Customer Profile - Omega Molecular Laboratories

Omega Molecular Laboratories: Driving Advanced Diagnostics with Sysmex Flow Cytometry to Better Serve the Underserved

Omega Molecular Laboratories, a nationally accredited, minority-owned, full-service clinical diagnostic laboratory located in Alpharetta, Georgia, is dedicated to serving the medically underserved, focusing on vulnerable populations such as those within the foster care system. “Our core mission is to leverage advanced medicine to deliver improved health outcomes, achieved through a commitment to quality results, efficient processes, and exceptional customer service,” said the lab’s founder and president, Dr. Rodrick Frazier. Recognizing the potential to enhance their service offerings and improve patient care, Omega Molecular Laboratories embarked on a groundbreaking expansion, integrating flow cytometry into their testing portfolio. This strategic advancement enhances their diagnostic capabilities, allowing them to better serve their communities. A key challenge they successfully navigated was validating Research Use Only instrumentation for clinical applications—an achievement that underscores their commitment to innovation and excellence in laboratory medicine.

The Opportunity for Innovation: Implementing Flow Cytometry with Automation

As Omega Molecular Laboratories looked to enhance their laboratory capabilities, they identified flow cytometry as a crucial addition to their testing menu. However, having never operated a flow cytometry lab, they were mindful of the complexities and potential for significant manual workload typically associated with this discipline. The traditional approach to flow cytometry, particularly the manual preparation of antibody cocktails, presented a considerable hurdle. This process is known to be time-consuming, labor-intensive and prone to error. As Lab Manager Dimi Katukurundage, MS, explains, “The prospect of manually pipetting numerous individual antibodies to create cocktails was a significant concern for me as a laboratory manager, given the potential for human errors, repeated sample testing and the mental strain of troubleshooting.” Reflecting on the decision to adopt flow cytometry, Dr. Frazier stated, “Our vision was to always provide the most advanced diagnostics possible for our underserved communities. Learning about Sysmex’s automated solutions made integrating flow cytometry a much more feasible and efficient path for our lab.” The automation offered by Sysmex, particularly the PS-10™ Sample Preparation System, presented a compelling pathway to introduce this advanced technology without the typically demanding manual processes. This promised a much easier and more efficient way to establish their flow cytometry department.

The Sysmex Solution: Automation and Precision in Flow Cytometry

Omega Molecular Laboratories enhanced their diagnostic capabilities by integrating flow cytometry, utilizing advanced instrumentation and reagents from Sysmex, a global leader in clinical laboratory diagnostics. To achieve this strategic expansion, they undertook the rigorous challenge of validating Research Use Only instrumentation—an intricate process involving the development of test procedures, establishment of validation protocols, comparative data collection, and documented clinical efficacy. In support of test development and validation, they referenced industry standards, including CLSI Guideline H62. This pivotaladvancement has transformed their laboratory operations, driving improved efficiency, heightened accuracy, and expanded testing capabilities.

PS-10 Automation: The PS-10 Sample Preparation System automated the sample preparation process, streamlining the entire workflow and significantly reducing the potential for human error. It automates critical steps such as antibody cocktailing and reagent dispensing, and this automation has had a profound impact, as Dimi states, “When our lab purchased a PS-10 from Sysmex it was one of the best decisions we have made. The friendly user interface of PS-10 allows cocktail making and programming various laboratory testing procedures very easy. Since we started utilizing PS-10, the workflow has been smooth, effective, and precise”. The fact that Sysmex offered this front-end automation was a key factor in the decision to implement a flow cytometry lab, as it presented a much easier way to introduce this new capability without the typically labor-intensive setup.
XF-1600 Accuracy: The Sysmex XF-1600 Flow Cytometer plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of results. This flow cytometer is designed with innovative fluidics and optical systems to minimize carryover, which is essential for preventing cross-contamination between samples and maintaining the integrity of the data. The XF-1600 also offers high sensitivity and resolution, enabling the detection of even rare cell populations. For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. RUO instruments must be validated before use in clinical practice.
Sysmex Reagents: Omega Molecular Laboratories utilizes a comprehensive suite of Sysmex reagents, designed and optimized for use with Sysmex flow cytometry instruments. These high-quality reagents ensure consistent and reliable staining, crucial for accurate cell identification and analysis. Sysmex reagents, combined with the automated PS-10, minimize variability in the staining process, further enhancing the accuracy and reproducibility of results.
Enhanced Efficiency and Data Quality: By automating key steps in the flow cytometry process and using Sysmex reagents, Sysmex flow cytometry instruments have significantly reduced the laboratory personnel’s hands-on time, improving efficiency and creating a more streamlined workflow as referenced in Sysmex’s time study white paper*. This automation also contributes to generating cleaner, more consistent data, reducing variability and enhancing the overall quality of results. Sysmex’s flow cytometry instruments are designed for ease of use, with intuitive software interfaces and automated quality control features.
Streamlined Workflow and Sample Identification: Integrating Sysmex flow cytometry instrumentation streamlines the workflow, from sample preparation to data acquisition. Dimi states, “Worklists are produced via barcodes which can be transferred to the flow cytometer, reducing the processing time.” This automated transfer of information reduces the risk of transcription errors and enhances accurate sample identification throughout the process, maintaining sample integrity and chain of custody.
Faster Turnaround Time and Patient Benefits: Omega Molecular Laboratories’ adoption of Sysmex automation has enabled them to achieve a 24-hour turnaround time for flow cytometry results. This rapid turnaround time benefits patients by allowing their doctors to access critical information more rapidly, facilitating quicker diagnosis and treatment decisions.

When challenged with finding a flow cytometry solution to meet their laboratory’s needs, Omega Molecular Laboratories chose to partner with Sysmex—a global leader known for its commitment to innovation, quality, and exceptional customer support. These core competencies align seamlessly with Omega Molecular Laboratories’ mission to provide excellence in diagnostic services, particularly to underserved populations. This strategic partnership enhances their ability to deliver accurate, high-quality testing while advancing their vision of accessible healthcare for all.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Services, Expanding Impact

Today, Omega Molecular Laboratories is credentialed in 42 states, a testament to its unwavering commitment to reach and serve a broad spectrum of patients. With the capacity and expertise to handle approximately 10,000 to 20,000 patient samples per month, it is well-equipped to meet the growing demand for high-quality diagnostic services. They strive to be more than just a diagnostic facility; they aim to be a trusted partner, offering clients, providers and patients the flexibility and access to the most current technology available.

With a focus on flexibility, efficiency and cutting-edge technology, Omega Molecular Laboratories is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare landscape and continues its mission of providing advanced diagnostics to those who need it most. Sysmex flow cytometry solutions, including instruments and reagents, will continue to play a vital role in this endeavor, empowering the laboratory to deliver accurate, reliable and timely results that inform clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes.

*”Time Savings with the Sysmex PS-10™ Sample Preparation System” White Paper: https://www.sysmex.com/-/media/project/sysmex/sysmex/documents/brochures/ps-10-time-savings-white-paper.pdf

Sysmex’s XF-1600 Flow Cytometer and antibody reagents are for research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. RUO instruments must be validated before use in clinical practice. The PS-10 Sample Preparation System is IVD.

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