easyPunch STARlet
Consistent, Traceable Sample Card Processing
The easyPunch STARlet provides everything needed for hands-free sample card punching and extraction, along with sample traceability.
Advanced Sample Collection Card Processing
The easyPunch STARlet automates punching and processing of framed sample collection cards (e.g. FTA cards) spotted with blood, plasma, urine, buccal swabs, saliva, and other biofluids. It can also automate additional downstream applications such as nucleic acid extraction. Up to 200 FTA cards may be loaded at once. Each is identified and fully tracked.
Advanced Image-Based Recognition
Indicating or non-indicating sample collection cards are imaged on the deck-mounted punch module to determine optimal punch position. The punch strategy also includes recognizing previously punched positions and determining valid cleaning punch locations. Administrators may fine-tune parameters based on the lab’s validation studies.
Four interchangeable punch head sizes are available, and process controls reduce static and dust. Pre- and post-punch images, along with sample tracking data, are stored and sent to a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for inclusion in case files and reports.
Common applications Biobanking, Pre-Analytics & Primary Sample Processing, Forensics, STR Profiling
Hamilton Innovation Starts at the Channel
Pipetting Technology
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DPS - Dynamic Positioning System
For Efficient Movements
DPS enables all channels to pipette simultaneously, even across non-uniform patterns. Unlike fixed channels with equidistant spreading, DPS offers efficient yet flexible liquid handling for cherry picking, non-uniform and variable volume samples, and complex pipetting workflows.
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Aerosol-Free Tip Ejection
To Prevent Cross-Contamination
As part of CO-RE II technology’s functionality, pipette tips are gently ejected from each automated liquid handler pipetting channel. This prevents aerosol generation that may expose users to harmful biohazards or cross-contaminate samples and laboratory surfaces.
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Liquid Handling TechnologyMAD - Monitored Air Displacement
For Unmatched Reliability
MAD monitors the air displacement in each pipetting channel of a Hamilton automated liquid handler. During liquid aspiration steps, this non-contact technology immediately identifies clots, empty wells, or other aspiration issues. It also delivers a confirmation of successful aspiration in each pipetting channel of a Hamilton automated liquid handler.
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Liquid Handling TechnologyDual Liquid Level Detection (LLD)
For Accurate Aspirations
Dual LLD uses two sensors on each liquid handling pipetting channel. A capacitance sensor detects aqueous and conductive liquid surfaces while a pressure-based sensor works with non-conductive, viscous, and volatile liquids. Together, they ensure highly accurate and reliable liquid handling performance.
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Liquid Handling TechnologyTADM – Total Aspiration & Dispense Monitoring
For Real-Time Pipetting Accuracy
During aspirate and dispense steps, TADM monitors real-time pressure changes in each Hamilton liquid handler pipetting channel. Results are compared against expected values to expose anomalies like bubbles and insufficient volumes. Sample transfers are verified with a digital audit trail.
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Liquid Handling TechnologyAnti-Droplet Control (ADC)
For Drip-Free Pipetting
Pressure sensors on Hamilton’s pipetting channels continuously detect variations. Any changes are immediately compensated for by dosing drive movements to prevent droplet formation. Essential for high-precision and accuracy when pipetting volatile liquids like ethanol and acetonitrile.
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Liquid Handling TechnologyLFC - Liquid Fractionation Control
For Detecting Liquid Layers via Pressure Monitoring
Pressure-based monitoring method to detect liquid interfaces in layered samples like centrifuged blood or liquid-liquid chemical extractions. LFC simultaneously and rapidly identifies, separates, and aliquots up to 16 samples into various labware targets. It includes full sample traceability.
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AccessoriesAutoload
For Convenient Identification
Uses a 1D barcode scanner to automatically identify and verify samples, carriers, and consumables such as tips, tubes, micro plates, and reagent troughs as they are placed onto the liquid handling deck. Optional 2D barcode reading is available, and results may be sent to any LIMS for documentation.
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Transport SolutionsCO-RE Gripper
For Additional Movements
Further streamline automated workflows with CO-RE Grippers. These agile grippers transform Hamilton's precision pipette channels into on-deck labware transport solutions on Hamilton automated liquid handlers.
The easyPunch STARlet supports automated post-punch disc processing in many diverse applications.
Image-based recognition of punched discs and integrated punch cleaning further ensures sample integrity throughout the fully traceable process.
Process each sample card in under a minute, or up to 200 cards per batch, without manual intervention or quality compromise. Two card types are compatible:
-51mm x 51mm, cardboard frame
-84mm x 53mm, cardboard frame
