Quality and Controls in Automation Techniques

With less direct involvement from humans, automation has enhanced production, sped up sample processing, and increased report availability in clinical diagnostic laboratories. However, the high volume and high throughput state that has evolved due to automation calls for the verification of the quality of all reports produced, which is crucial for the patients. Therefore, it is essential that all results from tests are relevant, reliable, timely and interpreted correctly. Additionally, clinical diagnostic laboratories and associated quality control programmes do contribute to reducing mortality caused by avoidable medical errors. The performance of clinical laboratories is influenced by two components: quality control and quality assurance. Quality assessment is the planned and systematic set of quality activities focused on ensuring the quality of laboratory results. It is anticipated to be thorough and encompass every facet, from receipt of the specimen until the report is generated, i.e., pre-analytical stage, analytical stage to post-analytical stage. When an accurate control and monitoring plan is in place, an assessment should be made to see if the controls are suitable, and the processes are adequate. In the assessment process, there are organisations at regional, national, and international levels that set norms or standards and offer laboratory accreditation or certification are crucial.