The fully-automated clinical chemistry analyzer Selectra ProM system developed by ELITech used in our Biochemistry Laboratory runs up to 180 photometric tests per hour to serve laboratories with primary, STAT or back-up testing needs. It works by testing the mixture of sample and reagent by the use of its pipetting system. The mixture is analysed in the tube contained in the cuvette rotor which is attached by a timing belt to the internal support frame of the machine. This timing belt is an elastic rubber belt which is necessary to hold the final mixture tube properly and keeping it fixed in its place.

Even the slight displacement of the tube can cause improper mixing of the sample and reagent which could lead to error in the final chemical analysis values (mostly lower outputs). The constant use of this machine due to our high patient volume load results in wear and tear of the timing belt. To resolve this our Instruments Department came up with the idea to replace it with the normal elastic thick rubber band. The original timing belt costs around 1400 INR. This simple idea is working very fine since past few months, reducing the maintenance cost and increasing the efficiency of the machine.

Aravind-Pondicherry