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Well connected

Efficiency is all in the modern pathology laboratory and IT is playing an increasing role in achieving this. Here Carla Deakin takes a look at two laboratories and their IT needs and asks what benefits they sought from their technology.

Ever increasing pressures on pathology labs are driving the exploration and exploitation of new strategies to improve efficiency. One interesting development is the growing focus on the role of IT in achieving this. As laboratory professionals evaluate new automation solutions and instrument systems, decisions are being significantly influenced by the IT capabilities on offer from potential commercial partners. In addition to improving efficiency, the right IT components can add functionality, enabling even more to be achieved from laboratory automation.

Stephen Balmer, laboratory IT manager at NHS Greater Glasgow Trust, said: "When we went out to tender for a new laboratory solution, we established a procurement group of four teams: finance, biochemistry, haematology and IT. This was the first time IT had played such an upfront role in this type of decision making."

The team had a very clear aim - that within each of the Trust's three sectors, tests could be performed in any laboratory and the results would be accessible and comparable across other sites in that sector. Balmer continued: "We knew the solution would be complex and so IT would play an important role. Guaranteeing a high level of uptime and resilience, both in terms of the assay platform and the IT, was an essential requirement. A number of fail-safes in our chosen solution have enabled us to achieve this."

The virology department at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) also cites IT as being an important consideration during their recent procurement. Alan Blackley, microbiology IT manager, said: "A flexible and reliable solution was our primary objective, backed up by quick fix times should problems occur. We realised from the start that interfacing laboratory analysers to the LIMS was going to be a challenge that would have to be tackled by all parties working together; the laboratory team, the IT group and our commercial partner, Abbott Diagnostics. The bottom line is, if the interface doesn't work, the laboratory stops. However, everyone played their parts well."

The MRI virology department adopted the Analyser Management System (AMS) as a key tool for optimising workflow within the laboratory. This software links analytical and pre-analytical instrumentation. It uses a customised set of 'expert rules' that automates the validation of results and reflex testing and results are stored centrally rather than on specific analysers. Individual patient data can, where necessary, be compared with earlier results. In addition, each result is stored together with its QC data including the test kit lot and reagent numbers. Blackley said: "We felt it was really important to be able to access all QC data for individual results, specific assays and even for individual analysers. QC management is an expanding area."

Together with QC data, a comprehensive audit trail is also critical for CPA purposes. This is particularly relevant for reagents and consumables, which can be tracked from delivery at the hospital to being loaded onto the analysers using the Reagent Management System (RMS). This reliable approach also reduces the demands on laboratory staff and cuts the number of emergency orders placed, saving money. Stock levels can be monitored quickly and simply, together with details such as lot numbers currently in use. In addition, financial reports can be generated easily.

Having installed the RMS in Glasgow, Balmer said: "Reviewing stock levels between laboratories makes it easy to share reagents where necessary."

He also identified configurability as one of his key requirements. "In order to achieve our ambitious plans, we realised that our IT would have a high level of complexity. However, from a user's perspective we wanted it to appear simple. Despite our tall demands, we have been able to achieve this with the Abbott approach."

Blackley said: "At MRI we were keen to have a consistent user interface for every piece of equipment. This has certainly made things easier for staff and reduced training requirements and interface maintenance."

IT has become an integral part of every laboratory solution. It is enabling laboratories to improve efficiency, which in turn helps to meet the increasing demands being placed on them. Furthermore, the right IT solution can add extra functionality, improving the smooth running of the busy pathology department and enhancing patient care.

By Carla Deakin, Senior Business Development Manager, Abbott Diagnostics