DEVELOPMENT OF A ROBOTIC NEAR PATIENT TESTING LABORATORY

Many laboratories have centralized critical care services to conserve resources, but centralization has often been at the expense of providi ng optimized patient care, We have created a remotely controlled clini cal laboratory that provides whole blood analysis of blood gases (PCO2 , PO2) pH, electrolytes (Na+, K+, Cl-), glucose, and hemoglobin near t he patient's beside, while maintaining the distinct advantage of centr al laboratory control. The automated remote laboratory provides extrem ely rapid turnaround times, eliminates the cost of labor for specimen processing, reduces the risk from contaminated specimens, reduces staf f training, and results in improved patient care.