Laboratory automation is an increasingly important part of the job description of many laboratory scientists. Although many laboratory scientists understand the methods and principles involved in automation, most lack the necessary engineering and programming skills needed to successfully automate or interface equipment in the lab. A step-by-step,
Devices and Systems for Laboratory Automation Structured Overview on the Available Systems and Devices for Laboratory Automation Choosing the right systems and devices for the automation in any given laboratory is an essential part for the process to succeed. As relevant information to make an informed choice is not always readily available, a structured overview is essential for modern scientists. This book provides an introduction into laboratory automation and an overview of the necessary devices and systems. Sample topics discussed by the two well-qualified authors include: Specific requirements the automation needs to fulfill such as liquid delivery, low volume delivery, solid delivery, and sample preparation An overview on robots and mobile robots Common interfaces in laboratory automation For scientists and all individuals working in laboratories, the work serves as an indispensable resource in helping to make laboratory processes more streamlined, effective, and efficient.
By closing the gap between general programming books and those on laboratory automation, this timely book makes accessible to every laboratory technician or scientist what has traditionally been restricted to highly specialized professionals. Following the idea of "learning by doing", the book provides an introduction to scripting using AutoIt, with many workable examples based on real-world scenarios. A large portion of the book tackles the traditionally hard problem of instrument synchronization, including remote, web-based synchronization. Automated result processing, database operation, and creation of graphical user interfaces are also examined. Readers of this book can immediately profit from the new knowledge in terms of both increased efficiency and reduced costs in laboratory operation. Above all, laboratory technicians and scientists will learn that they are free to choose whatever equipment they desire when configuring an automated analytical setup, regardless of manufacturers suggested specifications.
A fully automated lab can perform miracles of elucidation–from taking objective measurements to generating massive amounts of data in a short time to drawing conclusions using multivariant statistical methods. In this technically enhanced setting, a chemist can now conduct new types of experiments, ones that require the assimilation of large amounts of data in a short time and others that require the control of a large number of parameters simultaneously or take a long time to complete. Automating a laboratory is surprisingly inexpensive–and given the basic electronics and computer know-how–relatively simple. With this text, written by two chemists who have successfully automated their own labs, you’ll be able to fully automate your laboratory, building and programming your own devices and automatic systems, using their measured, step-by-step approach. You’ll learn: The basic concepts of analog and digital electronics, enabling you to select components of appropriate quality and construct simple circuits The dynamics of the simplest electronic elements–resistors, capacitors and RC circuits–and their applications, as well as diodes, rectifiers, filters, regulators, and more The basic vocabulary of bit, byte, word and digital signal, gates, latches, counters, and multivibrators The basic parts of a microprocessor–the arithmetic logic unit, the internal registers, and the control units–as well as input/output techniques Analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion techniques The way interface cards can be programmed in interpreted and compiled BASIC, complete with program examples The most popular communication protocols for intercommunicating computers, instruments, and other devices The laboratory instruments and apparatus with the necessary interfaces useful in building up an automated system Laboratory robotics–from motors and position detectors to articulated arms This definitive, hands-on, and up-to-date text will allow you to smoothly automate your lab in as cost-effective and efficient a style as possible. The versatility of the tools and techniques described are suitable for professional settings as wide as the industrial lab, municipal lab, analytical services, environmental control services, and health services. An Introduction to Laboratory Automation details simply and economically–for students and professionals alike–the practical dynamics behind sciences successful mix of chemistry and computer.
Contains the core chapters stressing basic theory and application and also examines trouble shooting, specimen processing, and quality assurance. It addresses the economic topics of efficiency and cost. It covers all of these varied topics: analytical theories and applications; the use of lab computers; basic electronics; instrument reliability; the small lab/physician's office laboratory; and more.
Adopting a practical approach, this timely book closes the gap between general and programming books on AutoIt and those on laboratory automation. Following an introduction to scripting using the freeware, the most important functions are explained before step-by-step explanations and additional software tools enable readers without prior knowledge to use AutoIt for automation tasks in their labs to streamline otherwise time-consuming and error-prone workflows. Many exercises are offered throughout the book following the idea of "learning by doing", and real-world examples illustrate applications of the technique. A supplementary website features additional software for downloading.
This comprehensive landmark book describes the technology of the future in diagnostic medicine, how to integrate it into the modern hospital and how to work with people to adapt, change and plan for a smooth transition to a fully robotic laboratory. Features an extensive section on point-of-care testing along with a modern perspective of how this will transform medicine. Global experts in their fields have authored all chapters which include a unique one on machine vision and another (with several plates) that discusses the automation of a clinical laboratory in Japan.
Current and Emerging Technologies in Microbial Diagnostics, the latest volume in the Methods in Microbiology series, provides comprehensive, cutting-edge reviews of current and emerging technologies in the field of clinical microbiology. The book features a wide variety of state-of-the art methods and techniques for the diagnosis and management of microbial infections, with chapters authored by internationally renowned experts. This volume focuses on current techniques, such as MALDI-TOF mass spectroscopy and molecular diagnostics, along with newly emerging technologies such as host-based diagnostics and next generation sequencing. Written by recognized leaders and experts in the field Provides a comprehensive and cutting-edge review of current and emerging technologies in the field of clinical microbiology, including discussions of current techniques such as MALDI-TOF mass spectroscopy and molecular diagnostics Includes a broad range and breadth of techniques covered Presents discussions on newly emerging technologies such as host-based diagnostics and next generation sequencing
A fully automated lab can perform miracles of elucidation–from taking objective measurements to generating massive amounts of data in a short time to drawing conclusions using multivariant statistical methods. In this technically enhanced setting, a chemist can now conduct new types of experiments, ones that require the assimilation of large amounts of data in a short time and others that require the control of a large number of parameters simultaneously or take a long time to complete. Automating a laboratory is surprisingly inexpensive–and given the basic electronics and computer know-how–relatively simple. With this text, written by two chemists who have successfully automated their own labs, you’ll be able to fully automate your laboratory, building and programming your own devices and automatic systems, using their measured, step-by-step approach. You’ll learn: The basic concepts of analog and digital electronics, enabling you to select components of appropriate quality and construct simple circuits The dynamics of the simplest electronic elements–resistors, capacitors and RC circuits–and their applications, as well as diodes, rectifiers, filters, regulators, and more The basic vocabulary of bit, byte, word and digital signal, gates, latches, counters, and multivibrators The basic parts of a microprocessor–the arithmetic logic unit, the internal registers, and the control units–as well as input/output techniques Analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion techniques The way interface cards can be programmed in interpreted and compiled BASIC, complete with program examples The most popular communication protocols for intercommunicating computers, instruments, and other devices The laboratory instruments and apparatus with the necessary interfaces useful in building up an automated system Laboratory robotics–from motors and position detectors to articulated arms This definitive, hands-on, and up-to-date text will allow you to smoothly automate your lab in as cost-effective and efficient a style as possible. The versatility of the tools and techniques described are suitable for professional settings as wide as the industrial lab, municipal lab, analytical services, environmental control services, and health services. An Introduction to Laboratory Automation details simply and economically–for students and professionals alike–the practical dynamics behind sciences successful mix of chemistry and computer.
Immunoassay Automation: A Practical Guide describes automation of immunoassay from the practical viewpoint of the clinical laboratory. General introduction and evaluation sections demonstrate principles and practice. A comprehensive selection of available systems are detailed by experts, with a view towards popularity, technical advances, and operational efficiency. This laboratory guide is essential for practitioners in clinical chemistry laboratories, and will have lasting value in the evolution of automated systems. Focuses on automation of immunoassay for the clinical laboratory Emphasizes principles, method evaluation, and the systems approach Aids system selection by evaluation of technical, clinical, operational, and economical parameters Contains complete descriptions by experts on the latest automated immunoassay systems Based upon the editor's well-received workshops on automated immunoassay
