Hamilton Robotics has unveiled a proprietary 2D barcode reader suitable for high-throughput screening, sample archival, forensics and work with SNPs and blood samples.
The reader is designed to provide advanced sample tracking functions on the Microlab Star automated liquid handling workstation.
The new device has a compact footprint in a standard Hamilton carrier size to minimise the required deck space.
The reader's charge-coupled-device (CCD) camera records barcodes in less than 0.5 seconds from a range of sample formats, including boxes of SBS tubes and 96-well biovials.
Five labware positions are available on the device.
The 2D barcode reader supports a variety of tubes from a range of manufacturers, in 24-, 48-, 96- and 384-well configurations.
The company claims that 2D barcoding is a valuable tool for sample tracking and storage and provides critical chain-of-custody information.
Scott Eaton, director of clinical and international sales and marketing for Hamilton Robotics, said: 'Up to now, Microlab Star users have been required to use third-party 2D barcode readers.
'These third-party devices require more deck space than the Hamilton-designed peripherals, which now include our own reader,' he added.
