Automation

Automation refers to the use of technology—such as software, instruments, analyzers, and workflows—to automatically perform repetitive, rule-based, or high-volume tasks in a pathology laboratory.

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Glossary of Terms

What Is Automation?

Automation refers to the use of technology—such as software, instruments, analyzers, and workflows—to automatically perform repetitive, rule-based, or high-volume tasks in a pathology laboratory. It reduces human intervention, streamlines operations, minimizes errors, and accelerates the end-to-end diagnostic cycle from sample registration to report delivery.

Key Features / Bullet Points

  • Auto-sample Processing: Integration with analyzers to automatically receive results (biochemistry, hematology, immunoassay, etc.).
  • Workflow Automation: Pre-set rules for sample routing, prioritization (STAT), and multi-department workflows.
  • Automated Data Entry: Analyzer-to-LIS data transfer to eliminate manual entry errors.
  • Barcode Automation: Auto-generation and scanning for samples, reducing mix-ups and mismatches.
  • Automated Quality Control (QC): Scheduled QC runs, automated flagging, and QC result logging.
  • Auto-validation Rules: Normal-range auto-approval, delta checks, panic value alerts.
  • Automated Report Generation: Template-based reporting with predefined interpretations.
  • Auto-notifications: SMS/email/WhatsApp alerts for completed reports or critical results.
  • Inventory Automation: Low-stock alerts, auto-deduction of reagents, and expiry tracking.
  • Billing Automation: Auto-calculation of test charges, discounts, packages, and corporate rate cards.
  • Regulatory Automation: Automated audit trails, logs, and compliance checks for NABL/ISO standards.

FAQs – Automation in Pathology LIMS

  1. What does automation achieve in a pathology lab?
    It reduces manual workload, improves accuracy, speeds up processes, and ensures consistent, reliable results across the laboratory workflow.
  2. Does automation require new lab equipment?
    Not necessarily. Existing analyzers can often integrate with the LIMS using HL7/ASTM interfaces. Some functions (like report templates or billing rules) are purely software-based.
  3. How does automation reduce errors?
    By minimizing manual data entry, enforcing validation rules, and ensuring traceable digital workflows.
  4. Can automation help with accreditation (NABL/ISO)?
    Yes. Automated audit trails, QC tracking, SOP compliance logs, and controlled workflows make accreditation audits smoother and more reliable.
  5. Is automation expensive to implement?
    It depends on the lab size and hardware integration needs. However, most labs see cost savings through reduced manpower load, faster turnaround time (TAT), and improved productivity.
  6. Does automation support multi-location labs?
    Yes. Automated workflows, centralized QC, and cloud-based data syncing make multi-branch lab operations unified and efficient.
  7. Can automation handle STAT or urgent samples?
    Yes. The system can automatically flag, prioritize, and notify staff about urgent samples.

Want to learn more? Explore our LIS Glossary or check out our expert blogs on Anatomic Pathology, Molecular Diagnostics, Cytology, and Lab Information Systems.