Clinical Laboratory Automation in the Netherlands
Besides a highly industrious workforce, the Netherlands is known for its dairy industry, ingenious dikes, and windmills. However, the Netherlands also boasts one of the World’s largest clinical laboratory automation system. As a result of the vision of Wim Rutten in the 1980s, an independent commercial laboratory (SHL, Breda, The Netherlands) was developed that provides rapid and high quality automated services. Wim recently celebrated the beginning of his retirement, but he leaves behind not only a legacy, but grand future plans for the automation of microbiology (Copan WASPlab, planned for 2012) and molecular diagnostics (planned for 2013).
In an effort to reduce overall laboratory costs and improve overall laboratory efficiencies at SHL (Stichting Huisartsen Laboratorium) a fully automated and completely open track system has been functioning for about three years. The specimen transport track delivers specimens to more than 27 clinical analyzers that measure medical relevant analytes in both blood and urine. The Flexlab 3.6 track system (INPECO SpA, Milano, Italy) conists of 1 input/output module, 3 Rapid Input- systems, 3 decappers, 3 sealers, 1 aliquotor, and 1 desealer. Clinical diagnostic vendors then attached 2 Roche Modular PPP systems, 2 Roche Modular EEE systems, 3 TOSOH HPLC- systems, 2 JO-plus ESR systems (Alifax), 3 Siemens Advia 2120 systems including 1 slidemaker, 2 Siemens Immulite XPI systems, 2 IL-ACL-top 700 LAS systems, 1 Thermo Fisher Phadia Unicap250, 1 Diasorin Liaison and 3 15000-tubes refrigerated storages (INPECO). This integrated automation system can perform the general testing in clinical chemistry, hematology, coagulation, serology, allergy and immunology for general physicians from all over the country.
Results for this laboratory consolidation and implementation effort demonstrated an increase in productivity for the existing staff. From 2009 to 2011 the production was raised from 4237654 tests to 5538068 tests (30% growth) and no additional lab staff was required. It turned out that the number of physician orders caused this rise in production. Of the work processed on the track >95% is completed and reported before 7 pm the same day. The rest is being processed unattended in the evening.
A newly developed computer system NEMO keeps track of all movements of the tubes and all results are gathered there. Controlling the analytical performances of all apparatus is done by using daily controls and keeping track of real-time running average patient results.
When coupled with a “lean” laboratory design, automation systems can reduce overall laboratory expenses significantly, and address the overall concerns facing the laboratory today: higher performance, total quality control, job satisfaction and safety. The financial savings realized are primarily a result of efficient use of automation in the laboratory. Growth and expansion of the production can be taken care of without additional labor costs.
Paul Smith
How many staff do you use to run the track and linked analysers at peak time.
In a procurement process at the moment. Interested to know why you used the inpeco track with Roche equipment, rather than Abbott or Siemens who have direct links with Inpeco.
Section Manager for automation
Morriston Hospital
Swansea
44-1792-704084