Innovative Sample Prep Workstation to be Unveiled at ISCC 2014

Within a laboratory, technicians and researchers are so accustomed to perform manually the sample preparation that they do not think that there might be a valid alternative to it. Even if they consider this possibility, they immediately discard this idea because they are seriously convinced that, of course, it is out of their budget.

For this reason, they continue to perform repetitive routine sample preparation operations, which take most of their life in lab (recent studies show that sample preparation usually takes up more than 85% of the processing time of a sample!) Furthermore manual execution is inherently error prone, which often involves the need to re-run the entire batch of analyses or, in the worst case, to draw incorrect conclusions. Thinking about this scenario, HTA (Italy) has  designed HT4000A, sample prep station, which will be introduced for the first time at ISCC 2014.

The  HT4000A is based on a modular design. HT4000A modules are included and assembled according to your specific requirements. You order your HT4000A instrument to tailor fit it your lab workflow: furthermore, by adding or removing modules you are able to deploy an additional or different sample prep procedure.

With HT4000A you will be able to automate almost all the phases of the sample preparation: liquid handling (aspiration, dispensation, sample displacing, serial and parallel dilution, single and multiple derivatisation, pH spiking, reagent and standard addiction), sample purification and filtration (Solid Phase Extraction (SPE), Micro Extraction by Packed Sorbent (MEPS), Whatman Mini-UniPrep syringeless vials, syringe-filters and liquid/liquid extraction (LLE)), sample mixing by vortex, automatic uncap/recap, and weigh. If necessary, the HT4000A can also execute sample loading/injecting into the analyser by the use of an injection valve (for LC and IC applications) or by an injection port. All these sample processing operations can be carried out assuring sample tracking by the use of integrated barcode reader or barcode gun. HT4000A is able to move sample vessels across modules or positions allowing complete automation. HT4000A supports the most common sample vessels: vials (2/6/10/20/40ml), test tubes, tube blocks, plates, Vacutainers and several more.

When it comes to the reagents, there is no compromise in terms of solvent capacity and solvent selection, while regarding syringe volumes, the range is from 500 nanoliters to 10 milliliters. Regardless your sample or solvent is extremely volatile or viscous, we provide you with the capability you need to perform the tasks effectively. Therefore, HT4000A has a wide capacity to accommodate the most challenging requests, allowing to handle a wide range of applications. 

HT4000A can be easily programed to execute your specific protocol by HTAPREP – lab automation software – that offers powerful method development by a simple drag and drop approach and smart sample processing: complex  routine and experiments can be defined in a few easy steps. Collect data in database, export them to MS Excel or browse in a convenient PDF file.