Robotics and automated workstations for rapid response testing.

Abstract

Rapid-response testing can help the critical care physician provide more medically relevant decisions when treating critically ill patients. Many technologies have appeared on the market to help deliver rapid analytical tests, including transportation systems, hand-held analyzers, or clinical instruments that have simple user interfaces. Each of these methods can be used to provide the necessary medical information but often at the expense of turnaround time, quality of service, or cost. A robotically automated laboratory system was created that provides rapid turnaround time and low cost, and each result is monitored and reviewed by a laboratory professional. To provide the best quality laboratory services at the lowest cost, we created a remotely controlled robotic clinical laboratory that provides whole-blood analysis of blood gases (pCO2,pO2), pH, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride), glucose, and hemoglobin near the patient beside yet maintains the distinct advantage of central laboratory control. The automated remote laboratory provides extremely rapid turnaround time, eliminates the costly steps involved with specimen processing, reduces the risk from contaminated specimens, reduces staff training, ensures that every result is reviewed by a professional, and improves patient care.