Automatic Discrete Sample Processing: Automation in a Clinical Chemistry Laboratory Based on Discrete Sample Handling and Computerized Data Processing

Abstract

Abstract It is our belief that a general-purpose digital computer that receives and processes the electrical signal from an analytic instrument to its final step, and then processes the latter to produce a patient report, is an essential tool of the clinical laboratory. The present report concerns the development of a discrete-sample-handling analytic instrument that was designed to interface with a computer. A description is given of the entire system that includes the interface, multiplexing, sample identification, and operational characteristics of the instrument. Some advantages of discrete sample handling in analytic chemistry are accuracy, speed, ease of adaptation to computers, use of small amounts of sample, stepwise analysis of analytic method, and ease of trouble-shooting.