Evaluation of the turnaround time of an integrated preanalytical and analytical automated modular system in a medium-sized laboratory

Objectives: Evaluation of an integrated Modular Preanalytics (MPA) and Modular Analytics SWA (MA) system (Roche Diagnostics) during continuous batch processing. Design and methods: A total of 1000 blood specimen tubes was processed and tested in a batch-wise fashion, according to two different specimen input conditions (Study 1 and Study 2). The resulting turnaround time of the system was assessed. Results: Study 1 tubes were centrifuged in the MPA. The preanalytical time rose steadily from 14 to 28 min, and after sample 315, it showed minimal variation. The analytical time remained almost constant. In Study 2, tubes were centrifuged before being processed in the MPA. The preanalytical time increased from 4 to 19 min, and the analytical time increased similarly. The turnaround time in Study 1 was 132 min and in Study 2 was 108 min. Conclusion: Centrifugation in the MPA slightly increased the turnaround time. Nevertheless, the labor associated with specimen processing was reduced and the efficiency of the laboratory was improved.