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It Is Already Here: The Clinical Laboratory of the Future
Recent developments in digital pathology, AI, automation, and digital information flow have revolutionized clinical laboratory work. The future is now for hospital laboratories, and the revolutionary changes brought about by these technologies are just the beginning.
A new era in diagnostics may be upon us thanks to digital pathology
An important but frequently frustrating part of making a diagnosis is waiting for an expert to review a pathology slide. The typical pathology workflow may delay diagnosis as numerous pathologists from different institutions may need to examine the same slide. It is necessary to evaluate the complete tissue sample on the slide in one field at a time and compare numerous slides if necessary.
Digitizing a whole slide to generate a high-resolution picture file can partially or fully address all these issues and more. Once converted to an electronic file, experts can view the same image in real time, enhancing teamwork and facilitating more thorough review. You can view the entire sample in one go, and you can even compare different slides side by side.
From basic quantification and annotation software to complex artificial intelligence algorithms that can detect and categorize tumours for human pathologists to assess, digital images also serve as the foundation for the use of image analysis technologies. Digital cytogenetics and chromosome analysis have recently made significant strides, and these developments should lead to more reliable and consistent results.
Hospital labs that use digital pathology platforms should make pathologists’ jobs easier by speeding up and improving the accuracy of their diagnosis while decreasing the amount of regular analysis they have to do.
Accelerating the use of remote pathology diagnosis is another potential benefit of digital pathology, which could help alleviate the staffing crunch that many labs have been experiencing recently. When establishing remote pathology, it is essential to follow the regulations set forth by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments for locations that are considered remote. The clinical pathology laboratory can be made more efficient and effective with the use of AI-based tools that can reliably and reproducibly analyse results, in conjunction with qualified workers. An essential foundation for laboratories has always been the ability to automatically validate data using algorithms; nevertheless, the laboratory is now at the forefront of modern medicine thanks to AI, which is helping healthcare practitioners avoid unnecessary testing.
The influence of machinery
The new laboratory will include digital pathology and other technologies. Robots and other types of automation may currently drive or assist with most lab procedures, if not carry them out totally. Automated sample pipetting, robotic barcoding, and automated delivery are just a few examples of how automation has improved lab efficiency and output.
Automation has helped clinical labs deal with the staffing crisis that is impacting the United States. By automating mundane processes, trained professionals may devote their time and energy to more complex operations. Particularly helpful for younger and older patients, who may have restrictions on the amount of blood they may donate, automated blood analysis systems can reduce the number of samples needed for analysis.
Prior to investing in any automated system, it is crucial to do a thorough evaluation of present and future requirements, along with potential savings, since not all clinical labs will achieve their desired level of automation. It may be more cost-effective for smaller facilities to hire a third-party provider rather than engage in a costly automated system update due to economies of scale.
Clinical lab staffing: a look back, a look forward, and a glimpse into the future
For the correct organization, investing in technology can yield huge returns, but it can’t supplant investments in people. It is becoming more important to have high-quality personnel in the clinical lab in order to take advantage of technological advances as the system gets more sophisticated, efficient, and high-throughput. Even though the best-run labs have cutting-edge technology running the show, they can’t reach their full potential without having exceptional people in charge. To establish a top-notch lab, you must invest in both personnel and technology.
Advanced technological resources, backed by substantial financial investments, will be necessary for the laboratory of the future. To get the most out of the savings and improved patient care that new technology can provide, it may be best to team up with a reference lab.
