Automates Pathology Laboratory to Gain Efficiencies and Increase Capacity

A fully automated Blood Sciences Laboratory has been officially opened at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Kings Lynn NHS Foundation Trust by Sir Keith Pearson, Chair of the NHS Confederation.

The laboratory redesign combines haematology and biochemistry analytical testing onto a single ADVIA® LabCell® from Siemens Healthcare  Diagnostics.“Although haematology and chemistry disciplines have worked side by side in the same laboratory at the hospital for many years, this is the first time that we have consolidated all work
onto a single Blood Sciences automated system,” said Richard Pipkin, Blood Sciences Manager at the hospital. “The automated robotic system links a number of analysers together via a central track to streamline the workflow of the lab.”

Richard Pipkin continued: “The lab workload capacity has been trebled by the automated track and analysers, future-proofing this service, which provides vital, quick diagnostic turnaround for our A&E and Theatres. This ensures that we are able to provide the best possible healthcare for our patients.”

“The automated Blood Sciences laboratory will help the hospital to maintain high quality service delivery to its patients within the hospital and the wider  community through GP practices serving the West Norfolk, South Lincolnshire and North East Cambridgeshire,” stated Darren Sher, Automation  and IT Marketing Manager at Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics. “Improving efficiencies through process redesign, innovative technology and adopting LEAN and workforce reprofiling strategies are key to providing a sustainable pathology service.”

The ADVIA LabCell from Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics integrates two ADVIA® 2400 Chemistry systems, two ADVIA® Centaur XP Immunoassay systems and two ADVIA® 2120i Haematology systems onto the track, with two sample managers and two ADVIA® Automation Centrifuge CXL Modules.