easyPunch STARlet is the first fully automated system integrating sample card punching and liquid handling.
The easyPunch STARlet system, manufactured in Hamilton’s Bonaduz, Switzerland facility, integrates punching of GE Healthcare Whatman FTATM and DMPK sample collection cards with automated sample extraction, eliminating common bottlenecks in laboratory processes.
The system claims to minimise human error and enables high-throughput sample preparation for a variety of applications, such as forensic reference databasing as well as pre-clinical and clinical drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) and toxicology studies.
“Because many labs lack a fully automated workflow, thousands of samples such as blood and saliva placed on punch cards are waiting long periods to be processed for critical studies and forensic analysis,” said Stefan Mauch, Product Manager of the easyPunch STARlet system.
“Until now, sample card punching for analysis preparation required tedious manual work or separate semi-automated instruments and an operator.
“Researchers or technicians had to be consistently precise and experienced when handling and tracking samples, or the results could be compromised.”
The easyPunch workstation is based on the Hamilton Robotics Microlab STARlet platform and features two special modules and robotic arms for transporting and punching paper cards.
The samples are monitored by powerful tracking software to eliminate any chance of sample identification errors.
The entire process is tracked using imaging recognition. Hamilton’s proprietary software, based on industrial machine vision technology, provides complete control and monitoring of the punching process.
The software recognises the position and size of the card, identifies the sample by reading the barcode, and determines the punch area.
The workstation also takes a picture of the target well to ensure the punch has arrived in the designated well.
Compatibility with library information management systems (LIMS) and full traceability ensure that data can be linked confidently to each sample. The modular nature of the system enables integration of other devices, such as a centrifuge and a plate sealer, thus potentially integrating the entire workflow.
Features overview:
- Automated sample card punching and downstream sample processing in one device
- 4 predefined method types included in delivery ?HID: method for card punching and PCR setup using direct amplification kits
- DMPK: DMPK method setup for card punching and subsequent addition of extraction reagent
- Inventory: Method automatically inventories incoming cards.
- Cherry pick cards: Cherry picking function to pick specific cards according to an imported work list
- Deck resources can be customised to fit a wide variety of different applications
- Input and output file can be tailored for downstream systems and LIMS integration
