Increased modularity with a new tube inspection unit and an improved archiving system are among developments to automated sample processing platform
In response to requests from customers focused on front-end (pre-analytical) automation, Tecan UK has announced that it is introducing several new features for its Genesis FE500 Workcell. The Genesis FE500 Workcell is a fully automated platform designed to meet the sample processing requirements of hospitals, research institutes and other clinical laboratories.
Pre-analytic processing is one of the most labour-intensive aspects of clinical laboratory testing and some estimates indicate that specimen processing accounts for up to 65% of the average total time spent by personnel on clinical laboratory procedures.
The new features of the FE500 Workcell include improved flexibility through the introduction of a more modular system, a new tube inspection unit that offers superior attributes over existing sample volume measuring systems, and an improved archiving system that facilitates sample storage.
The new modular system offers more options in the selection of modules enabling a perfect fit to the specific range of activities performed by a laboratory. This includes different options for the individual processing steps: specimen sorting; centrifugation; decapping; secondary tube labelling and aliquoting; serum volume verification; barcode labelling; and placing tubes in sample racks that originate from a wide variety of manufacturers.
The new Genesis FE500 Workcell also benefits from an improved tube inspection unit that scans the whole length of the tube to measure the exact liquid volume. Since detection is possible through the tube label, no window is necessary on sample tubes and the complete tube may be covered by barcode labels (up to three layers).
This feature will also be available as an upgrade feature for existing users.
Additional archiving options, which are implemented in the new system software, enable the full separation of sample from primary to secondary tubes.
After sample volume measurement, labelled secondary tubes are prepared to receive the corresponding aliquots and the remnant sample for archiving.
Tubes are then moved to defined unloading positions.
Barcode labelling of each tube permits full tracking throughout the process.
Some laboratory information systems (LIS) will offer users even more flexibility.
