Affiliation:
1. Institut de Biologie, BP 1005, 44035 Nantes, France, Tel 0033 2 40084811, Fax 0033 2 40084813,
Abstract
The clinical laboratory is moving from an activity focused on the analysis to an in vitro diagnostic service network. Laboratory analysis is a disassembly process, very different from manufacturing processes which are assembly processes. Specific quality goals must be discussed before adopting robots. As an example, in order to achieve the ultimate quality goals in our laboratory, it was necessary to use automation for sample handling. We developed automation in a new multidisciplinary model at the Institute of Biology of Nantes. Our multidisciplinary laboratory included clinical laboratories, research laboratories, and start-up companies in an open space of 10,000 m2 shared between two floors. Sample transportation is automated from clinical wards to laboratory workstations.