Clinical laboratory analyzers and automation systems have a finite lifespan, and upgrading them in a timely manner is crucial to ensuring the laboratory is equipped with reliable, state-of-the-art technology for optimal patient care. However, completing these multi-year projects from start to finish can be a significant undertaking for most laboratories, necessitating rigorous research, detailed planning, and effective project management. Additionally, successful implementation relies on interdisciplinary collaboration among various lab sections, vendors, facility/engineering teams, IT departments, administrative staff, and hospital or institutional leadership.
The goal of this session is to discuss key considerations during the process to assist audience members who are undergoing or preparing for the same challenge. Topics will include submitting and reviewing requests for information and proposals, evaluating discipline-specific versus total lab automation, assessing a single-vendor versus multi-vendor solution, and appraising consolidation in a multi-laboratory system to facilitate future growth and efficiency. This session is designed for anyone planning or currently upgrading their instrumentation, whether that involves updating within the existing space with the same vendor or transitioning to a new vendor while expanding the laboratory to an off-site location
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The speakers will provide an overview of the upgrade process, share real-life case studies, and discuss valuable lessons learned from their recent experiences, equipping attendees with insights to navigate their own projects effectively.
This session offers 1.0 CME/CMLE credit.
Faculty/Authors
Physician Competencies: Patient Care, Practice-based Learning and Improvement, Systems-based Practice
CME/CMLE Credit: 1.0
Estimated Completion Time: 1 hour
Format: Online Educational Activity
Accreditation Statement: The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education (CME) for physicians. This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).
Credit Designation Statement: The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) designates this journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Instructions
To claim CME/CMLE credit for the exercise, do the following:
- Review the Technical Considerations.
- Review the Faculty Disclosures.
- Click Go to Course to view an overview of the modules in this course.
- Click Access to begin the course.
- Submit the course Evaluation.
- Enter the maximum number of credits offered and click Claim CME to register credit.
Faculty Disclosure
Technical Considerations
Release Date: 11/18/2025
Review Date:
Expiration Date: