A standard clinical instrument interface for robotic applications

Abstract

Many clinical laboratory instruments are not designed for robotic compatibility, hence the need for standardization of data communications and analyzer interface hardware. We developed an interface with supporting software that simplifies communication between a microcomputer and clinical instruments. Our interface establishes a standardized bidirectional communications protocol, which is useful in many clinical laboratory robotic projects. Instruments targeted for interfacing require no prior on-board communications capabilities. Additionally, modifications to the clinical instrument are minimized. Once installed, the interface translates input commands to codes or actions recognizable by the analyzer. Features not normally available to the user, such as electrode real-time response and full instrument status, are also reported by the interface, thereby establishing a remote monitor and control mechanism for the interfaced instrument. We have written an operating system to control the interface microcomputer, which in turn commands and monitors the clinical analyzer. A host computer controls the information flow to the interface and provides (a) requests to the interface for instrument operation and status and (b) commands to the interface to initiate the desired instrument operation. This arrangement maintains complete instrument functionality as designed by the manufacturer while allowing remote monitoring and operation of the instrument.

The expanding role of robotics in the clinical laboratory

“…Some progress has been made. However, a standardized language [4], standard protocols for communication and standard interface hardware between robots, instruments and a computer or a sequencer [5], similar to the 'MIDI' system for musical instruments [6], have to be established as soon as possible, before many robotic systems of various types, concepts and protocols are used. This would allow many types of robots with languages that are not presently compatible with each other to be coupled together and employed widely in laboratories.…”