Super-sampling!

Three years ago the hospitalÆs clinical biochemistry department received funding for modernisation and automation, creating an opportunity for an entire service reconfiguration. The laboratory looked at all its current working practices and how they related to staffing and technology. In August 2003 the hospital was the first in the UK to receive delivery of a sample management system to add to the two Immulite 2000s the department already used, thus enabling a change in working practices. Now, the introduction of the Immulite 2500 has further expanded capabilities. The new system will enable the laboratory to facilitate patient testing within the hospital. Laboratory manager David Ricketts welcomed the opportunity: ôOnce the system is fully interfaced we will look to run the system on a 24-hour cycle. Long-term, we are looking to have two 2500 systems linked to a sample management system, with routine samples loaded by less experienced staff. This will improve the excellent service already provided and enable the more qualified staff to participate in more interesting tasks and channel efforts into education and service development.ö To celebrate the occasion, a morning presentation was held for the pathology department and a commemorative plaque was presented. Recently, DPC has also placed an Immulite 2500 system in Leeds, at the BUPA hospital. This is another very well-established relationship, as the hospital was the first UK placement site for DPCÆs original automated immunoassay system, the Immulite.