& POCT at Providence

Gift Moyo

With over 20 years of dedicated service in the laboratory field, Gift Moyo brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role of Manager at Providence St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, California. Known for a hands-on approach and a passion for quality and compliance, Gift oversees the lab’s daily operations with a steadfast commitment to excellence.

Providence St. Jude Medical Center's laboratory has undergone a significant transformation in pre-analytical sample handling with the implementation of the Beckman Coulter Power Processor system. This advanced automation technology leverages barcode scanning to efficiently identify and sort specimens, ensuring that STAT (urgent) samples are prioritized over routine ones. As a result, turnaround time (TAT) goals for STAT samples are consistently met, significantly enhancing overall operational efficiency.

The workflow begins when specimens are placed on the system’s inlet intake. Depending on the rack type selected, specimens are automatically routed to the centrifuge for processing. By integrating centrifugation into the automation system, the laboratory has eliminated manual specimen handling, allowing Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS) and Laboratory Assistants to focus on other critical tasks, optimizing both time and expertise.

The system also accommodates pre-centrifuged outpatient specimens, which can be placed on a separate rack for seamless processing. One of its standout features is the automatic decapper, which removes caps from specimen tubes. Since its installation, the laboratory has reported a reduction in repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Additionally, the risk of body fluid exposure—a significant biohazard—has been markedly reduced, contributing to a safer work environment.

The Power Processor interfaces seamlessly with two general chemistry analyzers and one immunoassay analyzer. Specimens are automatically routed to the appropriate analyzer based on test requests downloaded from the laboratory information system (LIS). Once sampled, they pass through a recapper, ensuring that all tubes are capped before being mapped and stored in a refrigerated stockyard. This immediate recapping prevents serum evaporation, preserving specimen integrity for accurate add-on and repeat testing.

"The automation system has already proven to be a game-changer in the laboratory's mission to deliver efficient and accurate testing, laying a robust foundation for future innovations and improvements."

The system’s efficiency also extends to adding new tests on stored specimens. When a new test request is received, the automation system retrieves the relevant specimen from the refrigerator for processing, eliminating the need for manual searches and significantly saving time.

The introduction of automated specimen preparation and testing has substantially increased laboratory productivity. Labor costs have been reduced, as only a few personnel are required to operate the system—an important advantage given the nationwide shortage of laboratory scientists. Additionally, the automation of workflows has improved staff engagement and enhanced the quality of test results, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

Looking ahead, the laboratory aims to integrate additional technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to further drive efficiencies. The Power Processor has already proven to be a game-changer in delivering efficient and accurate testing, laying a strong foundation for future innovations and continuous improvement.