MLS420 - Clinical Laboratory Operations

MLS 420 – Clinical Laboratory Operations

Research Project

Directions

Objective: Compare the use, function, and specifications of two different analyzers.

Select two comparable (in terms of testing options) analyzers for comparison. Select something that is of interest to you! For example if you were interested in finding out more about nucleic acid extraction you could select the ThermoFisher Scientific KingFisher and the Aurora VERSA NAP.

Research both analyzers. You can find information out from manufacturers websites, published literature found in databases, and possibly textbooks. Regulatory agencies, such as CAP, may also have published information on specific analyzers. Information you need to find for both analyzers incudes:

· Principle of testing

· Types of specimens (i.e. plasma, whole blood, CSF)

· Sample Volume (how much sample is needed to run a test)

· Analysis Time (how long the test(s) take)

· Instrument Capacity (how many samples it can hold at a time)

· Test menu (what tests it can run. Ex: WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, ect)

· QC, calibration, and maintenance requirements

· Sensitivity/Specificity (as applicable)

· Reportable Range, Precision, and Accuracy (as applicable)

In addition, you must also find one published article on a study that used the analyzer, and you must find an article for each analyzer you selected. Articles must be published within the last 10 years. For example, I would find a study that used the ThermoFisher KingFisher and another study that used the AURORA VERSA NAP.

 

What to submit:

A word document that includes the following:

· A written description/comparison of each analyzer, including at a minimum the above specifications. (This section should be at least 2 pages long)

· An article review/annotated bibliography for each published study

· A reference list for each source used (including sources used for the comparison)

· 12 point Arial or Calibri font, double-spaced, left justified, 1 inch margins

 

The document must be written with clear and succinct writing and must have appropriate spelling, punctuation, grammar etc.