Introducing the AutoMate™ 800 Automated Sample Processor

Automated System Streamlines Pre- and Post Analytical Processing

Beckman Coulter announces the release of its newest sample processor, the AutoMate™ 800 Sample Processor, a fully automated system designed to streamline pre- and post-analytical sample handling processes for mid- to high-volume laboratories.

The AutoMate 800 system offers a number of exclusive, automated technologies that may help labs increase efficiency, reduce manual processing errors, accommodate higher testing volumes and post significant gains in test result delivery.

Its features include:

• A single point of entry, to manage all tubes from sample receipt to disposal or storage
• Automated sample loading and sorting, to minimize manual sample handling
• Fully integrated, programmable "on-demand" centrifugation
• Through-the-label sample volume detection, to ascertain whether requested aliquots can be created
• Decapper module that selectively removes caps as necessary for analysis, for maximum efficiency and safety
• Intelligent aliquotting and tube labeling that eliminates manual sample preparation errors and ensures faster, more accurate secondary tube preparation
• Dedicated STAT-input area that enables priority processing for rapid test turnaround time
• Ability to accommodate multiple tube sizes (from 13 x 75 mm to 16 x 100 mm) from BD*, Greiner* and SARSTEDT*
• Intuitive software, to facilitate ease of use

"This system serves as a centralized, single-point resource for all tubes entering the lab, saving time and labor while increasing testing efficiency," says Ron Berman, vice president of Beckman Coulter's Automation and Information Systems Business Center. "It's an ideal solution for mid-to-high-volume laboratories that need to optimize testing performance."

The AutoMate 800 offers centrifuge throughput of up to 300 samples per hour and can aliquot up to 420 total samples per hour, including 140 primary and 280 secondary tubes. Its large tip volume capacity enables the system to draw enough sample to make multiple transfers to secondary aliquot tubes, further improving performance and efficiency.

The system can accommodate 800 sample tubes at a time and its open system architecture sorts tubes to generic 50-tube racks or analyzer racks, speeding transfers to instruments, other lab sections or send-out test requirements.

The AutoMate 800 represents the newest addition to Beckman Coulter's growing line of automated systems, which includes the Power Processor automation system and numerous automated instruments, such as the UniCel® chemistry/immunoassay platform and COULTER® LH family of hematology work cells.

* BD, Greiner and SARSTEDT are registered trademarks of their respective owners