Lab Matters Fall 2024 | Page 122

APHL 2024 POSTER ABSTRACTS

various instrumentation platforms such as Hologic ’ s Panther , Bio-Rad ’ s Evolis and Gold Standard Diagnostics ’ AIX 1000 . The constant evolution and requirements of public healthcare has necessitated the utilization of automated methods . There are advantages and disadvantages to these methods . Many advantages to laboratory automation include accuracy in measurements , efficiency when testing large quantities of specimens , reduction in contamination , reduction in personnel required to perform testing and increased safety by reducing analyst contact with specimens . The disadvantages or limitations encompass high upfront costs of instrumentation , higher recurring costs for supplies , costs and time delays incurred for instrument repairs and maintenance , environmental impacts of the machines and increased safety hazards when handling mechanical parts . An additional disadvantage to automated testing is the dependence that is placed on instrumentation ; this reliance diminishes analysts ’ expertise and skill sets , so in the event an automated method cannot be performed there is no assay redundancy as analysts are incapable of performing manual methods .

Presenter : Gary Burruss , gary . burruss @ ks . gov

Cobots in Action : PHEL ’ s Vision for Empowering Workforce Development and Efficient Laboratories

S . Patel 1 , M . Mehta 2 , M . Weck 2 , H . Cheung 1 , D . Shepherd 1 , A . Oyelade 3 , J . Studebaker 3 , J . Favate 3 , F . Nindo 3 , S . Mikorski 4 , L . Bodnar 1 , D . Woell 3 , R . Finney 1 , R . Siderits 4 , T . Kirn 3 , New Jersey Department of Health - Public Health and Environmental Laboratories 1 , Rutgers University 2 , New Jersey Public Health and Environmental Laboratories 3 , New Jersey Department of Health 4

In the era of advancing technology , collaborative robots , also known as cobots , are emerging as valuable tools for facilitating workforce development . Cobots are designed to work collaboratively with humans and excel in automating repetitive and tedious tasks . In doing so , they improve efficiency and productivity , reduce repetitive motion injuries and reduce human error . This technological evolution not only streamlines operations but also presents opportunities for laboratorians to acquire new skills related to cobot operation , such as maintenance and troubleshooting , aligning them with the evolving demands of the modern workplace .

PHEL has been actively exploring applications of cobots in laboratory settings to optimize workflows and ensure timely and accurate test results . Collaborating with colleagues , we identified highly repetitive tasks , particularly those involving the distribution of samples , reagents and standards into plates and tubes of varying sizes using pipettes . Aside from posing ergonomic challenges , these tasks carried risks of workplace injuries and human errors , potentially impacting the accuracy of test results . Recognizing the need for workforce development , we secured funding to advance cobot implementation in a Public Health Laboratory and establish an Outreach Technology Training center aimed at upskilling our staff .

To ensure the seamless integration of cobots , we examined ISO standards and OSHA guidelines for robot applications in the workplace . Coupled with a comprehensive risk assessment tool , this approach allowed us to identify and mitigate potential hazards associated with using cobots in the workplace . Additionally , a cost benefit analysis and thorough return-on-investment calculation and were conducted to quantify the financial benefits of cobot integration .

Our parameters for selecting cobot hardware were based on the unique needs of staff and laboratory workflow . For example , we evaluated different robotic vision systems , the ease of use of the robot ’ s software and its ability to manipulate common laboratory tools like pipettes . These considerations culminated in a systematic approach and tailored cobot recommendations aligned with PHEL ’ s operational needs .

By automating highly repetitive tasks , cobots relieve laboratorians to rather focus on goals such as concise planning and design of experiments , fostering skill enhancement and career advancement . Through careful planning and strategic integration of cutting-edge technologies like cobots , public health laboratories can anticipate a considerable enhancement in the efficiency and empowerment of their workforce .

Presenter : Satyam Patel , satyam . patel @ doh . nj . gov

Dedicated Courier System for Public Health Laboratories : Optimizing Testing Efficiency and Outcomes

M . Gomaa , V . Aoki , DCHS , PHL WA State DOH

Background : Timely diagnosis of healthcare-associated infections ( HAIs ) is critical for effective intervention and reducing transmission . Public health laboratories ( PHLs ) currently rely on conventional delivery services for specimen transportation . The quality and reliability of these services dramatically impact specimen quality and turnaround times . The current study evaluates the costeffectiveness of a dedicated courier system for PHLs compared to conventional methods and considers its impact on specimen quality and rejection rates .

Methods : A hybrid decision tree-Markov model simulates patient pathways from infection suspicion to treatment decisions and is based on test results . Costs associated with each transition are considered , including :

• Testing costs .

• Delivery costs : Dedicated courier versus conventional options .

• Specimen quality : Costs associated with rejected specimens due to inadequate transport conditions .

The model incorporates sensitivity analysis to explore the impact of variations in the probability of specimens meeting PHL quality criteria for different delivery methods .

Outcomes : Primary outcomes include the incremental costeffectiveness ratio ( ICER ) and incremental net monetary benefit ( INMB ) comparing the dedicated courier system to conventional methods .

Significance : This study provides valuable insights into the potential cost-effectiveness of dedicated courier systems for PHLs . The study considers the impact and effects of dedicated courier systems on specimen quality , turnaround times and ultimately , public health outcomes . The findings may inform healthcare decision-making regarding resource allocation for optimal infection diagnosis and control .

Presenter : Mohamed Gomaa , spockegypt @ gmail . com