Aptio AutomationAdvance your laboratory’s productivity.

Engineered to support an unlimited number of analyzer and module connections, Aptio® Automation solutions satisfy the demands of your current testing environment and accommodate future expansion with:

• A comprehensive selection of pre- and post-analytical modules that automate sample loading, preparation, and handling to free lab staff from time-consuming, low-value tasks
• Siemens’ portfolio of mid- and high-volume, automation-ready analyzers that support more than 800 clinical chemistry, immunoassay, hematology, and hemostasis tests
• Established interfaces to numerous third-party* analyzers that enable routine and specialty testing
• Simultaneous STAT and routine testing on a single track—with optional front-loading to Siemens instruments
• Streamlined workflows and result management driven by rules-based informatics customized for your lab
• Integrated IT capabilities that support multisite connectivity—including stand-alone systems
• Flexible track design options that make it easy to accommodate floor space allocations and fixtures
• Phased implementation plans to help minimize disruption to your ongoing operations

^{*Connectivity to third-party analyzers is not available in all countries. Analyzer availability may vary by country, and connectivity will require manufacturer agreement. Please contact your local Siemens representative for further information.}

Aptio® Automation delivers measureable gains in efficiency by driving the intelligent and coordinated operation of automation components, diagnostic analyzers, and high-performance assays. In addition to providing the capacity needed to satisfy peak volumes, this highly integrated approach effectively manages hour-to-hour fluctuations in demand to standardize processes, reduce errors, balance instrument workloads, and achieve consistent and predictable turnaround times for both STAT and routine samples.

• Multiple options for sample loading, sorting, off-loading, and disposal
• Single-sample flow in independent carriers
• Intelligent, test-driven, tube routing that is responsive to analyzer conditions (e.g., onboard reagent/consumable status, instrument flags, analyzer availability, etc.)
• Point-in-space and primary-tube sampling on a continuous flow track engineered to prevent sample congestion
• Centralized control from single location and quick access to samples with specimen tracking
• Integrated IT that combines sample, result, and QC management and supports development of customized workflows

Highly proficient teams of Siemens Healthineers consultants design and implement Aptio® Automation solutions.

• Customize a sustainable solution under the guidance of Lean Healthcare-accredited experts who are experienced in Six Sigma methodologies and perform more than 1,100 workflow consultations in over seventy countries each year.
• Improve and standardize processes using value stream mapping and dimensional floor plan simulations to decrease non-value-added activity, reduce waste, and allocate work areas.
• Set achievable benchmarks for current and future throughput, TAT, and resource utilization using reliable workflow models, data-driven simulations, and optimization modeling.
• Rely on Siemens Healthineers expertise in workflow analysis, project management, and customer support to design, install, validate, and monitor your solution for continued productivity improvements.
• Reach new levels of operational efficiency with customer care that includes system services, IT services, user services, and management services.

Input/Output Module (IOM)

• Provides common location for sample input and output.
• Enables rapid input and prioritization of STAT samples.
• Integrates serum, plasma, whole-blood, and urine sample loading.
• Manages capped\uncapped and spun\unspun samples.
• Performs automated sample check-in.
• Returns problem samples (e.g., misread bar code, missing work order, others) to priority lane for attention.
• Enables operators to quickly retrieve requested samples.

Rack Input Module (RIM)

• Allows fast sample loading onto system.
• Supports high sample throughput.
• Provides walk-away time.
• Generates availability of IOM for increased sample output and sorting.

Bulk Input Module (BIM)

• Permits extended walk-away time.
• Allows quick (bulk) sample loading onto system without first having to place tubes in racks.
• Accommodates multiple tube sizes simultaneously – eliminates need to standardize tubes.

Tube Inspection Module (TIM)

• Reduces pre-analytical errors by detecting any mismatch between test request and tube type, and ensures that each tube is routed to the right module or system.
• Displays inconsistencies in the following sample tube attributes: sample ID from barcode reader, capped/uncapped state, cap color, tube type.
• Can be installed at any input module: Input/Output Module (IOM), Bulk Input Module (BIM), Rack Input Module (RIM).

Centrifugation Module (CM)

• Supports high-throughput workflow.
• Prioritizes STAT sample processing.
• Provides automatic protection against centrifuge imbalance by weighing tubes individually.
• Supports multiple centrifuge setups with independent operating parameters including wait times, spin times, spin speed, and temperature.

Decapping Module (DM)

• Automates removal of both screw and pressure plastic caps from sample tubes.
• Increases productivity by eliminating repetitive tasks.
• Increases safety by reducing manual operations.
• Decreases risk of sample contamination by means of individual decapping process.

Sample-Volume Detection Module (SVD)

• Ensures that each sample’s serum/plasma volume is sufficient for total number of tests required.
• Must be used with or without gel separator in spun, uncapped samples.
• Returns samples with insufficient volume to Priority Output lane on the IOM for follow-up action.

Sample Mixer Module

• Provides online mixing of whole-blood samples in original, capped tube for certain assay preparations.
• Supports custom settings for the number of times a tube is inverted and the speed of the inversion.

Wide-Belt Buffer Module

• Provides temporary parking of tubes or empty carriers.
• Queues samples designated for lower-throughput analyzers on first-in/first-out basis.
• Holds excess empty carriers off the track during low-volume periods.

Siemens offers a comprehensive portfolio of mid- to high-volume analyzers that help optimize track performance using automation-ready designs and the data-rich flow of information to Aptio Automation’s integrated user interface. Visit the following product web pages to learn more.

Immunoassay Systems

Chemistry Systems

Integrated Systems

Hematology System

Hemostasis System

Plasma Protein Systems

Input/Output Module (IOM)

• Provides common location for sample input and output.
• Enables rapid input and prioritization of STAT samples.
• Integrates serum, plasma, whole-blood, and urine sample loading.
• Manages capped/uncapped and spun/unspun samples.
• Performs automated sample check-in.
• Returns problem samples (e.g., misread bar code, missing work order, others) to priority lane for attention.
• Enables operators to quickly retrieve requested samples.

Aliquotter Module (AM)

• Allows the production of multiple secondary tubes (daughter tubes) from a primary sample to be used on off-line analyzers or to be used as send-outs to other departments or external laboratories.
• Improves operator safety by avoiding manual splitting of the sample.
• Saves operator time and increases workflow productivity by eliminating manual steps.
• Avoids sample carryover by utilizing disposable tips.
• Assigns identical or different sample identifier numbers to aliquots to facilitate continued testing. 

Tube Sealer Module (TSM)

• Applies foil seal to help maintain sample integrity during storage.
• Reduces exposure to biohazards by decreasing manual handling.
• Saves operator time by eliminating manual tasks. 

Storage Retrieval and Disposal Module (SRM)

• Increases productivity with automated storage retrieval and disposal.
• Improves operator safety by reducing manual handling.
• Automates disposal of samples according to their preset time limit.
• Reduces time to locate and retrieve samples.
• Fits workload and space requirements with multiple-size modules. 

Desealer Module (DSM)

• Increases safety by automating tube desealing process.
• Reduces manual operations for better staff utilization.
• Supports fully automated reruns, reflexes, and add-on testing requests.

Aliquot Capper Module (ACM)

• Closes secondary tubes with plastic screw caps to allow transportation to other departments or external labs (send-outs).
• Reduces manual operations for increased safety, productivity, and better staff utilization. 

Rack Output Module (ROM)

• Allows fast sample unloading from the system.
• Supports high sample throughput.
• Works with multiple tube sizes simultaneously—eliminates need to standardize tubes.

High-capacity Waste Module^§

• Supports bulk accumulation of disposed samples.
• Allows longer intervals between biohazard disposal.
• Increases convenience for better staff utilization.

L-Turn, T-Intersection, and U-Turn Modules

• Allows solution configurations to meet individual laboratory needs.
• Offers customized, efficient sample workflow.
• Provides for space-efficient layouts.
• Helps minimize renovation costs.

Automation Module Divert Lane

• Reroutes samples as needed to task-oriented modules.
• Prevents congestion of samples by bypassing module processing that is not required.

Rules-based informatics to increase productivity and provide consistent quality**

• Intelligent routing: test prioritization, tube type, sorting, disposal
• STAT prioritization
• Reflex testing criteria
• Integrated QC
• Add-on test management
• One-click sample retrieval
• Autoverification
• Exception management
• Instrument status
• Module status, and more