By Mohammad Ali Rafique, Transplant Technical Sales Specialist at V.H. Bio
Automation in laboratory settings is far from a new concept. Many pathology disciplines, such as clinical chemistry and haematology, have relied on automation for years to enhance efficiency, reduce error rates, and increase throughput. As Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (H&I) laboratories face growing demands for high precision, rapid turnaround times, and complex testing workflows, the time is ripe to follow suit.
- Increased Efficiency and Throughput
One of the primary drivers for automation in pathology was the need to handle large volumes of tests swiftly and accurately. In transfusion medicine and histopathology, automation allowed for rapid processing of tests, enabling quicker diagnosis and treatment decisions. Automation can streamline repetitive tasks, such as pipetting, sample preparation, and data entry, which are also prevalent in H&I laboratories. By automating these processes, labs can handle more samples in less time, significantly increasing throughput without compromising accuracy.
- Reduction of Human Error
Manual processes in H&I labs, such as HLA typing and antibody screening, are not only time-consuming but also prone to human error. Even minor mistakes in these areas can have significant repercussions given the importance of assessing donor-recipient compatibility in transplantation. Automation minimises these risks by ensuring consistency and precision in each step of the workflow; the automation practices already in place in clinical chemistry enable automated analysers to manage complex assays with minimal human intervention.
- Laboratory Workforce Optimisation
The global shortage of skilled laboratory scientists has placed significant strain on laboratories, including those specialising in H&I. Automation can help alleviate this burden by allowing existing staff to focus on more complex tasks, such as data interpretation or research, rather than routine, repetitive tasks. This not only improves job satisfaction but also makes better use of human resources, a trend observed and capitalised on in various other pathology disciplines.
- Improved Turnaround Times
The demand for rapid results in H&I testing is high, especially in urgent transplantation cases where time is of the essence. Automated systems can reduce the time required to complete tests as they operate continuously without the need for breaks. This has been a significant advantage in disciplines like haematology, where automation has enabled faster and more reliable blood test results thus improving patient outcomes. In H&I, this efficiency lends itself well to library preparation for NGS-based assays such as HLA typing, chimerism or cell-free DNA monitoring.
The experience from other pathology disciplines shows the integration of automation is not just about keeping pace with technological advancements but about fundamentally transforming laboratory operations. H&I labs can learn from the successes seen in fields like clinical chemistry where automation has led to more efficient workflows, improved accuracy, and enhanced overall lab performance.
As the demands on H&I laboratories continue to grow, embracing automation is no longer optional… it is essential. By introducing automation, labs can achieve the same levels of efficiency, accuracy, and scalability that have been realised in other areas of pathology, leading to better patient outcomes and a more sustainable laboratory environment. With a proven track record of H&I automation with their previous LABXpress™ instrument, One Lambda (A ThermoFisher Scientific brand) have unveiled their latest solution: the One Lambda HLA PRO™.
Compatible with both Luminex bead-based and NGS assays, the One Lambda HLA PRO™ is a general laboratory use (GLU) pipettor based on the Tecan Fluent® platform. This is the only platform released by a leading manufacturer of transplant products, hence why it can support the whole gamut of H&I testing. At launch the One Lambda HLA PRO™ already has pre-programmed protocols for LABScreen™ and FASTplex™ NGS assays, with support for LABType™ to follow swiftly.
- Full walk-away automation: The One Lambda HLA PRO™ is an advanced automated pipetting system which reduces the risk of errors, improves data quality, and increases throughput.
- Enhanced Efficiency: By automating pipetting tasks, the One Lambda HLA PRO™ cuts down on processing times, allowing staff to focus on higher-value tasks and boosting overall productivity.
- Single configuration for multiple workflows: The One Lambda HLA PRO™ has minimal user intervention needed (with no equipment changes or recalibrations to the deck) when changing assay types, providing flexibility in laboratory workflow planning.
- User-Friendly Interface: The One Lambda HLA PRO™ is designed with ease of use in mind, making it accessible for all lab personnel with a low threshold for training.
- Minimal footprint: The One Lambda HLA PRO™ uses an air-displacement pipettor, eliminating the need for liquid waste containers and storage.
- Scalability: Whether your lab is handling a few samples or hundreds, the One Lambda HLA PRO™ can scale to meet your needs, ensuring you are always prepared for any workload.
Take Your Lab to the Next Level
Consider automated solutions like the HLA PRO™ system to modernise your laboratory workflows, improve efficiency, and maintain the highest standards of patient care. The future of H&I is automated; don’t get left behind!
To discuss how the One Lambda HLA PRO™ can transform your laboratory workflow, contact us at V.H. Bio.