In Vitro Diagnostics: Key Considerations Before Implementing Lab Automation

Alex D'Souza, Medical Tech Outlook | Monday, March 21, 2022

Lab automation development processes necessitate a lot of iterative experimentation and some trial and error. Because of the lack of expertise in this field, there is uncertainty, making it difficult to plan and raise the likelihood of projects being postponed or going over budget.

FREMONT, CA: If one is working on In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) products, now is the time to learn about incorporating lab automation. When it comes to lab automation, organizations have two choices: outsource or Do it Yourself (DIY). Choosing an in-house approach has many benefits; after all, the business is the one with the in vitro diagnostic experience, but do DIY solutions actually work? There are some key factors to recognize when making a decision that can influence the scope and expense of the IVD automation project.

Is the Organization Equipped to Handle the Errors?

Lab automation development processes necessitate a lot of iterative experimentation and some trial and error. Because of the lack of expertise in this field, there is uncertainty, making it difficult to plan and raise the likelihood of projects being postponed or going over budget. Working with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) developer will help to mitigate this risk dramatically. OEM partners have a lot of automation experience, which will save time and money, but they also use agile production techniques, incorporating iterative development into the design.

As a result, iteration is a strength of the whole process, as teams work efficiently to create prototypes and solutions throughout many sprints. This assumes that automation prototypes are created and tested early in the process, eliminating the need to wait until the end to see how it succeeded. Any potential issues with the procedure are detected early on and can be resolved.

Could the Organization Get Stuck in The Details?

When planning in vitro diagnostics, getting caught up in the details and losing sight of the big picture is crucial to seeing the project through to completion. This is particularly popular in IVD products, which are often technically demanding and can divert attention away from other important fields. Control tools for the instrument, as well as lifecycle management, are two processes that are often overlooked. These are not insignificant aspects of the project, and if they are not adequately planned for, they will easily blow the budget. 

Working with OEM partners gives a comprehensive view of the lab automation process, allowing organizations to devote more time to the area of expertise, diagnostics. A strong OEM provider would also provide modular software solutions that can be conveniently integrated to have the best possible user interface for the customers. OEM associates are also skilled at preparing and maintaining the new IVD instrument's lifecycle, including life-span updates and new product construction, ensuring that the consumers get the best-automated approach available in the future.

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