System Components
Key elements of the system
In its simplest configuration, Lab2Lab comprises a microtube Sender, Router, Buffer, Receiver and the flexible delivery tubing which connects the system components together. Lab2Lab is easy to expand as each Router can connect up to 30 Senders/Receivers and multiple Routers can be used per system. Future expansion allows the user to connect Bulk Senders allowing racks of microtubes to be sent automatically.
Microtube Sender:
The microtube Sender can be sited in any laboratory. When a sample is ready for analysis, the scientist scans the microtubes barcode and enters details on their PC. The microtube is then sent pneumatically to the Router. If a scientist wishes to submit multiple samples for analysis, rather than submit them individually from a Sender, they can use a Bulk Sender. This can take up to 96 microtubes from a standard SBS rack.
Router:
The Router manages the flow of sample microtubes. When each sample is received, its barcode is read, and it is either transferred to an available analytical instrument, to the buffer unit, or to a manual collection point or waste if no further sample analysis is required. Each Router can connect up to 30 Senders / Receivers.
Buffer:
The Buffer can hold up to 96 microtubes. It is used to temporarily store samples that have been submitted whilst they wait for an analyser to be available. The Buffer can easily be connected to an integrated rack handling robots such as a Hamilton SWAP or Twister II.
Receiver unit:
The Receiver transfers the microtube directly to the auto-sampler of an analytical instrument (such as a Waters Acquity or Agilent 1100/1200). Once the sample has been processed, the results are sent to the network and the microtube returned to the Router. Currently Lab2Lab is designed to use Agilent and Waters instruments, but any device capable of automated control could be easily integrated (such as NMR).
Transport:
Lab2Lab has been developed using the same pneumatic technology that has been successfully used in its comPOUND® and comPILER® sample storage systems for many years, providing a reliable, secure and rapid means of transporting samples around research facilities. The transport pipes can be run within the superstructure of a building or on the surface of walls and ceilings (as required by the end user). There is no theoretical limit to transport distances. A single 6bar compressed air supply can easily transport tubes up to 1000m. Longer distances are achieved using boosters.
Microtubes:
Lab2Lab is designed to transport microtubes. At present the system has been optimised for 500uL Matrix TrakMate microtubes . However, simple exchange components in devices will allow a variety of microtube types to be used. It is even possible to send glass microtubes.
Benefits of Lab2Lab include:
- more efficient instrument utilisation
- increased speed of data generation
- increased usage of analytical equipment (overnight running)
- simple to install in existing laboratories
- easy to expand the system as required
- easy to customise to customers requirements
