Public Higher Education Bulletin

Continual full-service maintenance and parts agreement is needed for the state-of art "automation line" manufactured by Beckman Coulter.This equipment system is used in the department of Pathology to test different types of specimens such as serum, urine and plasma. The chemistry and immunoassay automation line, instruments and Clinical IT are able to receive, process and store serum, plasma and urine samples. The samples processed on the line or directly on the instruments are presented in test tubes or sample cups.All OEM replacement parts and support , including preventative maintenance are critical components of protecting the investment of this equipment. This equipment and several components were purchased between 2004 and 2012 for approximately $2,500,000.

A unique features of the automation line is the Power Processor which helps ensure consistent turnaround time and accurate results. In turn, the Pathology Lab can optimize the use of its staff and deliver better quality service. Plus, the open-architecture system can connect to a variety of analyzers, giving the flexibility to grow the Pathology Lab as testing demands change. Other unqiue features are: �?�Single point of entry for all specimen processing �?�Sample log-in and sorting using bar-code technology �?�Automated centrifugation �?�Automated cap removal �?�Sample sorting into discrete personality racks (UniCel® DxC Clinical Systems, UniCel DxI and Access® Immunoassay Systems, and generic output racks for other instruments) �?�Throughput of 300 tubes per hour, based on the centrifuge run parameters.

The University has determined that this purchase is only economically available from this source because the compatibility of equipment, accessories, replacement parts, or service is a paramount consideration.