Modular sample storage system proves its worth at Wyeth's Pearl River facility, as order for three additional units takes storage capacity to 800,000 samples
Following reliable performance of its system over three years, Wyeth Research has approved the purchase of a further three Compound modules from TTP LabTech.
This increases Wyeth's storage capacity to 800,000 samples in eight Compound modules, all of which will be integrated with TTP LabTech's fully automated store-to-plate processing system, Compiler.
Because connected stores can be accessed in parallel, adding new stores actually increases the speed of the system, bringing its processing capability to over 12,000 tubes in an eight-hour day.
Wyeth's developing confidence in the Compound system began in 2002 when the first three Compound modules and the Compiler system were installed at its Pearl River facility in New York.
A further two Compound modules were added in 2003.
"As compound libraries continue to expand, the need for fast, efficient and scaleable storage and delivery systems becomes paramount" explained Jas Sanghera, TTP LabTech's commercial director.
"By linking Compiler to our Compound modules, companies have a fully automated compound management system capable of picking individual microtubes, and the flexibility to grow according to their needs".
Compound - a self-contained store with true cherry-picking capability - can store up to 100,000 microtubes in each module in a dry and inert environment at -20C, says TTP Labtech.
Modules can be linked together to provide almost unlimited library capacity.
Compound modules can be linked to Compiler to increase automation and throughput.
Compiler assembles racks of cherry-picked microtubes, thaws, centrifuges and decaps the microtubes, then flushes them with inert gas to protect the contents before presenting them for sample preparation.
After processing, tubes are regassed, recapped and returned to the Compound stores.
With minimal out-of-storage time and an inert environment, sample degradation is said to be practically eliminated.
Compiler is capable of supporting up to 12 Compound stores, allowing rapid access to a library of up to 1.2 million samples and the capability to process more than 15,000 microtubes in an eight-hour day without operator intervention.
Both Compound and Compiler are available as separate, self-contained units which can be easily integrated into existing laboratory systems.
The modularity of the system means that the library storage - as well as the compounds stored - may be built up over time.
