Siemens vs Abbott: Choosing the Right Analyzer
Your lab’s productivity can hinge on a single decision: the choice of analyzer. What if you could get hospital‑grade performance without the hospital‑grade price?
In today’s diagnostic environment, selecting the right clinical analyzer is more than a technical decision. It’s a strategic investment that directly impacts laboratory throughput, operational costs and patient outcomes.
The two industry leading brands in laboratory diagnostics are Siemens Healthineers and Abbott Diagnostics. Both offer advanced chemistry and immunoassay systems known for their accuracy, scalability and performance.
However, the differences between them can significantly affect long-term lab efficiency.
This prompts a closer look at the question: which is best suited to your lab’s volume, test menu and budget?
Whether you operate a high-volume reference lab or a mid-sized hospital laboratory, the analyzer you choose must align with your workflow, test menu and budgetary constraints.
Company Profiles: Siemens vs Abbott in Clinical Diagnostics
Siemens Healthineers: A Modular Leader in Clinical Analyzer Innovation
Siemens Healthineers is a leading global medical technology provider, recognized for its modular and scalable diagnostic platforms.
The Atellica CH 930, for instance, supports up to 1,800 tests per hour (1,200 photometric + 600 immuno tests). It covers 98 assays across a wide range of sample types including serum, plasma and urine.
This system exemplifies Siemens’ focus on flexible scalability, automation-ready architecture, closed reagent systems and onboard refrigeration for consistent assay stability.
Siemens also offers a broad portfolio. This includes the Dimension EXL 200(chemistry & immuno with up to 627 tests/hour and refrigerated reagents up to 44 positions). This is in addition to high-throughput platforms like Advia 1800 and 2400. These are capable of delivering up to 1,800 to 2,400 tests/hour across more than 80 assays.
The company prioritizes interoperability, advanced sample handling and seamless LIS integration. This makes its analyzers suitable for labs anticipating evolving workflows and incremental expansion.
Diamond Diagnostics partners with Siemens to refurbish these analyzers through its FDA-registered, ISO-certified Down-To-Frame® process. This is done by restoring instruments to their original specifications and ensuring clinical reliability.
Abbott Diagnostics: Integration and Uptime Optimization in Clinical Testing
Abbott Diagnostics is widely respected for delivering highly integrated systems with simplified workflow management and high throughput. The Alinity CI, is a chemistry-plus-immuno integrated platform. It delivers up to 1,550 tests/hour, handles a 300-sample load and supports up to 117 refrigerated reagent positions for sustained uptime.
Abbott also offers several standalone and hybrid systems: the Architect ci4100 (900 tests/hour, 180 sample capacity, 115 reagent positions), Architect c8000 (1,200 tests/hour, 215 sample capacity) and Alinity C (1350 tests/hour, 70 reagent capacity).
These analyzers are engineered around a unified software platform, centralized reagent loading and integrated processing. This helps to minimize hands-on operation and improve turnaround times.
Point-of-care capabilities are extended via the I-Stat1 BGA Analyzer, a solo handheld unit which is designed for on-the-spot testing. The device delivers fast on‑site blood gas, metabolic and cardiac tests in 2 minutes or less.
Diamond Diagnostics guarantees full refurbishment and service for Abbott analyzers through its FDA and ISO-registered Down-To-Frame® process, delivering factory-equivalent performance at a significantly reduced cost.
Key Analyzer Models & Capabilities
Siemens Analyzers
Atellica CH 930
- Offers up to 1,800 tests/hour (1,200 photometric + 600 ISE) across a test menu of 98 assays.
- It accepts serum, plasma, urine, CSF, and whole blood, with a minimum sample volume of 4 µL.
- It integrates seamlessly with the Atellica IM 1600 for immunoassays.
- It supports continuous loading, onboard refrigeration and STAT sample access.
Dimension EXL 200 / EXL LM
- These mid-range analyzers support approximately 627–794 tests/hour.
- The EXL 200 handles 60 samples with 44 cooled reagents and uses LOCI® technology for immunoassay capability.
- These are suited for mid-sized labs looking for a balance of flexibility and footprint.
ADVIA Chemistry 1800/ 2400
- High-volume systems capable of 1,800 to 2,400 tests/hour.
- They are commonly used in reference labs.
- ADVIA analyzers support broad test menus including metabolic panels, thyroid, cardiac and toxicology assays.
Viva-E/ Viva-Pro E
- Designed for therapeutic drug monitoring and specialized chemistry.
- The Viva-E handles 180 tests/hour.
- The Viva-Pro E adds random-access capabilities with moderate throughput.
Abbott Analyzers
Alinity CI
An integrated chemistry and immunoassay analyzer with 1,550 tests/hour throughput, 300-sample load and 117 onboard cooled reagents. It uses closed-tube sampling, allowing for minimal operator intervention.
Alinity C
Dedicated chemistry analyzer capable of 1,350 tests/hour, supporting 150 samples and 70 reagent positions. Reagents are kept in an onboard refrigerated compartment, ensuring stability.
Architect ci4100
Modular chemistry and immunoassay system offering 900 tests/hour, with a 180-sample load and 115 reagent positions. Ideal for small-to-mid volume labs with growing throughput needs.
Architect c8000
Chemistry-only analyzer supporting 1,200 tests/hour, 215-sample capacity and 121 refrigerated reagent positions. It provides a robust option for labs scaling up from benchtop systems.
Architect ci8200
Supports up to 1,400 tests/hour, 350 samples and 146 reagent positions. It provides a high-throughput solution for large laboratories or healthcare networks.
Comparative Analysis: Siemens vs Abbott
1. Throughput and Test Menu
Siemens’ Atellica CH 930 outpaces most Abbott analyzers in raw throughput with up to 1,800 tests/hour. However, Abbott’s Alinity CI is competitive at 1,550 tests/hour, especially when footprint and integration are considered. In high-volume labs, Siemens may hold the edge, while Abbott offers a space-saving advantage.
2. Sample and Reagent Handling
Abbott analyzers offer higher reagent capacity in compact spaces. Sample handling also favors Abbott in CI and C series, with features like clot detection, cap piercing and automatic rerun rules. Siemens systems offer flexible sample volumes (as low as 4 µL), benefiting pediatric or critical care labs.
3. Modularity and Scalability
Siemens’ modular approach suits labs with long-term growth strategies. By contrast, Abbott focuses on integrated all-in-one systems. Both can be scaled, but Siemens enables easier pairing with automation tracks or sample conveyors.
4. Ease of Use and Interface
Abbott’s Alinity and Architect systems prioritize intuitive UI, touchscreen workflows and simplified maintenance. This makes them ideal for labs with rotating technologists. Siemens also supports automation but requires slightly more training for full system mastery.
5. Footprint and Space Efficiency
For labs with space constraints, Alinity CI delivers a combined platform within a smaller footprint than Siemens’ split CH/IM modules. Siemens, however, benefits large labs through higher performance when space isn’t a limiting factor.
Choosing Between Siemens and Abbott
When to Choose Siemens
- Labs requiring ultra-high throughput (>1,800 tests/hour)
- Facilities with automation lines or sample distribution tracks
- Special interest in specialty assays and advanced middleware options
- Priority on minimizing turnaround time in high-volume centers
When to Choose Abbott
- Small to mid-sized labs looking for high efficiency in limited space
- Labs prioritizing ease of use, fast training cycles, and intuitive workflow
- Healthcare systems standardizing across multiple sites with identical systems
- Institutions needing flexible reagent management and minimal downtime
Final Thoughts
Both Siemens and Abbott are top-tier brands offering reliable performance in clinical diagnostics.
When comparing lab analyzer brands, the decision ultimately hinges on a lab’s daily test volume, automation infrastructure, available space and technical expertise.
Performance insights show that:
- Siemens leads in raw throughput and automation readiness.
- Abbott excels in integrated systems, user experience and efficient reagent design.
By aligning your analyzer selection with your lab’s growth strategy and operational goals, you can maximize both efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
For facilities considering refurbished equipment, Diamond Diagnostics offers verified, warranty-backed systems from both brands. These systems offer OEM level performance with the added value of warranty protection, all at a significantly reduced cost.
The names and logos of manufacturers, their instruments, and their products referred to herein may be protected by trademark or other law, and are used herein solely for purpose of reference. Products are available for international distribution only unless otherwise indicated. Diamond Diagnostics expressly disclaims any affiliation with products it does not manufacture, as well as sponsorship by other manufacturers. For current regulatory status on products within this website, please contact your sales representative. Prices and Information shown are for reference only and may change without notice. SmartLyte®, ProLyte®, CareLyte®, and Down-To-Frame® Refurbishing are Registered Trademarks of Diamond Diagnostics®. No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.