Abstract
With this issue of LAN we are continuing our evolution into a comprehensive scientific journal which also includes news coverage. A combination of news and advertising with basic and applied research is not new.
Analytical Chemistry adopted a hybrid format many years ago with outstanding success. Since imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, we have begun the process of moving the most important news information towards the front of the journal and the more comprehensive scientific articles towards the back.
A number of technical reports appear in this important transition issue. Ed Bush from the Bristol Medical Center describes their design and implementation of a new clinical laboratory. Due to limited space, two more installments of this technical report will describe in detail the design of the physical plant and implementation of automation technology that resulted in a 24% reduction in operating costs. Michael Sendek and Mohamed Virji from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have designed user friendly and graphically intensive network training tools for clinical laboratory scientists. Technical information is now available at any location where there is computer access.
Current information is now available for understanding the principles of laboratory analyses, obtaining technical updates, maintaining proficiency, and even for assessing technological skills.
A contribution from the Editor's laboratory describes the use of an automated instrument loading interface to move specimens from a conveyor belt to a conventional clinical instrument. With an automated interface, new life can be brought to instruments that were previously thought incapable of being integrated into an automated laboratory.
Finally, a meeting summary is presented from the exciting IBC conference entitled, “Biochip Arrays and Integrated Devices for Clinical Diagnostics.” This exciting meeting made it clear that microfabrication technology will play a major role in pharmaceutical and diagnostic laboratories in the near future. The hand held PCR instrument that only existed in movies and comics has now been reduced to practice!
We are excited about expanding our scientific journal section and welcome your continued participation in the form of technical reports with color photos.
