Most laboratories have sample tracking for the data for the samples. Often there is a database of samples in a microplate that has been 'bought in' from outside. Rarely is there a positive identification of microplate contents when the plate is made up internally. No place is this more important than a forensic science DNA laboratory.
This device would be ideal for sample tracking in these type of laboratories where samples need to be accurately moved from one container mode to another (e.g. bag of samples to a rack):
DNA screening
DNA sample preparation & analysis
DNA sample tracking
Forensic science
Hospital laboratories
Clinical laboratories
automate.it storstar instrument
First step of the automation process is the most key - the positioning of DNA samples in a 96 well formation ready for processing on liquid handling robotics.
The benefits of the automate.it storstar are:
First step of the automation process is the most key - the positioning of DNA samples in a 96 well formation ready for processing on liquid handling robotics
Guarantees sample remains in place throughout process and is tracked physically and electronically without constant need to check
Fail-safe system with aperture sufficient for only 1 tube at a time so misaligning or misplacing in rack not a problem
Easy screen prompts allow operators to follow with minimal training
Integrates with LIMS to provide full continuity to help with provision of chain of custody information
Where duplicate samples available allows 1 to be batched for processing and 1 to be stored in same orientation
storstar allows sample tubes to be added to an array of tube holders including microplate tube holder, Eppendorf tube holder and storage boxes
storstar allows you to go beyond formatting samples in tubes which are the same footprint size as microtitre plates; it can transform samples in large 1.5ml tubes into microtitre plate-compatible format. Great for use with database buccal scrapes or swabs for taking crime scene blood samples in Eppendorf tubes
Control position of forensic samples and quality controls in the 12 x 8 format (or any other format) using software templates for added flexibility
Multiple storstar instruments can be controlled from one PC, so multiple tubes from a single source can be loaded into multiple holders sequentially
how it works
Scan the barcode of the holder and place on the storstar Sampler tray
The system withdraws the tray into the instruments
Take the first sample tube, scan its barcode and place in the holder through the orifice in the top of the instrument
Continue until all samples are loaded in the holder
The system produces a data file mapping the tube barcodes with the plate barcodes and the position thereon
There is full error checking throughout the process
benefits of the automate.it storstar instrument
forensic DNA laboratory needs
Ability to process DNA samples as fast as possible to react to customer requirements for early intelligence information.
High Quality results with high success rates to ensure all evidence is available for consideration.
Chain of custody information which withstands challenge in Law Courts and provides full confidence in the accuracy of the results.
Process integrity and confidence in sample tracking to remove doubt about errors.
Service provision which maximises evidence obtained for money spent.
automated Forensic DNA processes
Allows high throughput processing reducing overall costs of the service providing value for money forensic science.
Reduces Turnaround times to allow faster responses in criminal investigations, especially important in no-suspect cases where early intelligence is critical.
Expandable capacity to help organisations react to peaks in sample submissions without detriment to turnaround times and creation of backlogs.
Reduces potential for human error thereby eliminating numerous checks which slow down the process whilst giving the same high quality output.
tube handling
First step of the automation process is the most key - the positioning of DNA samples in a 96 well formation ready for processing on liquid handling robotics.
Guarantees sample remains in place throughout process and is tracked physically and electronically without constant need to check
Fail-safe system with aperture sufficient for only 1 tube at a time so misaligning or misplacing in rack not a problem
Easy screen prompts allow operators to follow with minimal training.
Integrates with LIMS to provide full continuity to help with provision of chain of custody information.
Where duplicate samples available allows 1 to be batched for processing and 1 to be stored in same orientation.
tubestar allows you to go beyond formatting samples in tubes which are the same footprint size as microtitre plates; it can transform samples in large 1.5ml tubes into microtitre plate-compatible format. Great for use with database buccal scrapes or swabs for taking crime scene blood samples.
Control position of forensic samples and quality controls in the 12 x 8 format using software templates for added flexibility.
Other robotic samplers do not really allow for 1.5ml tubes - they are closer to the footprint size of a microtitre plate.
specification
Weight: 8.6kg
Control: RS232
options
The samples are loaded into racks during a run and the racks are mounted into an automate.it storstar holder. There are multiple holders available, but additional holders are becoming available all the time.
Storage box and holder for
closed Eppendorf tubes
Holder for
open/closed tubes
holder for shallow well flexible plates e.g. PCR plates
Cardboard storage box and holder
for closed Eppendorf tubes
Holder for open/closed
Eppendorf tubes
working with barcode readers
The automate.it storstar is supplied with a linear barcode readers for sample and rack identification. 2D barcode readers can also be integrated into the system for identification of tubes with 2D barcode labels.
All manufacturers' trademarks are gratefully acknowledged.
paa, Overlord and automate.it are the trademark of (c) 2013 Peak Analysis & Automation Ltd.
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Most laboratories have sample tracking for the data for the samples. Often there is a database of samples in a microplate that has been 'bought in' from outside. Rarely is there a positive identification of microplate contents when the plate is made up internally. No place is this more important than a forensic science DNA laboratory. 
