Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics further expanded its industry-leading clinical laboratory automation portfolio¹ by unveiling VersaCell® X3 Solution² at the 2013 AACC and ASCLS Annual Meeting and Clinical Lab Expo in Houston, July 28 – August 1 (Booth #3449). The newest model of Siemens’s longstanding VersaCell System, the new VersaCell X3 Solution now offers even more ways to help labs achieve the workflow benefits of automation without the space or budget considerations of a track-based solution. VersaCell X3 Solution’s arrival complements the recent launch of the Siemens Aptio Automation platform, designed for the growing needs of medium- to very high-volume laboratories.

“Automation is essential to Martin Health System’s laboratory operations, helping staff optimize workflow, consistently achieve quality measures and deliver superior service to the physician community we support,” said Janet Frankenbery, BS, MT(ASCP) DLM, Corporate Director, Laboratory Services, Martin Health System. “As longtime users of several Siemens laboratory automation solutions, including multiple VersaCell systems, we are excited about the introduction of VersaCell X3 Solution and the additional benefits this advanced automation platform is positioned to deliver.”

Staffing challenges and widening access to medical care pushing testing volumes higher are increasing pressure on clinical laboratories to streamline operations and prepare for the future.³ For lower- and mid-volume labs, whose budgets are often particularly constrained and where track-based automation may not be the right approach, VersaCell X3 Solution delivers several advantages. The new platform maintains its small footprint and upright design, but now connects up to three Siemens analyzers through a single robotic sample interface for increased productivity gains.? By supporting a customized mix of chemistry, immunoassay and/or integrated systems and associated assay menus, VersaCell X3 Solution helps labs reduce operator sample handling, better prioritize staff work and eliminate pre- and post-analytical processing—all through one-touch sample management.

A conveniently placed priority drawer on VersaCell X3 Solution, situated above existing routine sample drawers, provides eight new STAT positions and frees up 50 sample positions for routine processing, enhancing STAT management and increasing overall sample routing flexibility. Plus, modifications to VersaCell X3 Solution’s signature robotic arm also enable it to support both rounded and flat-bottom tubes, and the incorporation of a docking plate reduces service intervention time for all connected systems, increasing uptime so that labs can continue to deliver results to clinicians on time. A centralized screen on VersaCell X3 Solution provides consolidated, single-operator access to all connected analyzers, and further data consolidation is achievable through a connection to Siemens’ CentraLink™ Data Management System.

“Siemens strives to be a trusted partner for labs of all sizes and central to that goal is helping them identify and capitalize on their workflow excellence potential,” said Dave Hickey, CEO, Chemistry, Immunoassay, Automation and Diagnostics IT Business Unit, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics. “The introduction of VersaCell X3 Solution is yet another way Siemens delivers on this mission through its ability to help labs streamline non-automated environments and enhance operational efficiency, all at a cost they can justify.”

For more information about Siemens’ laboratory automation portfolio, please visit: www.healthcare.siemens.com/versacell.