Olympus UK reports that for the second consecutive year the Olympus AU640 clinical chemistry analyser has been found to be the most reliable over a 12 month study period
These findings are detailed in the recently published NHS (UK National Health Service) Purchasing and Supply Agency analyser monitoring programme annual report 2006-20071.
The comparitive NHS study assesses the reliability of any mid to high throughput biochemistry and immunoassay analyser, as well as the support provided by the instrument suppliers.
This saw the Olympus analyser and one other system achieve top ranking.
The AU640 had a mean monthly downtime of just six hours, compared to over 80 hours downtime time of some analysers registered on the analyser monitoring programme.
As evidenced by the AU640 in the new report, the reliability and quality of support for all Olympus analysers is paramount.
The NHS verified system reliability and safety of the AU640 is achieved via a number of key features including automated sample check for lipemia, hemolysis and icterus, state of the art washing stations, clot detection and crash prevention technology.
Recently launched, the new Olympus AU680 is set to continue the standards laid down by the AU640.
"With a speed of up to 1200 tests per hour and an on-board capacity of up to 63 different tests in parallel, we believe the AU680 will undoubtedly set new standards in its class and continue the outstanding Olympus heritage for reliability and quality of support demonstrated with the AU640," concludes Chris Jones, product manager for clinical chemistry and patient safety.
The new AU680 is operated through a highly intuitive graphical user interface, including embedded videos to support key maintenance steps while flexibility is assured with a menu capacity of up to 63 different assays on board.
A new special priority lane performs re-runs quickly.
To increase automation levels, samples can be loaded via a new standardised rack tray for direct transfer from the Olympus OLA 2500 peri-analytical workstation.
Meeting the demands for increased analytical reach, the AU680 offers fully automated HbA1c measurement without the inconvenience and risks associated with manual pre-treatment.
