HORIBA ABX introduces laboratory automation systems

The new ABX SAT TA 5000+ post-analytical laboratory automation system.

HORIBA ABX has launched two laboratory automation systems for pre- and post-analytical sample sorting and archiving - the ABX SAT RL 1500 pre-analytical robotic tube sorting device and the ABX SAT TA 5000+ refrigerated sample archiving system. Suitable for mid to large size haematology laboratories, both systems offer considerable time, energy and cost savings when compared to manual sorting and archiving. When combined, these solutions ensure optimal laboratory workflow and process efficiency.

With customisable rules, the ABX SAT RL 1500 will flexibly sort up to 1500 closed primary sample tubes per hour, and will automatically load CBC/DIFF samples into ABX Pentra racks prior to analysis. Post analysis, ABX Pentra racks are automatically unloaded and intelligently stored by the ABX SAT TA 5000+ in 5000 tube capacity refrigerated cabinets.  For increased storage capacity, each cabinet is modular and can be easily undocked once filled and moved to cold storage for sample preservation and a new empty cabinet connected to the system.

Selective and immediate tube identification and retrieval is possible using the ABX SAT TA 5000+ due to the intuitive allocation and positioning of the barcoded tubes. With all customary barcodes supported, no additional labelling or equipment is required.  Samples for additional analyses, such as HbA1cs, ESRs, referrals, can also be sorted based on worklist requirements via the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Furthermore, by automatically placing samples identified for retests into specific racks under stable refrigerated conditions, sample integrity and analytical reliability is enhanced, even if a retest is performed days after the sample was initially drawn.

For optimum organisation and increased productivity, both the ABX SAT RL 1500 and ABX SAT TA 5000+ contribute to a LEAN environment by optimising the sample sorting, archiving and retrieval processes. These also ensure complete workflow traceability and audit trails through bidirectional connection to the LIMS.