Nomenclature in laboratory robotics and automation (IUPAC Recommendation 1994)

These recommended terms have been prepared to help provide a uniform approach to terminology and notation in laboratory automation and robotics. Since the terminology used in laboratory automation and robotics has been derived from diverse backgrounds, it is often vague, imprecise, and in some cases, in conflict with classical automation and robotic nomenclature.These dejinitions have been assembled from standards, monographs, dictionaries, journal articles, and documents of international organizations emphasizing laboratory and industrial automation and robotics. When appropriate, definitions have been taken directly from the original source and identified with that source. However, in some cases no acceptable definition could be found and a new definition was prepared to define the object, term, or action. Attention has been given to defining specific robot types, coordinate systems, parameters, attributes, communication protocols and associated workstations and hardware. Diagrams are included to illustrate specific concepts that can best be understood by visualization.     

Selection criteria for laboratory robotic application personnel

Norwich Eaton Pharmaceutical recognized the benefits of using automation systems in the laboratory over seven years ago and created a robotic development area within the analytical method development group. They now have eight complete robotic systems and a large number of semi-automated systems in routine operation.This level of activity has provided many challenges for the automation group. The success of this group has been very dependent on the talents of people working these assignments. You can have the best equipment and the vendor''s promises of success, but it is the people who understand the products and the requirements that get systems on line.Assembling an effective robotics organization requires prework on the part of management. There must be a clear vision of the specific types of activities the group will perform. This vision can be used to establish a skills profile for the members of the team. It appears that at least four people are required to provide the variety of skills and keep the group going.Each member''s personality is an important component of establishing a new team. In robotics, one of the most critical talents is the ability to work on long term projects that constantly present new challenges. The group members need to balance consistency of purpose with the ability to creatively solve a variety of problems. The group will not be effective in delivering new technologies unless they have the talent to train the novice in a highly technical environment.People who are successful in automation development are unique. They should have the ability to work comfortably in a logic-based environment, to become very creative on demand, and to communicate highly technical information effectively. People do not usually possess all these skills, providing their manager with challenging coaching opportunities.     

Examination for the Associateship (ASDC 1988)

The 35th examination for the Associateship of the Society was held in May 1988. The question papers and report of the Examinations Board are set out below. It is hoped that their publication will prove helpful both to prospective candidates and to teachers, and will inform members of the Society and others of the standard of knowledge expected of candidates for the Associateship.     

Integrated laboratory information system in a large hospital laboratory in Singapore

This paper describes an integrated approach to the computerization of all major disciplines of laboratory medicine and pathology. Installed in the Department of Pathology, Singapore General Hospital (SGH), the computer system discussed comprises a RISC-based Data General Aviion 6200 computer and Meditech MAGIC software. The system has been interfaced with the hospital host IBM computer and supports patient information transfer, result reporting, phlebotomy management, and compilation of laboratory and financial management reports. The main functions of the system include: on-line and off-line acquisition of patient information and test data; preparation of single/combined/cumulative reports; transmission of reports within and between laboratories; instantaneous provision of data in response to telephone enquiries; calculations of quality control/workload/productivity statistics and indices; and generation of billing lists. The computer enables reports to be provided on patient tests results in individual wards, at various specialist out-patient clinics, and in the Accident and Emergency Department of the SGH through the IBM mainframe, as well as to remote printers installed at several other major hospitals.The use of the MAGIC integrated laboratory information system has resulted in a significant increase in laboratory efficiency and productivity.     

Key issues for establishing a robotics laboratory in the pharmaceutical industry

The Analytical Research and Development Department of Bristol-Myers Squibb has a laboratory dedicated to robotic analysis of solid dose forms. It consists of eight individuals responsible for nine robotic systems. The laboratory is dedicated to the support of Phase III stability studies that require dissolution, potency, content. uniformity and Karl Fischer moisture assays. The group performs about 15000 assays a year for approximately six long-term stability programs. The key issues for success were personnel selection, methods development (methods transfer), routine assay support, documentation, validation, training and support services. This paper discusses the establishment of the laboratory and the future issues important to continued success.