| Abstract: |
This chapter provides an overview of current trends in instrumentation and technology in the clinical laboratory (hematology, chemistry, microbiology, blood transfusion/coagulation, point-of-care testing, and molecular diagnostics). It also provides perspectives on how recent developments and other technologies are and will be shaping the laboratory. The modern hematology analyzer incorporates impedance, conductivity, optical absorbance, cytochemical detection, and basic flow-cytometric principles to differentiate cell types. Advances in instrumentation have facilitated the movement of a multitude of tests into the “core” chemistry laboratory, such as those for tumor markers, therapeutic drugs, endocrinology, reproduction, drugs of abuse, and others. Molecular diagnostics in hematology include RNA and DNA analysis to detect and quantify genetic abnormalities and to determine disease heterogeneity. Molecular diagnostics have become very important in treating hematologic diseases for which targeted therapies are available. The microbiology laboratory continues to be transformed by advances in automation, incorporation of mass spectrometry, and molecular tests for microorganisms. © 2024 American Society for Microbiology. |
