Thermo ScientificTCAutomation

Expandable laboratory automationsolutions tailored to your needs

Part of Thermo Fisher Scientifi c

Cost-effective and consistent sample handling with automation

Improved quality and safety of sample management and shortened turnaround times are the key benefits of laboratory automation. By automating the main pre- and post-analytical steps, such as decapping, centrifugation, aliquoting, sorting and recapping, Thermo Scientific TCAutomation helps to manage the evolving workloads today and in the future. The open concept supports interfaces with a wide variety of analyzers. TCAutomation recognizes the individual needs of different laboratories and provides scalable configurations.

Scalable architecture

Each installation is planned for its individual optimal effi ciencies and Thermo Scientifi c TCAutomation modules can be fi tted to various fl oor plans. Because TCAutomation solutions are modular, they are easy to expand, and scalable according to the changing needs. Automating can be started from a certain function and built up towards total laboratory automation. This means improved management of factors such as increased throughput needs, productivity pressures and integration of new analyzing technologies.

Higher productivity

Thermo Scientifi c workcell solution including two or more analyzers in one system combination increases the analyzing capacity without increasing the demand of manual work. Single entry point without pre-sorting and reducing the number of aliquots by having a possibility to perform several tests on a single patient sample are clear advantages. The Middleware software offers integrated functionality for managing the whole workcell in one central-ized user interface. Versatile data management and only one connection to laboratory information system are some of the key benefi ts ensuring successful operation.

Post-analytical automation

The TCAutomation Recapper module is the latest addition to the automated sample processing. The tubes requiring long term storage can be automatically capped with the Recapper module, which manages a wide variety of primary tube types and sizes. In addition to that the module is able to handle also TCAutomation Aliquoter secondary tubes.

Open concept

Thermo Scientifi c TCAutomation supports interfaces with a wide selection of analyzers from different manufactures. These analyzer connections can either be point-of-space or robotic interfaces. Samples can also be sorted to analyzer specifi c racks and placed manually into analyzers without any extra work.

Effective sample processing

Samples are transported within the TCAutomation system in a multitube carrier, which includes an embedded microchip. This chip, based on RFID technology, enables faster and more reliable sample identifi cation as well as excellent real-time sample tracking possibilities.

Centralized operation

TCAutomation controller, based on Windows® software, offers an overview and control over the whole automation system in a single window. Route defi nition is simple and gives fl exibility to optimize the workfl ow. In the case of sample handling errors samples are directed to the check area and error information is displayed.

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Clinical Diagnostics FinlandRatastie 2, P.O. Box 100FI-01621 VantaaTel. +358-9-329 100Fax +358-9-3291 0300www.thermo.com/tcautomation

• Control Unit – Fully graphical, easy-to-navigate userinterface for controlling the conveyor system and different automation modules.

• Multitube Carrier – A tube carrier accommodating several tube sizes. The multitube carrier includes an embedded microchip.

• Entry and Exit Module – Modules for manual loading and unloading of sample tubes.

• Rack Entry, Rack Exit, Combined Rack Entry/Exit Modules - Modules for automatic sample loading and unloading in user-specifi ed racks. Excellent sample sorting capabilities.

• Conveyors – Dual-lane conveyors for sample trans-port. Available in different lengths.

• Perpendicular and Parallel Bypass Modules – Analyzer- specifi c bypass lanes for systems that are capable of direct track dispensing.

• Centrifuge Module – Automatic and continuous centrifugation of samples.

• Decapper Flex Module – Automatic cap removal from different types and sizes of sample tubes.

• Aliquoter/Labeler Module – Automatic sample aliquoting to secondary tubes using disposable tips. Automatic barcode labeling of secondary tubes.

• Recapper Module – Automatic capping of different types and sizes of primary tubes.

• Buffer Module – Area for samples waiting for validation and for storing empty carriers.

• Analyzer Interfaces – Several interfaces available. Please contact Thermo Fisher Scientifi c for more information.

Automation solutions adaptable to different types of laboratoriesThe highly fl exible Thermo Scientifi c TCAutomation laboratory automation solutions improve safety and effi ciency in many kinds of clinical laboratories. Sample management’s labor-intensive tasks can be automated in different combinations. Depending on the fl oor plan and effi ciency requirements, the TCAutomation systems can be expanded step by step.

© 2008 Thermo Fisher Scientifi c Inc. All rights reserved.

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