Application
Toxicology
Toxicology is the scientific study of the adverse effects of chemical, physical, or biological agents on living organisms.
It examines how exposure to various substances, such as drugs, industrial chemicals, environmental pollutants, and naturally occurring toxins, can cause harm, the mechanisms behind this harm, and how such effects can be prevented or mitigated.
In toxicology testing, various techniques are used to detect, quantify, and analyze chemicals, toxins, and metabolites in biological and environmental samples.
Key methods include chromatography, Mass Spectrometry (MS), immunoassays, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), UV-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and in vitro assays.
The most common technique used is Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), which combines chromatography’s separation power with MS’s analytical precision.
How Hamilton Supports Your Toxicology Workflows
1
Sample Collection
Test Samples:
- Blood
- Urine
- Hair
- Saliva
- Environmental Samples (e.g., water, soil, air)
2
Sample Processing
Labor-intensive with high automation potential
3
Analysis
Testing Methods:
- Chromatography
- Mass Spectrometry (MS)
- Immunoassays
- Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS)
- UV-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis)
-In Vitro Assays (commonly using cells)
4
Data Interpretation and Reporting
Hamilton offers a comprehensive range of liquid-handling solutions to automate sample preparation for toxicology assays.
For TDM via LC-MS sample preparation, Hamilton offers four standardized Assay-Ready Workstations: MassSTAR, STAR CL, MassXtract, and Dual MassSTAR. The first two platforms were developed as CE-IVD-certified automated solutions for clinical LC-MS sample preparation in collaboration with Chromsystems and Shimadzu.
Our automated liquid handlers for all other assay types are offered as customized solutions, integrating on-deck heating, shaking, and cooling modules, as well as seamless third-party integration with plate readers and washers. Moreover, the software scheduler allows for optimizing resource use in parallel assays.
In addition, Hamilton provides automation solutions with low-volume capabilities as well as fixed and adjustable-volume manual pipettes, enabling accurate and efficient liquid handling.
Explore Our Toxicology 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.
Automated workstation
BIOSPOT® Workstation
Specializes in microplate applications, achieving unparalleled accuracy in dispensing nanoliter volumes or compound screening and assay miniaturization.
Lab Syringes
Microliter Syringes
Hamilton Microliter syringes are ideal for dispensing homogeneous liquid samples not prone to glass bonding or precipitation. With a hand-fitted stainless steel plunger for frictionless movement and minimal wear, these syringes are designed to last.
Hamilton offers a wide range of chromatography syringes for HPLC and GC, designed for precise and accurate sample injections. Their catalog includes replacement autosampler syringes for popular HPLC and GC systems, as well as manual syringes for on-column, headspace, and split/splitless injections, plus specialized syringes and needles for TLC.
Good to Know About Toxicology 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.
Hamilton Products in Action:
A collection of videos showcasing Hamilton products in use, providing practical insights into their functionality and benefits.
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Solutions for the Top 3 Challenges for Toxicology Workflows
Challenge: Large quantities of samples that must be processed quickly (high-throughput bottlenecks)
Solution: Hamilton automated platforms can process hundreds of samples in parallel in single tubes and most ANSI/SLAS format microplates. The throughput in any of our platforms can be significantly increased using 96 or 384 Multi Probe Heads, enabling faster processing of high sample volumes.
Challenge: Tracing samples from primary blood tubes to final reports.
Solution: Hamilton liquid handlers integrate barcoding technology and tracking software, seamlessly integrating with third-party devices and LIMS for end-to-end sample traceability.. These systems eliminate manual errors, enhance data transparency, and ensure regulatory compliance in toxicology workflows.
Challenge: Complete CE-IVD-certified workflow in the clinical setting is required (in Europe).
Solution: Hamilton, in collaboration with Chromsystems and Shimadzu, offers CE-IVD-certified solutions for LC-MS sample preparation: Chromsystems’ MassSTAR and Alsachim’s (Shimadzu) STAR CL. These systems provide pre-validated methods, comprehensive documentation, and scalability, ensuring compliance with CE-IVD standards and optimized workflows.
What Are the Disciplines Within Toxicology?
Toxicology is divided into various disciplines to address the diverse ways in which toxic substances affect humans, animals, and the environment, ensuring specialized approaches to understanding and mitigating risks.
Involves identifying and analyzing the toxic effects of substances through experiments and chemical and drug testing. It focuses on dose-response relationships and hazard identification to assess the potential risks of chemical exposure.
Examines the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying toxic effects, investigating how substances interact with biological systems to cause cellular or systemic harm.
Supports the development of safety standards and guidelines to protect public health. It uses risk assessments to determine safe exposure levels and inform policy decisions.
Addresses the diagnosis, treatment, and management of poisoning and overdoses in humans, often operating in medical settings like hospitals or poison control centers.
Studies the impact of toxic substances on ecosystems and wildlife, focusing on issues like pollution, bioaccumulation, and ecological risks to protect the environment.
Detects and analyzes toxins, drugs, or alcohol in legal and criminal investigations, often completed by forensic toxicologists to determine the cause of death or substance use.
Focuses on the effects of toxic substances in workplace settings. It aims to protect workers by assessing risks and establishing safety protocols.
Evaluates the safety of food additives, contaminants, and naturally occurring toxins to ensure public health and compliance with food safety regulations.
What is Drugs of Abuse (DoA) Testing?
Drugs of Abuse (DoA) testing is central to clinical and forensic toxicology.
The assessment of DoA is performed in cases of accidental exposure to drugs or toxic compounds, self-poisonings, suspicion of overdose, monitoring of addicts, suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, and doping control.
Doping control involves analyzing substances that enhance performance in humans or animals (e.g., horses, camels, dogs).
Toxicology Case Studies and Application Notes
Other Toxicology 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.
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