Current Status and Progress of Laboratory Automation in Clinical Microbiology
Ge Yang1, Cao Wei1, Wu Yanfan1,2, Feng Yongtong1, Lin Wenqi1, Liu Han1, Meng Jiao1, Xu Zhengping1, Liu Yi1,2*
1(Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, Jiangsu, China) 2(School of Biomedical Engineering(Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou 215163, Jiangsu, China)
Abstract：With the global rise in multi-drug resistant organism (MDRO) infections, rapid and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. However, with testing volumes increasing annually, clinical microbiology laboratories face challenges like staff shortages and cost constraints, creating a strong demand for automation. Total laboratory automation (TLA) in microbiology has developed significantly, offering benefits such as standardized testing, improved efficiency, enhanced safety, and lower long-term costs. This article reviewed the development of TLA, covering sample processing, culture, imaging, identification, and various leading automation systems worldwide. Despite TLA′s advantages, challenges remain, including costs, software/hardware integration, and adapting to diverse workflows. Therefore, the implementation of clinical microbiology TLA should not pursue complete replacement of manual operation,instead, it is necessary to adopt a gradual and human-machine collaborative strategy. Overall, the application of TLA is promising, and with continued technological progress, its role in clinical microbiology will likely expand further.
葛阳, 曹炜, 吴炎凡, 冯勇通, 林文琦, 刘寒, 孟姣, 徐正平, 刘祎. 临床微生物检验自动化流水线的现状与进展[J]. 中国生物医学工程学报, 2025, 44(5): 613-621.
Ge Yang, Cao Wei, Wu Yanfan, Feng Yongtong, Lin Wenqi, Liu Han, Meng Jiao, Xu Zhengping, Liu Yi. Current Status and Progress of Laboratory Automation in Clinical Microbiology. Chinese Journal of Biomedical Engineering, 2025, 44(5): 613-621.
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