This week, WSU Applebaum's Clinical Laboratory Science seniors participated in a field trip to the Ortho Clinical Diagnostics laboratory instrument demonstration truck, where they had the opportunity to learn about state-of-the-art Ortho Diagnostics instruments used in hospital laboratories nationwide. The demo featured four sophisticated laboratory instruments used in transfusion medicine, clinical chemistry and clinical immunology testing: the VITROS XT 7600 Integrated System, XT 3400 Chemistry System, the new ORTHO VISION Swift and the ORTHO Optix Reader.

Representatives from Ortho Clinical Diagnostics explained and demonstrated the concepts, principles and automation of each type of instrument. The CLS students have performed these tests using manual methods and were now able to see how these processes are automated. This is great preparation for their clinical experiential training, which starts in January 2023.

Students were also able to meet representatives from Quidel, a maker of immunoassay testing materials.

"The team was happy to talk to our future clinical laboratory professionals and give them a valuable educational experience," said Program Director Karen Apolloni, who organized the demonstration.