- DynaLIFE first Canadian lab to install new, advanced in vitro diagnostic analyzers, the Atellica Solution
- This new system is currently running 10 million tests annually with the ability to run more than double the current testing capacity to support increasing volumes
DynaLIFE is the first healthcare facility in Canada to install Siemens Healthineers Atellica® Solution, which provides the laboratory with flexible, scalable, automation-ready immunoassay and chemistry analyzers.
The DynaLIFE installation is the first in Canada to connect the Atellica Solution analyzers to Aptio® Automation with third party analyzers also running on the automation line, creating a uniquely customized offering to meet DynaLIFE’s testing needs. Aptio Automation enables improved utilization of lab resources, increased efficiency, accelerated processing, and consistent turnaround time for test results by combining intelligent technologies with Siemens Healthineers workflow xpertise.
“With the installation of the Atellica Solution, we are able to run 7,500 tubes a day,” said Jason Pincock, CMA, CEO, DynaLIFE. “We currently perform approximately 18 million tests annually across all departments at our Edmonton referral lab location. The Atellica Solution will eventually enable us to run more than 12 million additional tests each year. The Atellica Solution provides potential for further upgrades to grow our lab to meet future demand,” continued Jason Pincock.
The Atellica Solution is comprised of sample management as well as immunoassay and clinical chemistry analyzers and is an excellent fit for mid-and high-volume labs. It delivers unprecedented flexibility to adapt to changing testing needs and space constraints. The solution can combine up to 10 components into more than 300 customizable configurations including linear, L and U shapes. It can operate as a stand-alone system or connect to Aptio Automation to provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary testing solution that could include clinical chemistry, immunoassay, hemostasis, hematology, and plasma protein analyzers.
State-of-the-art Testing from DynaLIFE
Having operated in Canada for over 50 years, DynaLIFE provides diagnostic laboratory services to more than 2,000 physicians and supports 2.1 million community patient visits annually. In addition, DynaLIFE also provides testing for acute care and hospital patients from across northern Alberta. Its services are provided by approximately 1,200 laboratory employees working at 35 sites including hospital laboratories, community patient care centres, and its central testing laboratory in Edmonton, Alberta. The new Atellica Solution has been installed at DynaLIFE’s state-of-the-art facility in Edmonton, where in excess of 18 million tests are performed each year.
“The Atellica Solution simplifies laboratory operations through intelligent sample management,” said Lana Sammut, Solutions Specialist – Automation, Chemistry and Immunoassay, Siemens Healthineers. “It can process more than 30 different sample container types, including pediatric and tube-top sample cups that can be aspirated from the primary tube. Further, by using the same reagents and consumables across different analyzer configurations, laboratories can streamline inventory and deliver consistent patient results no matter where patients are tested.”
One key feature is the Atellica Magline™ Transport, the patented bi-directional, magnetic transport technology that is 10 times faster than conventional sample conveyors, and provides innovative and unique sample management capabilities. The transport technology, together with a multi-camera vision system, intelligent sample routing, as well as automatic quality control (QC) and calibration activities (no daily hands-on), give laboratories independent control over every individual sample—from routine to STAT—to deliver rapid, high quality patient results to clinicians.
Powering the Atellica Solution is a comprehensive menu of 175 assays, including 10-minute turnaround times for key cardiac, reproductive and thyroid tests, with 32 more assays in the pipeline. The immunoassay analyzer features a patent-pending dual incubation ring design, temperature and humidity controls of the reaction environment, powerful magnets for relevant particle separation and robust washing protocols—all of which enable delivery of rapid, high precision results.
Digital capabilities such as auto verification and automated inventory management also help reduce cost. By auto verifying 92 per cent of results, one hospital lab decreased manual labour while reducing errors by 74 per cent. Another hospital reported time savings of 35 per cent associated with automated inventory management. 1,2
DynaLIFE is the largest Atellica Solution automation site in the world as of early 2019, running 7,500 tubes in a single day.
“This installation will see three Atellica ScIs installed, which comprises of a sample handler, a CH 930 Analyzer and a IM 1600 Analyzer, which are connected to Aptio Automation in our Edmonton lab,” said Jason Pincock. “In addition to the Atellica Solutions, we have also connected the Roche Cobas 8000 automated system to the Aptio utomation. This is the first time such an automated system has been installed in North America and will further ensure DynaLIFE lives up to its mission of making a difference in people’s lives through excellence in medical laboratory testing, diagnostics and customer care,” said Jason Pincock.
1. Siemens Healthineers supported the study by providing systems, reagents, and protocols and contributed to data analysis.
2. The outcomes obtained by customers described here were realized in the customers’ unique setting.