

A sample management system has been developed that can be combined with analysis systems for immunology and clinical chemistry.

VersaCell Combo, developed by Siemens Healthcare (Erlangen, Germany), is a cost-effective solution for the combination of immunology diagnostics and clinical chemistry. The sample management system combines Siemens' Immulite 2000 or Immulite 2500 analysis systems with the Advia 1800, the analysis system for clinical chemistry. The throughput of the individual modules is identical with that of the stand-alone systems. If one of the modules fails, the other system can continue with sample processing without interruption of operations.

The system accommodates up to 200 sample tubes, identifies the tests and the patient, and feeds the relevant samples to the corresponding analysis system. Technologists do not have to manually sort the tubes or forward them from one system to the next if samples have to be tested for various analytes. VersaCell Combo enables efficient processing and allows the automation of processes in the lab.

The requested assays are detected using patient barcodes on the tubes and direct communication with the lab information system (LIS) and the samples are automatically fed to the correct module. A robot arm continuously feeds and discharges the samples without interrupting test processing in the two analysis systems. Emergency samples can be analyzed quickly and without delay, by directly applying up to 79 different methods. VersaCell Combo monitors the status of the connected analysis systems, as well as the on-board reagent supply and generates an alarm signal if reagents need to be replaced.

The system was designed for large and medium-sized labs. A comprehensive test menu combines more than 180 assays for routine, protein, medication, and drug analysis in clinical chemistry with the spectrum of immunology diagnostics including the fields of fertility, thyroid gland, and tumor markers.


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