Evaluation of Field Clinical Laboratory Equipment for Fleet Marine Services
Abstract
We evaluated clinical laboratory equipment being considered for purchase by the U.S. Marine Corps. This equipment will provide clinicians with rapid access to laboratory data during deployments. Capabilities were desired in the following areas: hematology, chemistry, coagulation, blood gas analysis and urinalysis. There is concern that severe conditions encountered in the field may affect machine performance. Analyzers were evaluated under each of the following conditions: ambient temperature range (40 deg. F to 110 deg. F), combined heat/humidity, extreme storage temperatures (-60 deg. F and 160 deg. F), simulated transport (vibration, drop testing), altitude (8500 ft), salt/fog and sand/dust operation. Results are presented separately for each class of analyzer. No singular 'winner' or 'looser' stood out in any category. In general, instruments had difficulty with warm and cold temperature operation. This information can be used by Marine Corps personnel involved with providing clinical laboratory equipment to operational forces. Other factors which should be considered include instrument size, storage requirements, ease of use and cost.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 02, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA418600
Entities
People
- C. Bolecek-skeggs
- D. W. Hobson
- E. M. Christ
- P. L. Perrotta
Organizations
- Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory