"It's a fast instrument that not only suits the space we have available but also the way we handle our workload, which is currently increasing by more than 10% per year"
The very first UK hospital trust to purchase an Advia Centaur immunoassay system in 1997 has renewed its commitment to Bayer Diagnostics's high-throughput immunodiagnostics technology by acquiring two further systems.
Staff in the biochemistry department at Essex Rivers Healthcare Trust have enjoyed a close relationship with Bayer Diagnostics for many years, and their continued loyalty to the Advia Centaur is a mark of their enduring confidence in the instrument.
"We looked at other systems as part of the tendering process, but we have always been happy with the Advia Centaur", comments departmental manager Keith Bedwell.
"It's a fast instrument that not only suits the space we have available but also the way we handle our workload, which is currently increasing by more than 10% per year.
"We wanted two systems that would provide back up for one another while also meeting our anticipated workload needs over the next five to seven years.
"Now that we have the two instruments, we have been able to distribute our immunoassays even more efficiently".
The Advia Centaur is a fully automated analyser which utilises direct chemiluminescence technology to achieve high sensitivity in immunoassay testing. Random access analysis is performed at the highly productive rate of up to 240 tests per hour, with total on-board capacity for up to 180 samples.
To maximise productivity, reagents and consumables can be added without interruption to the testing process.
"It is pleasing to know that the Advia Centaur still comes out so well when compared with other systems", says Essex Rivers Healthcare Trust's pathology services manager Diane Groom.
"Having the two new instruments now means that the laboratory can offer a 24/7 service without any risk of interruption, which is vital for our growing workload."
