New clinical chemistry and immunoassay analysers at Mater Pathology

The Clinical Chemistry and Immunology Departments of Mater Pathology are currently undertaking a major project to replace the high throughput chemistry and immunoassay analysers. This project involves the implementation of two Ortho Fusion analysers and two Abbott Architect immunoassay analysers.

The Fusion analysers have been installed and operational for two months. The serology immunoassay analyser is operational and the second immunoassay analyser will be operational within the next four weeks.

There will be significant improvement in the turnaround times for a number of tests including troponins, HCGs, antibiotics and urine proteins.

By the first quarter of 2007 a number of extra tests will be consolidated on to the Fusion analysers resulting in a decrease in the amount of blood required for biochemical testing.

Over the next 12 months, biochemistry staff at Mater Pathology will be developing assays on the Fusion analyser to replace a number of methods that are currently performed manually. This will improve the turnaround times for tests such as bile acids and fructosamine.