Digital transformation towards the clinical laboratory of the future. Perspectives for the next decade

Abstract

The transformation of clinical laboratories towards digitalization requires processes that improve digital maturity. This requires establishing connectivity, end-to-end workflow, and advanced analytical technologies and techniques. Digital technologies have the key role here, directing laboratory personnel and scientists to move their focus from routine to more complex and meaningful work. This requires their empowerment in working with new instruments and software. Strategies leading clinical laboratories through this transformation are not without challenges, but different models are being developed to overcome them. The essential is the role of interoperability.

Taking the train of digital health and artificial intelligence to improve medical laboratory service in Africa: Key considerations

“…Software, algorithms and digital applications are increasingly incorporated into in-vitro diagnostics to enhance automated processes for the collection, storage, integration and analysis of data to inform patient management, to aid in population-based investigations, or to improve the quality and effectiveness of laboratory testing. 1 , 2 Some of the most popular examples of how digitisation can revolutionise the practice of laboratory medicine in Africa include automation of specimen management and testing (e.g., cobas ® system workflow from Roche), connection of various instruments to monitor their functionality in real time and assist operators (e.g., GeneXpert ® from Cepheid), and laboratory information systems that support the swift reporting of test results and real-time diagnostics of the performance of entire laboratory networks. Digital technologies are also being used to streamline processes for quality assurance and laboratory operations.…”