Description
Key features:
- High throughput analysis of up to 500 DBS cards per run
- Integrated optical card recognition and barcode reading module
- Automated internal standard application module
- Unique extraction module with wash station to eliminate carry-over
- Online coupling to analysis system (LC-MS, MS or Sample Collector)
- Full control through Chronos software
The fully automated CAMAG DBS-MS extraction system makes DBS analysis remarkably easy and has strong advantages compared to both the manual and semi-automated punching techniques. With the CAMAG DBS-MS 500 extraction procedure DBS analysis is an economical alternative to conventional blood sampling. It represents a time- and cost-saving technique for analyzing pharmacological samples and is less invasive for participants or animals.
1) Robotics
Highly reliable robotics handles the DBS cards from 5 separate racks, each with a capacity of 100 cards. The gripping tool picks up cards and moves them to all of the subsequent processes in the corresponding modules and back into their original position after the extraction. All DBS cards in the standard format of 84.67 mm × 53.2 mm can be used, independent of the brand.
2) Optical card recognition
The spot number and position, checkbox status, and barcode information are determined by a camera module with integrated firmware and adapted sensors. The connection between a DBS and its barcode is ensured throughout the whole process. CAMAG has incorporated its know-how of more than a decade of optical HPTLC image analysis to build this precise and reliable camera module.
3) Internal standard application
The extraction efficiency and analysis quality is ensured via the application of an internal standard prior to the extraction. The internal standard solution is applied with a high a precision sprayer onto the DBS. CAMAG has been manufacturing high precision application instruments for HPTLC for a long time and has used this experience to build this module.
4) Extraction Module
The extraction unit seals the DBS card and solvent is guided horizontally through the DBS into a sample loop. The loop volume can be of various sizes and configurations according to the application. The extract is guided online to the analysis system and is independent from the extraction solvent cycle.
5) Wash Station
A designated wash station cleans all parts that are in contact with the DBS cards and additionally flushes the entire tubing to avoid any carry-over. Using this system, independent user tests confirm that carry-over is not an issue.
6) Master Control Software Chronos
Chronos is a sophisticated master software that manages your analytical system in addition to controlling the DBS-MS 500. Sample lists are programmed in Chronos, where sample processing, extraction and analysis parameters are brought together. Chronos is compatible with the majority of common mass spectrometers and allows data exchange between those programs.
Optimization for high throughput
An overlap of workflows is Chronos’ core feature. The software measures the time for each work step in real-time and adapts the sample schedule accordingly even while an analysis is still ongoing. This enables the DBS-MS 500 to prepare the next sample in time and therefore avoid delays due to idle time. As a result Chronos increases the active measuring time of the devices and considerably raises the efficiency of the laboratory.
Real-time analysis monitoring
The sample schedule is visualized in a chart which can be monitored in real-time.
A) Transport the DBS card
B) Optical card recognition
C) Application of internal standard
D) Extraction
E) Rinsing the extraction unit
F) Estimated LC-MS cycle time
Robustness and repeatability
The user can create methods with almost no limitations on parameter options. Sample lists can be generated fast and adapted to individual needs for the standard user. Robustness and reproducibility is thus ensured through software controlled automation of the complete analysis.
Safety
Chronos not only controls your analytical system, it also reports a 2D barcode, the run parameters of your analytical system and pictures of each DBS card. The 2D barcode automatically assigned to each DBS simplifies handling and avoids errors which might be caused by manual working steps. Thus Chronos ensures traceability of every sample supporting a good documentation practice.
Dimensions | Size: 110 × 80 × 60 cm (w × d × h); net weight 120 kg Additional space of 10 cm for ventilation and height of 30 cm for solvent bottle placement required |
Requirements | Pressurized air of 4 to 8 bar Line voltage 100 – 240 V, 50 / 60 Hz, 100 W |
User interface | Touch screen display for selecting and editing methods and setting parameters |
Communication with LC-MS | Contact closure, optional Ethernet communication |
Tube connections to LC-MS | 1/16” high pressure valve, 10 – 32 coned ports (UPLC valve on request) |
050.0500 | DBS-MS 500 Fully automated DBS workstation for 500 DBS cards. Including wash station, optical card recognition unit and internal standard spraying module. Master slave control unit. Chronos software to control the extraction and analysis. |
Validation of an Automated Extraction Procedure for Amino Acids and Acylcarnitines for Use with Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Newborn Screening
Stefan Gaugler, Jana Rykl, Vicente L. Cebolla
Stefan Gaugler et al.
DOI
Urs Duthaler, Benjamin Berger, Stefan Erb, Manuel Battegay, Emili Letang, Stefan Gaugler, Alex Natamatungiro, Dorcas Mnzava, Massimiliano Donazelli, Stephan Krähenbühl, Manuel Haschke
DOI
Stefan Gaugler, Jana Rykl, Irene Wegner, Tamara von Däniken, Ralph Fingerhut and Götz Schlotterbeck
DOI
U. Duthaler, B. Berger, S. Erb, M. Battegay, E. Letang, S. Gaugler, S. Krähenbühl and M. Haschke
DOI
Stefan Gaugler, Jana Rykl, Matthias Grill, Vicente Luis Cebolla
DOI
Regina V. Oliveira, Jack Henion and Enaksha R. Wickremsinhe
DOI
Ralph Fingerhut, Maria Lucia Silva Polanco, Gabriel De Jesus Silva Arevalo and Magdalena A. Swiderska
DOI
Dieter Zimmer, Stephan Hassler, Beatrice Betschart, Stephan Sack, Christoph Fankhauser, Matthias Loppacher
DOI