Frequently Asked Questions About the Abbott Alinity CI

The Abbott Alinity CI is a fully integrated clinical chemistry and immunoassay analyzer designed for high-efficiency diagnostics. Whether you’re a lab technician, manager, or clinical administrator, this FAQ guide will help you better understand the system’s capabilities, operation, and value to your laboratory.

1. What does the “CI” in Abbott Alinity CI stand for?

“CI” refers to Chemistry (C) and Immunoassay (I). The Alinity CI combines both technologies in a single platform, streamlining workflows and saving lab space.

2. What types of tests can the Abbott Alinity CI perform?

It supports a wide range of tests across two categories:

• Clinical chemistry assays: glucose, liver/kidney function, lipid panels, etc.

• Immunoassays: hormone levels, infectious diseases, tumor markers, vitamin levels, and more.

With a menu of over 150 assays, the analyzer meets the testing needs of diverse clinical settings.

3. What is the throughput of the Alinity CI system?

• Clinical Chemistry: Up to 1,200 tests/hour

• Immunoassay: Up to 200 tests/hour

Combined throughput depends on the test mix and workload but suits medium to high-volume labs.

4. How much space does the Alinity CI require?

The system is compact and modular:

• Width: ~135 inches

• Depth: ~37 inches

• Height: ~57 inches

It fits comfortably in most standard clinical lab setups and can be installed as a standalone or connected with other Alinity systems.

5. Is the Abbott Alinity CI easy to use for lab technicians?

Yes. It features a touchscreen interface, user-friendly software, automated maintenance reminders, and real-time system notifications. Training time is minimal compared to older systems.

6. Can the Alinity CI be connected to a Laboratory Information System (LIS)?

Absolutely. It is designed for full LIS integration, allowing automatic order entry, results reporting, and inventory tracking—reducing manual data entry and errors.

7. How often does the system need maintenance or calibration?

• Daily/weekly maintenance is automated or guided via prompts

• Calibration frequency varies by test but is supported by on-board reagent tracking and lot control

• Full maintenance and calibration guides are included in Abbott’s official documentation

8. Does the Alinity CI system support random access testing?

Yes. It uses random access technology, meaning tests can be performed in any order and urgent (STAT) samples can be inserted without disrupting routine testing.

9. What reagents are compatible with the Alinity CI?

The system is designed to work specifically with Abbott-branded reagents, optimized for high stability, long shelf life, and accuracy. Each reagent comes with embedded RFID for auto-verification.

10. Can I customize test panels on the Alinity CI?

Yes. Labs can create custom panels by grouping frequently requested tests (e.g., liver panel, cardiac panel). This enhances productivity and streamlines physician ordering.

11. Is the Abbott Alinity CI scalable for growing lab needs?

Definitely. Its modular architecture allows for scaling operations—whether you’re increasing test volume, adding new assays, or integrating with other Alinity instruments like Alinity H or Alinity m.

12. What are the typical installation requirements?

• Power supply: Standard electrical outlet with backup UPS

• Water supply: Deionized water connection for chemistry module

• Temperature control: Room temp between 15°C–30°C (59°F–86°F)

• Network access for LIS connectivity

Abbott provides a pre-installation checklist to guide labs through setup.

13. What happens if there’s a system error or alert?

The analyzer includes:

• Real-time error codes with suggested fixes

• Built-in self-diagnostics

• Remote support options via Abbott

• Easy-to-follow troubleshooting workflows for common issues

14. How is quality control managed on the Alinity CI?

Quality control is built-in with features like:

• QC lockout: prevents patient testing when QC fails

• Auto QC scheduling

• Levey-Jennings charts

• QC material tracking by lot and expiry date

15. What kind of training is provided?

Abbott offers:

• On-site installation training

• Operator guides and video tutorials

• 24/7 customer support and field service assistance

Many labs can become fully operational within a few days of installation.

16. Is the Alinity CI compliant with global standards?

Yes. It meets the requirements of:

• FDA (for U.S.)

• CE-IVD (for EU)

• ISO 13485 and other applicable international standards

This ensures the system is reliable and ready for regulated clinical environments.

17. What’s the expected ROI of investing in Alinity CI?

Though pricing varies, labs report improved ROI through:

• Reduced downtime and maintenance costs

• Improved turnaround time

• Lower reagent waste

• Higher staff efficiency

Abbott also provides ROI calculators and consultation services.

Conclusion

The Abbott Alinity CI is a smart, scalable solution for modern clinical labs. Whether you’re considering installation or already using it, understanding its features and functions can help you get the most out of your investment. For more specific questions, always consult the official Abbott documentation or your field service representative.