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Positive sample identification, processing and tracking from tubes to microplates
Positive sample identification and tracking is critical in collecting, transferring, and storing quality data with integrity. Tracking of samples by way of bar code registration provides historical identification of labware contents, e.g. tube or microplate, at any point in an assay or method, and allows decisions to be made during transfer or pipetting operations based on labware contents or worklist import files. Within Biomek® Software, sample tracking is enabled via data sets, which store labware properties such as a bar code or lot number, and well (or tube) properties such as volumes and detector values.
Data sets allow information about a sample in an individual tube or well to be tracked when the sample is moved to another tube or well. During any transfer operation, all data sets associated with a plate (or tube) are automatically copied from the source labware to the destination labware. Only the wells in the data set affected by the transfer operation are copied to the destination plate. The information in the data set can therefore be used in decision-making for such applications as hit-picking and normalization.
The Biomek Automated Tube Bar Code Reader (ATBCR) allows the processing of open-top, tube-based samples and controls with dimensional sizes of 12 or 13 x 75 mm, 13 x 100 mm, 16 x 75 mm, and 16 x 100 mm. The ATBCR presents one to 96 samples stored in tube formats to the deck of a Biomek NXP/NX or FXP/FX instrument with Span-8 functionality. An internal bar code reader scans the linear bar codes associated with not only the sample tubes, but also the tube racks to allow association and definition of the type of tube being read for pipetting purposes. The tube racks hold one to four tubes of the same type, however different-sized tubes can be processed during a method in their respective racks. Up to 24 racks of four tubes each can be batch processed at one time (e.g. in one ATBCR method step) with an unlimited number of tubes being processed (e.g. multiple ATBCR steps) within a single Biomek Software method after reloading the ATBCR.
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Product Features
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Sample Racks hold one to four tubes
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Preparation
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Open-top, sample tubes are prepared for scanning in the ATBCR by ensuring that the bar code labels are clean, free of smudges, and applied vertically along the length of the tube.
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The ATBCR is capable of reading the following bar code formats: CODABAR, Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, EAN,
Interleaved 2 of 5, UPCA, and UPCE. The labeled tubes are then placed in the appropriate sized sample rack.
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Sample Racks
Sample racks hold one to four tubes of the same dimension and are labeled with their own bar code label to allow association and definition of the type of tube being
read for pipetting purposes. Four different-sized racks are available to hold 12 different labware tube types. Different-sized tubes can be processed during a method in their respective racks. Up to 24 racks of four tubes each can be batch processed at one time, i.e. in one ATBCR method step.
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ATBCR can process an unlimited number of tubes per method in batches of 96 tubes
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Identification & Tracking
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Once the sample tubes are labeled and placed in their respective tube racks, the racks are then placed in the input tray of the ATBCR. The cover of the ATBCR is closed, and the Biomek Software method started.
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The cover is locked by the software, until all the samples have been processed. This protects the samples from any manual intervention or tampering, as well as from airborne contaminants.
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Positive sample identification is achieved when an internal bar code reader scans the bar codes associated with the sample tubes and racks, as the racks are passed by the reader from the input tray to the presentation point.
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If a tube position within a sample rack is left
empty, the scanner shines through the rack and reads a permanent, default bar code, which appears opposite the sample rack and identifies this position as a missing tube.
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Extensive Error Handling
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Extensive error handling in reading the bar codes of
the sample racks and tubes ensures positive sample
identification. Options to both inputs include:
- Ignoring the error and continuing the method
- Identifying the error and continuing the method
- Using a pre-specified bar code
- Prompting the user for further input, including manual input
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Presentation Point of the ATBCR
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Processing
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As a sample rack reaches the presentation
point of the ATBCR, the Biomek NXP/NX or FXP/FX
Span-8 pod moves in position to pipette up to
four samples from the rack and transfer them to
a destination piece of labware, e.g. microplate or
tube rack, on the deck of the instrument for further
processing. Any data set information associated with
the sample tubes is automatically transferred to the
destination labware for positive sample identification,
tracking, and information transfer.
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Reporting
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After all the sample tubes have been processed, the ATBCR Report step in the software allows the reporting of actions, and errors recorded by the ATBCR. The report contains such information as:
- Header information, including the name of the method run, logged-in user name, method start time, and instrument serial number
- Bar code information, including the quantity and sequence of racks and tubes processed, rack ID’s, sample tube ID’s, and the date and time the sample was read
- Error information, including the suspect sample rack or tube ID, a description of the error, the user response and input, and time of error
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Additionally, Biomek Software can generate a report of the complete Biomek method run, which contains all the sample preparation log entries and data files, including the sample information from the ATBCR. Results from this report can
be exported to a LIMS or Microsoft* Excel spreadsheet for further data analysis, processing, or storage.
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The processing of samples from tube-to-plate with the Automated Tube Bar Code Reader produces an unbroken
chain of traceable sample information, providing you with data you can trust.
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