Clinical chemistry analyzers play a critical role in medical and research labs and various types of healthcare settings. They run assays on clinical samples such as blood serum, plasma, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid to detect the presence of analytes relating to disease or drugs. Applications include monitoring diseases such as diabetes, testing for metabolic functions or cardiac markers, and drugs-of-abuse testing. Leading manufacturers offer advanced automated analyzers with an extensive menu of tests designed to provide accurate results, and improve lab workflow and turnaround time.
Whether you are looking to buy a new chemistry system or to replace an existing analyzer, there are certain factors you should consider to make the right choice:
- Specific requirements - STAT mode or random-access capability and whether batch, random, or continuous analysis
- Throughput capability
- Turnaround time
- Sample handling capacity, degree of automation, data management
- Footprint - labs with limited physical space would need an instrument with a small footprint such as a benchtop analyzer or a point-of-care device
- Safety features - closed tube sampling and aliquoting
- Device accessories - incubator, built-in printer to print patient reports
- Calibration details
- Whether it will interface with your lab's LIS
- Cost - maintenance/operating costs, shipping and installation fee
Point of care chemistry analyzers like Abaxis Piccolo Xpress can provide quality results in about 12 minutes, while Medica's EasyRA is a benchtop model that enables small clinical laboratories to deliver accurate results in quick turnaround time and thus improve patient care. EasyRA's ease of use and low maintenance maximizes efficiency and quality of care.
A professional lab equipment dealer can help you choose the right analyzer that meets your specific requirements. Such dealers offer superior chemistry systems from top manufacturers as well as reagent rental plans which allow customers the opportunity to acquire an analyzer in exchange for the guaranteed purchase of reagents over a period of time. This is an ideal option when funds are tight and the lab is unable to invest in equipment purchase.