The KORUS Immunoassay and Clinical Chemistry Workcell is available in three different configurations, the specific laboratory capabilities of which are outlined in Table 1. The system has a range of cost- and labour-saving features and benefits, which include:
* no presorting is required – the operator can simply load random samples into racks or individually onto the system, which minimises the operator time required to load the system
* samples can be sorted into many different rack types and into several positions within the exit module, which allows for flexible sample storage into specific racks
* real-time tracking permits complete sample management, making sample tracking and retrieval easy
* KORUS Workcell Manager provides a single LIS connection instead of individual connections to each analyser
* both IA and CC can be run from a single primary tube.
KORUS Workcell is designed to increase efficiency and productivity in the laboratory in a number of ways. The system requires minimal operator input so that the workload can be increased with the same or even fewer staff. For instance, KORUS features quick start-up requiring minimal user intervention, and the single entry and exit point for samples on each analyser reduces sample handling time.
Additionally, centralised instrument management includes sample management, immunoassay (IA) analyser monitoring and clinical chemistry (CC) analyser monitoring to optimise the efficiency of the systems in the laboratory, while standardised sample processing means that turnaround times are both improved and predictable.
Using the KORUS Workcell produces a safer working environment, reducing hazardous manual work and minimising operator exposure to blood and other body fluids. The quality of results is also improved and consistency is maintained by reducing the risk of human error with uniform sample handling. By decreasing the number of repeats, productivity is also increased.
Different elements
Sample entry in racks
Generic KORUS Workcell sample input racks are placed in the input drawers and a robotic arm transfers samples into a multitube carrier. Alternatively, centrifuge racks can also be used for reduced operator intervention. The barcode of the sample tube is read and a route query is made to the KORUS Workcell Manager. The processing path required for each tube through the Workcell is then programmed into the memory of the carrier and the sample released onto the main conveyor for processing.
Multitube carrier
The carrier is used to transport the sample through the different components of the KORUS Workcell. The Workcell Manager defines the route based on the tests required and the type of sample. The route code to the next module and the sample ID are written into a microchip in the carrier. Each time the carrier leaves a module the route code is rewritten and tagged to the sample’s ID. This means that a sample is not specifically tied to the same carrier throughout its journey through the Workcell.
ES Flex Module
The KORUS Workcell’s Entry and Sorting module has a single sample entry and exit point. This module has four drawers and any drawer can be selected for input or output, depending on the needs of the laboratory. Each exit drawer can accommodate one storage rack, four universal racks or one analyzer-specific rack. All exit racks may have a unique address for sorting purposes. The capacity of the storage rack is 100 tubes and the universal rack is 24 tubes.
Automatic decapping
Both traditional closures and screw-capped tubes can be decapped by the unit. The module has an auto-pause feature when the waste container is removed for emptying. The functionality of the decapper is such that it operates very safely with a low risk of contamination
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Conveyors
The two-lane conveyors move the samples in the carriers around the tracking line. KORUS Workcell is available as three different configurations: Basic, Advanced and Plus.
Bypasses
Analysers are connected to the track with so-called bypasses, allowing samples to be routed to a bypass module for the instrument to dispense samples from a tube while it is still on the track.
Offline sorting
Samples are sorted into universal or instrument-specific racks and are then moved by a ‘sneaker net’ to the appropriate instrument.
System manager and workcell controller
The KORUS Workcell System Manager (KWM) and the KORUS Workcell (TCA) Controller are run by two computers and have various functions.
Workcell System Manager
The KWM holds the key to the Workcell’s functionalities. It is the only connection point to the LIS and has access to the test menus of the different connected systems. It will use this information to create a route for each sample based on the tests requested. It also balances, where possible, the workload over multiple systems so that the work flows through the KORUS Workcell as smoothly as possible.
Workcell Controller
The Workcell Controller drives the KORUS Workcell, linking all the modules together electronically. The Workcell Controller will monitor the status of each module and alert operators if there is an issue with any of them.
First orders received
Soon after the successful launch of the system at JIB in Paris last year, Tosoh was awarded an order for KORUS from the Clinique de l’Union – one of France’s 10 largest clinics – in Toulouse. Laboratory managers from Toulouse had already visited the Thermo Fisher site at Vantaa in Finland, which provided the customers with more information about the system and the confidence to go ahead with the order. This also provided an excellent opportunity to show new customers the company's capabilities in clinical chemistry and automation.
The first KORUS was installed in Toulouse in June 2009 under a very tight schedule. The installation brought together teams from Thermo and Tosoh, which proved how efficiently they could work together, being eager and committed to get the system up and running as quickly and smoothly as possible.
The Clinique de l’Union is a private 514-bed clinic with a new laboratory that handled 500,000 clinical chemistry assays and 60,000 immunoassays a year. Thus, it was decided that a KORUS Plus (two Prime 60 units, one AIA-2000 unit, a decapper and a tracking line) would be required.
Since meeting Clinique de l’Union personnel in April 2009, Thermo has hosted further visits from prospective KORUS customers. These have included visitors from the Czech Republic, who were able to see the system in operation and watcha presentation showing its features and benefits. They were also able to find out how every configuration, large or small, is rigorously tested before delivery to the customer. This has resulted in the first KORUS order from Czech Republic.
info.diag.uk@tosoh.com