Following installation of Labmedics equipment in 1999, the department of clinical biochemistry at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley has recently upgraded two Konelab analysers with a new Konelab 60
The busy district general hospital laboratory processes over four million tests in the current year.
The laboratory serves the Dudley group of hospitals NHS Trust and a population of about 550,000 for general practice.
As well as key routine equipment the Dudley Laboratory has its own research section, carrying out projects for both the department and the research directorate of the Trust.
Strong relationships exist with equipment manufacturers and suppliers regarding the design and evaluation of new instrumentation and project work.
The 'second tier' tests include specific proteins (IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, C4, haptoglobin, microalbumin, acid glycoprotein, alpha-1 antitrypsin), Iron/UIBC, bile acids and some therapeutic drugs for monitoring purposes.
The benefits of the analyser include ease of use, good on board reagent stability and the availability of a good repertoire of Konelab reagents supplied by Labmedics.
The accurate spectrophotometer also assists in achieving long term method and calibration stability.
Peter Howell, head biomedical scientist (biochemistry) at Russells Hall, comments: "The efficiency of the department was enhanced by the acquisition of the Kone analysers.
"The installation also facilitated an increase in the scope of laboratory activity by making it easy to offer therapeutic drug monitoring and enhancing the range of specific proteins.
"We have enjoyed strong product specialist and engineering support from Labmedics whose staff have been willing to work in the department for extended periods during collaborative project work".
The clinical division of Labmedics Limited is a leading UK supplier of laboratory instrumentation, offering a comprehensive range of products, including Konelab instrumentation.
The company's success is based on providing customers with full application and technical support, including product training, service and after sales.
