How to interface Abbott Afinion 2 to LabXpert Automation

LabXpert Automation connects with the Abbott Afinion via TCP/IP using the HL7 communication protocol.

You must install the application on a computer connected to the machine via a network. This guide assumes you have installed the LabXpert Automation application and added the Sysmex XN Series. See How to interface lab equipment with LabXpert Automation for more information.

For more information about interfacing with the Sysmex XN Series, refer to the following manuals;

1. Afinion 2 – Analyzer User Manual
   
2. Afinion 2 – HL7 Connectivity Protocol
   

To connect the analyzer to a network, plug the ethernet cable into the ethernet port labelled 1 in the image below

Once the analyzer is connected to the network, go to the settings menu and select the network configuration. You can either use DHCP where the analyzer will be automatically configured on the network or specify the network configuration manually.

We recommend the usage of DHCP, however you can work with the network administrator to manually configure it as necessary.

To configure the communication protocol, select the communication settings under the settings menu;

1. Ensure the HL7 protocol is selected
2. Ensure "Patient and Control results" is selected
3. Ensure "New results only" is not selected
4. Ensure Server IP and Port are set to match what is displayed on the Automation app
5. Set Receiving application to LabXpert Automation
6. Set Patient ID as "HIS Patient ID"

The analyzer will automatically send all previous results once the configuration is completed. However, this will only happen the first time; once the results are uploaded, they will not be uploaded again even if the configuration is changed.

When a test is completed on the analyzer, it will also be uploaded automatically. There is no way to manually trigger an upload. If the automation app is not running at the time when a result is completed, the analyzer will upload the result when the connect is restored.