Application
Pre-Analytics & Primary Sample Processing
Pre-analytics and primary sample processing are crucial steps for accurate laboratory analyses in clinical and research applications. The pre-analytical phase lays the groundwork for accurate results as it encompasses everything from specimen collection and transport to the laboratory, to sample identification, handling, and processing.
After samples arrive at the laboratory, they undergo steps such as aliquoting or blood fractionation to prepare them for specific analytical methods. Each sample preparation technique and step is designed to preserve sample integrity and avoid contamination while ensuring full traceability throughout the entire workflow.
Effective pre-analytical protocols enable precise downstream analytics by maintaining high-quality standards during the entire sample preparation process.
Ensuring proper sample collection and transport is challenging and largely dependent on clinicians adhering to good clinical practice guidelines. As soon as samples arrive at the laboratory, automated systems can streamline these processes, minimizing the risk of manual errors and cross-contamination and increasing consistency between samples. This focus on accuracy and reproducibility helps clinical and research laboratories deliver first-rate results that you and your team can rely on.
How Hamilton Supports Your Pre-Analytics Workflows
Reliability starts at the very beginning. Hamilton provides tailored solutions to automate your pre-analytic workflows, accommodating a broad range of specimens with precision and ease.
Our fully automated workstations for source-to-target transferring of biological samples include important steps such as decapping and recapping of different primary sample tubes and help you make the most out of small sample amounts for dried specimens.
Hamilton also makes blood fractionation easier with two dedicated solutions. Blood sample fractions are determined with precision using dedicated image recognition tools or the Total Aspiration and Dispense Monitoring (TADM) capabilities of Hamilton pipetting technology. Our pre-analytic workstations also include easy-to-use sample lysis solutions and can be integrated with Hamilton diverse storage options, giving you a streamlined experience from start to finish.
For customers working manually, we offer a variety of fixed and adjustable volume manual pipettes.
Explore our Pre-Analytics & Primary Sample Processing Solutions and Applications in Detail
Choose an outcome below to see personalized product recommendations.
The Hamilton Microlab Prep is an affordable liquid handler perfect for automating workflows. This entry-level liquid handler supports automated PCR setup and serial dilution.
The Hamilton Microlab STAR is a reliable and versatile automated liquid handling platform. With advanced features like multi-probe heads, pipetting technologies, and VENUS software, this premier liquid handling system fits your laboratory needs. Revolutionize your workflows with the STAR today!
Hamilton STAR V, a cutting-edge liquid handling robot, unites Microlab STAR flexibility with Microlab VANTAGE high-performance capabilities to boost efficiency. The Microlab STAR V offers speed, precision, and technology for automated liquid handling. Upgrade your lab—explore the Microlab STAR V!
Hamilton VANTAGE 2.0 is a cutting-edge liquid handling system with automated precision. Optimize workflows with the VANTAGE robot, all while boosting performance, safeguarding samples, and maximizing walk-away time. Discover the Hamilton VANTAGE liquid handler for your current & future needs.
Ambient, +4°C, -20°C Sample Storage
Verso Q-Series
Verso Q-Series automated freezer storage systems allow you to spend less time managing your samples. Verso Q20, Verso Q50, and Verso Q75 automated ambient to minus 20°C freezers feature large storage capacities in extremely compact footprints.
Ambient, +4°C, -20°C Sample Storage
Verso
Hamilton Verso is a modular compound management system for automated storage at temperatures from ambient to minus 20°C for high-throughput applications. This compound and sample storage system can easily be configured to meet your needs.
-80°C Sample Storage
SAM HD Pro
The SAM HD Pro lab freezer is your solution for high-density storage with a small footprint. This compact lab freezer is capable of ultra-low temperatures down to minus 80°C to ensure sample integrity. The SAM HD Pro sample freezer makes automated storage quick and easy.
-80°C Sample Storage
BiOS
BiOS is Hamilton’s premier minus 80°C freezer for medium- and large-capacity storage. This ultra-low temperature freezer maintains the integrity of your biological sample storage throughout automation. With customizable size and capacity, this minus 80°C freezer can be scaled to fit your storage needs.
Capping & Decapping
LabElite DeCapper
The LabElite DeCapper by Hamilton automates tube capping and decapping, improving efficiency and sample integrity.
Capping & Decapping
LabElite Handheld DeCapper
The LabElite Handheld DeCapper is a semi-automated device designed for efficient capping and decapping of tubes in 48- and 96-format racks.
Barcode Reading
LabElite I.D. Reader
The LabElite I.D. Reader by Hamilton automates barcode scanning for 2D-labeled tubes.
Capping & Decapping
LabElite I.D. Capper
The LabElite I.D. Capper from Hamilton combines automated tube capping/decapping with high-speed barcode reading in one device.
Capping & Decapping
LabElite DeCapper SL
The LabElite DeCapper SL by Hamilton automates tube capping and decapping for 24-, 48-, and 96-format racks.
Good to Know About Sample Preparation & Identification Workflows
This section provides a selection of additional resources related to the application described on this page. It includes helpful articles, videos, and blogs that offer deeper insights into the topic.
Useful Links
External resources not written by Hamilton but valuable for understanding the topic, such as industry guidelines, explanatory videos, or relevant tools.
| Preanalytical quality improvement: from dream to reality | Read Article |
| The Pre-analytical Phase | Read Chapter |
| The emerging importance of the pre-pre-analytical phase in reducing testing errors and improving patient safety | Read Article |
Solutions for the Top 3 Challenges for Pre-Analaytics Workflows
Swapping Samples
Challenge: Misidentification or accidental swapping of patient samples in manual workflows can negatively impact patient health and safety.
Solution: Hamilton automation solutions, featuring advanced barcode scanners and integrated software, uniquely identify each sample or consumable, ensuring precise traceability from start to finish and eliminating the risk of sample misidentification.
Low Precision During Sample Preparation
Challenge: Inconsistent handling of samples with low precision during the different processing steps negatively impacts the subsequent test results, especially in the field of analytical chemistry.
Solution: Hamilton's dedicated pre-analytic workflows leverage decades of experience in cutting-edge liquid handling and lab automation to deliver unparalleled precision, ensuring reliable and reproducible test results every time. In addition, specific modules measuring variables such as temperature or humidity can be integrated into your workflow to help you monitor process conditions in real time.
Handling Potentially Hazardous Samples
Challenge: While in-vitro diagnostic workflows are essential for patient care, minimizing the risk of healthcare professionals coming in contact with potentially hazardous samples is also a significant challenge.
Solution: By unlocking the full potential of automation in your clinical laboratory equipment, you can significantly decrease user interaction with samples, especially for the crucial steps where sample vials are opened and closed. Hamilton CO-RE II pipetting technology not only improves precision and reliability but is specifically designed to prevent aerosol formation, further improving operator safety.
What Are the Steps in Specimen Preparation?
Specimen collection and sample preparation are critical pre-analytic steps in diagnostic workflows, ensuring samples are properly handled and ready for accurate analysis. The process starts with collection and handling based on the specimen type and specific sample requirements. After samples are collected and labeled, they are shipped to laboratories, where they often undergo initial sample preparation steps, which may include processes like centrifugation or fraction separation. This is followed by aliquoting, a crucial step where samples are divided into smaller, precise portions tailored to specific sample requirements for testing, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
Proper specimen preparation is essential for fields like analytical chemistry, where sample quality directly impacts results and - by extension - clinical decisions. By creating robust workflows that follow these steps, laboratories maintain sample integrity and ensure full traceability, supporting reliable outcomes across various clinical and research applications.
Pre-Analytics Case Studies and Application Notes
Other Pre-Analytics Resources
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
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