Which of the following is NOT a driving force for more automation?

• A. Increased use of chemistry panels
• B. High-volume testing
• C. Fast turnaround time
• D. Expectation of high-quality, accurate results

Answer: (A)

Automation in clinical chemistry is driven by the need to handle large numbers of tests quickly, consistently, and with high accuracy. When labs face high-volume testing, automation helps move many samples through the system with less manual labor. Fast turnaround time is crucial for timely patient care, and automated processes speed things up while reducing delays. The expectation of high-quality, accurate results pushes automation because automated systems minimize human variability and improve reproducibility.

Using more chemistry panels isn’t itself a driver for automation; panels are just a way to organize and report related tests. Automation enables running larger panels efficiently, but the trend toward panels doesn’t push the move to automate.