Fully-Automated Urinalysis Launches at AACC

Launch of the fully automated DxU Iris Workcell at the 2021 AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo
Fully-Automated Urinalysis Launches at AACC

Beckman Coulter launched the DxU Iris Workcell at the AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo in Atlanta, GA on September 28, 2021 with the back-drop of a vibrant, front-and-center booth within the hall.

AACC was one of the first in-person events that thousands attended after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thousands more attended the sessions virtually.

During the event, Matt Rhyner, Ph.D., MBA, VP and GM of Beckman Coulter urinalysis asked, “what if you could minimize the interruptions in your urinalysis workflow?” as he introduced the latest in urinalysis solutions to a live in-person audience. The highly anticipated launch was also live streamed via LinkedIn Live.

Madhuri La Barrie, senior manager, software/firmware engineer, then gave viewers a virtual overview of the DxU Iris, highlighting newly enhanced features.

Some of the updated features include:

  • An optional Load and Unload station that increases the capacity of racks for a total of 190 onboard samples
  • Intuitive software user interface to comfortably navigate the analyzer menu, access key reference information, and simplify user training in a format aligned across multiple Beckman Coulter instruments including hematology, chemistry and immunoassay
  • Connectivity with Beckman Coulter’s advanced informatics software solutions: PROService remote service tool, DxONE Command Central remote monitoring, and REMISOL Advance middleware

Because routine urinalysis is one the most frequently ordered tests by physicians1 labs of the future need automated, high-throughput solutions to meet their demands.

However, the reality is that many of these samples require a lab technician to perform a manual inspection, which causes workflow disruption and a substantial increase in workload.

Manual microscopic reviews are time-consuming and can take up to six times longer per sample than with an automated system.4

Working Smarter to Improve Laboratory Workflow

The DxU Iris Workcell improves laboratory workflow by significantly reducing manual reviews to 4%2 and cutting sample processing time by up to 78%.3

The automated, high-throughput DxU Iris workcell features proprietary Digital Flow Morphology technology to isolate, identify and characterize urine particles on the screen, reducing sample processing time and manual reviews.

Members of an early evaluator program also provided feedback on the new DxU Iris.

Jennifer Soria, a hematology section coordinator for a medical group in Florida, and part of the early evaluator program, got a sneak peak of the DxU Iris.

“As a med tech, it’s important for me that any new analyzer we bring into the lab makes the workflow better and is easy to use with minimal maintenance,” said Jennifer.

She explained that the DxU Iris has several features that can help med techs work more efficiently.

“One such feature is that the user guide with the key reference information is on the main screen,” she added, “I love the new Load and Unload station as it can hold multiples racks, allowing users to work in other areas of the lab while processing urine samples.”

Automating the routine urinalysis workflow with the DxU Iris Workcell reduces sample subjectivity and variability, helping laboratories of all sizes standardize processes, drive faster turnaround time and deliver quality results.

Scalable, Fully Automated Urinalysis Solutions

The DxU Iris Workcell pairs the DxU 850m Iris or DxU 840m Iris urine microscopy analyzer with the Arkray AUTION MAX™ 4030 urine chemistry analyzer in U.S. markets, and the DxU 810c Iris urine chemistry analyzer coming next month to International markets at EUROMEDLAB, to create a scalable, fully automated urinalysis solution.

The Workcell was developed with proprietary Digital Flow Morphology technology with Auto-Particle Recognition (APR) Software to enable laboratories to deliver standardized results using artificial intelligence (AI). This industry-leading technology isolates, identifies, and characterizes urine particles to provide immediate, accurate, and reproducible results verified directly on the screen.

See the DxU Iris Workcell and other urinalysis solutions in action here

Sources:

1. Delanghe, J., & Speeckaert, M. (2014). Preanalytical requirements of urinalysis. Biochemia Medica, 24(1), 89–104. https://doi.org/10.11613/BM.2014.011

2. Broadlawns Medical Center. (2019). Manual microscopy divided by on-screen microscopic verification report generated December 20, 2019. A case study published by Beckman Coulter. https://media.beckmancoulter.com/-/media/diagnostics/products/urinalysis/docs/ua-broadlawns-case-study.pdf

3. Beaufort Memorial Urinalysis Workflow Case Study, CS-52048.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team
The Beckman Coulter editorial team brings you timely news and resources focused on elevating clinical laboratory performance and advancing patient care.

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