Capitainer, a medical technology company, has announced the launch of a fully automated sample handler that allows for large-scale screening and diagnostics using the company’s self-sampling products. The innovative technology reduces the number of manual steps required and decreases the time laboratory staff spends preparing Capitainer samples for analysis.
Efficient Large-Scale Studies Made Possible
The new, fully automated sample handler, called PA496 (Pre-analytical Automation 4 x 96 for Capitainer®), is capable of handling up to 400 samples at a time. It transfers dried blood samples from Capitainer cards to designated wells in 96-well plates, with the ID number of each sample scanned, and the dried blood samples photographed to ensure the highest standards of sample quality and traceability.
According to Claudia Fredolini, Head of the Affinity Proteomics Unit at SciLifeLab, the new instrument allows them to manage large-scale studies in a very efficient and quality-assured way. “We have worked with Capitainer samples for several years and developed methods for analysis on many different platforms. Now we can work on major projects where our infrastructure and expertise can help bring about new advances in research,” she said.
Revolutionizing Self-Sampling Solutions
Capitainer’s patented self-sampling products enable patients to take their blood samples themselves or with assistance, using a special sampling card. The card is designed to measure a precise amount of blood automatically, which is then dried and protected in the card. The sampling card containing the blood sample can be sent by standard post to the laboratory for analysis, without the need for refrigerated transport or special packaging.
Christopher Aulin, CEO of Capitainer, stated that the launch of this fully automated sample handler marks a significant breakthrough in the commercialization of Capitainer, and means that they can now implement the company’s self-sampling solutions on a large scale. “We have worked hard to reduce laboratory handling times and make our products easier for laboratory staff to work with. This strengthens our position as a solution for large-scale screening and diagnostics,” he added.
Collaboration with Intema
The PA496 has been developed in partnership with Intema and is produced exclusively for Capitainer. The partnership has been instrumental in bringing the innovative technology to market and facilitating the automation of Capitainer’s self-sampling solutions.
Conclusion
Capitainer’s fully automated sample handler is set to revolutionize large-scale screening and diagnostics using the company’s self-sampling products. The efficient and quality-assured technology significantly reduces the number of manual steps required and decreases the time laboratory staff spends preparing Capitainer samples for analysis. With its innovative approach to self-sampling, Capitainer is positioning itself as a solution for large-scale screening and diagnostics, bringing new advances in research to the forefront.
