Biochemistry analyzers, also known as clinical chemistry analyzers or auto-analyzers, are laboratory instruments that are used to measure chemicals found in blood, urine and other body fluids. They automate the process of clinical chemistry testing, allowing samples to be analyzed quickly and more accurately. This helps laboratories conduct large numbers of tests efficiently and expedite results to physicians.
Components and Working of Biochemistry Analyzers
They consist of several key components that work together to perform analyses automatically. The main components include:
– Sample handling system: This system prepares samples and transports them to the appropriate locations in the analyzer. Samples are received as whole blood, plasma or serum in racks and are loaded into the sample carousel.
– Reagent storage and delivery: Analyzers have compact reagent systems to store liquid reagents in precise amounts. Reagents are automatically transported to the reaction cells as needed for different tests.
– Reaction cells: These are precision cells where samples and reagents are mixed under controlled temperature and time conditions. Common types of reaction cells include cuvettes, cartridges and rotors.
– Photometers: To detect the results of reactions between samples and reagents, photometers use principles of absorption spectrophotometry. They pass light through reaction mixtures and precisely measure the amounts of light absorbed.
– Computer and software system: A centralized computer controls all analyzer functions and processes. Advanced software calibrates tests, ensures quality control, manages results and interfaces with laboratory information systems.
Types of Tests Performed by Biochemistry Analyzers
They can perform a wide range of clinical chemistry tests on specimens:
– Liver function tests: These include tests for bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT).
– Kidney function tests: Tests for blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and electrolytes like sodium, potassium and chloride are used to assess kidney function.
– Lipid profile: Tests for total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides provide a full lipid profile.
– Thyroid function tests: Analyzers can measure thyroid hormones like triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
– Proteins: Tests for total protein, albumin and globulins are useful protein indicators. Specific protein tests include C-reactive protein and prostate specific antigen.
– Electrolytes: In addition to kidney electrolytes, tests are available for calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and other electrolytes important for cellular function.
– Other tests: Glucose, blood gases, cardiac markers, magnesium, iron, ferritin and tumor markers.
Advantages
Some key advantages of automated Biochemistry Analyzers in clinical laboratories include:
– High throughput of samples: Analyzers can process hundreds of samples per hour. This maximizes efficiency and reduces turnaround time.
– Minimal human error: Automation minimizes manual errors during testing. Sample identification, dilution, pipetting etc. are precisely controlled.
– Variable test menus: Different analyzer models offer flexibility to perform 50-300 different tests on a single platform based on laboratory needs.
– Accuracy and precision: Strict quality control ensures test results have high analytical accuracy and precision on every run.
– Connectivity: Bidirectional interfacing of analyzers with laboratory information systems automates test ordering, result reporting and billing.
– Standardization: Use of same standardized reagents and protocols across analyzer models ensure consistency in results worldwide.
– Cost-effectiveness: Though investment is high initially, automation reduces labor costs, minimizes reagent waste and improves workflow overall.
Applications of Biochemistry Testing
Biochemistry results from analyzers provide valuable clinical information to physicians for diagnosis, treatment monitoring and disease management:
– Diagnosis of liver diseases: Abnormal liver function test results indicate conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer.
– Kidney disease screening: Tests for BUN and creatinine are important indicators for chronic kidney disease.
– Diabetes management: Frequent monitoring of glucose levels helps optimize diabetes treatment plans.
– Cardiac conditions: Cardiac marker tests aid diagnosis of heart attacks. Lipid profiles determine cardiovascular risk.
– Nutritional deficiencies: Analyzers detect electrolyte and mineral imbalances caused by malnutrition.
– Cancer screening and monitoring: Tumor marker tests contribute to cancer screening and monitoring response to therapy.
– Infection and inflammation: Tests for CRP, fibrinogen and other acute phase proteins indicate presence of infection or inflammation.
Role of Biochemistry Analyzers in Precision Medicine
Biochemistry results provide objective quantitative data that is valuable for characterizing individual patients molecularly in precision or personalized medicine approaches. Combining clinical chemistry results with other OMICs data and advanced analytics helps:
– stratify patients into molecular subgroups for targeted therapy selection.
– determine patient risk factors, disease susceptibility genes or prognosis.
– monitor therapy response at the molecular level for Individual patients.
– develop molecular signatures for rare conditions using big data approaches.
Thus biochemical analysis forms an important tool in the era of precision health by objectively characterizing patients at a molecular level. This helps optimize and personalize clinical decision making.
About Author:
Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)
