Why Do Values Fluctuate After a LAMP Change in Biochemistry Analyzers?

In the fast-paced environment of clinical laboratories, precision is everything. Even with the best automated biochemistry analyzers working around the clock, small changes can have a big impact—sometimes causing unexpected fluctuations in patient results. One common source of such changes? Replacing the LAMP, or light source, in the analyzer.

Let’s explore why values can shift after a LAMP update, and how simple yet crucial quality practices keep your lab running smoothly and your results trustworthy.

The Scenario: A Busy Lab’s Unexpected Calibration Puzzle

Picture a stand-alone lab equipped with an entry-level automated biochemistry analyzer. Every day, the lab runs a single level quality control to ensure the analyzer performs accurately.

One holiday morning, the technical staff noticed unusually low absorbance values for liver enzyme tests during QC. Calibration was done, and the system returned to normal performance. But by afternoon, low absorbance values returned. The team decided to replace the LAMP with a new one, hoping to solve the problem.

What happened next was puzzling: liver enzyme results suddenly appeared higher than normal. QC runs corroborated these elevated readings, causing concern.

Unpacking the Cause: The LAMP Swap Effect

Here’s what likely went wrong:

• The old LAMP had dimmed over time, producing less light and causing lower absorbance readings. This prompted a calibration factor adjustment to compensate.
• The new LAMP, brighter and more efficient, naturally increased absorbance values. But since the calibration factors were still adjusted to the old LAMP’s lower light output, the system overcorrected, pushing values higher than reality.
• Importantly, no QC was performed immediately after changing the LAMP to verify its performance.
• The change wasn’t logged or communicated properly to the next shift, meaning adjustments weren’t synchronized with the new hardware state.

Why Is This Important for Your Lab?

Without immediate QC and recalibration after hardware changes, analyzer readings can become unreliable. This not only delays patient reporting but risks misinterpretation and wrong clinical decisions. The chain of trust between the lab and patient care hinges on consistency.

Steps to Prevent Value Fluctuations

• Perform QC right after any preventive maintenance or part replacement, including LAMP changes. This confirms if the instrument output aligns with expected performance.
• Document all maintenance and changes in the logbook. Transparency and communication between shifts prevent unnoticed errors.
• Train your team regularly on SOPs about maintenance and QC protocols. Everyone should know that QC post-maintenance isn’t optional—it’s essential.
• Review calibration factors and adjust if needed after hardware updates. This ensures measurement precision matches the analyzer’s optics.

Quality and Care Go Hand in Hand

It’s easy to overlook routines like labeling or logging when the lab is busy. But small steps create a strong foundation. When it comes to automated biochemistry analyzers, attention to detail after changing light sources safeguards data integrity and patient safety.

At DailyWel, I’m Saikat Pal, reminding lab professionals that every piece of equipment tells a story—listen closely, perform with care, and the results will speak for themselves.

Need help creating QC checklists or refresher training for your lab staff? Reach out—I’m here to help!