Siemens installs world’s longest lab automation track at Thyrocare

In a significant boost to availability of in-vitro diagnostic testing services in India, the Diagnostics Division of Siemens Healthcare has successfully installed the world’s longest lab automation track at Thyrocare Technologies, Mumbai. The Siemens Aptio Automation installation at Thyrocare is also India’s first lab automation solution.

The installation at Thyrocare is 93.5 meter long, which is currently the longest in the world. It has 31 instruments (24 Advia Centaur XP Immunoassay systems and 7 Advia 2400 Chemistry systems) docked to the track, 10 rack loading / unloading robots and 5 decappers. Various intelligent features in the solution allow Thyrocare Technologies to perform approximately 200,000 tests per day involving both immunoassay and chemistry.

Dr. A Velumani, CEO and Founder, Thyrocare Technologies explains, “Aptio is sleek, dynamic and intelligent automation solution, very ideal for high volume laboratory for pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical needs. Our floor is more productive and least expensive now.” He further adds, “In 2014 summer, the first phase of the 187 meter long track that we need for our business has been installed.”

Sushant Kinra, Head - Diagnostics Division, Siemens Healthcare India, mentions, “Siemens is aware of how our customers’ needs have evolved. Aptio Automation represents our latest innovation and vision on how we can help laboratories keep pace in this challenging environment and address their most pressing business and clinical demands.”

Aptio is an adaptable solution that allows for a phased implementation to accommodate both current and future needs of medium- to very high-volume laboratories. The solution promises to transform laboratory operations by combining Siemens’ industry-leading workflow expertise with peak performance, adaptability and intelligent technology. Aptio Automation’s circular track and modular design ensure adaptability to nearly any lab or testing environment.

Aptio Automation also offers connectivity to Siemens’ portfolio of automation-ready analyzers, thus facilitating a multidisciplinary approach to testing. Further, the point-in-space aspiration feature helps streamline workflow by reducing the need to aliquot (or divide) samples and its puck-based system with RFID enables individual sample routing and tracking, along with STAT prioritization.

Additionally, Aptio Automation delivers comprehensive analytics via powerful, centralized information technology, while having the flexibility to provide pre- and post-analytical capabilities. Siemens’ CentraLink™ Data Management System facilitates efficient sample flow, auto-verification, quick access to samples and proactive quality control (QC). Plus, the CentraLink System can be customized per end user, speeding up system access and supporting error reduction.