Hamilton Microlab Dual MassSTAR automated liquid handling workstation on a lab bench, with open enclosure revealing pipetting deck and a monitor to the right.

Dual MassSTAR

Protein Precipitation
2-in-1 Sample Preparation
Solid-Phase Extraction
High-Throughput
<1.5 Hours
96 Samples Per Run
Full Traceability
Smart User Interface
Optimized Workflow

Clinical LC-MS Simplified

Dual MassSTAR combines protein precipitation and solid-phase extraction in one automated system to reliably process more samples in less time.

Multiple Workflows to Enhance Efficiency

Whether your laboratory is conducting therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) or testing for drugs of abuse (DoA), the Dual MassSTAR can bring reproducibility and traceability to your LC-MS sample preparation workflows. It combines multiple techniques, notably protein precipitation and solid-phase extraction, into one compact unit. Automated processing allows parallel processing of whole blood, serum, and urine samples to test for multiple therapeutic and illegal drugs in one standardized run prior to LC-MS analysis.

Balancing Consistent Performance and Multi-Functionality

The compact Dual MassSTAR brings hands-free efficiency and consistency to non-clinical and clinical LC-MS sample prep. It combines legendary CO-RE II Technology for accurate and precise liquid handling with deck-mounted tools for protein precipitation and solid-phase extraction. Pre-programmed methods, precisely optimized for the Dual MassSTAR, significantly enhance method efficiency and also support standardization.

 Two Dual MassSTAR models are available. One supports both protein precipitation and solid-phase extraction, while the other is optimized for protein precipitation.

Common applications Pharma & Biopharma, Drug Discovery, Gene and Cell Therapy, Bioprocess Downstream, Microbial Strain and Fermentation Development

Featured Technologies

Hamilton Innovation Starts at the Channel

Liquid Handling Technology

  • MAD - 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.

    Diagram showing three pipette tip states—Normal, Empty, and Clogged—each with a corresponding pressure curve graph.

  • Dual 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.

    Infographic showing 3 common pipetting issues: vessel overflow, over aspiration, and liquid on outside the tip

  • Anti-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.

    Syringe diagram with plunger, pressure sensor, and volatile liquid labels; graphs showing pressure over time with droplet and oscillation patterns.
  • Pipetting Technology
    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.

  • Pipetting Technology
    CO-RE II Tip/Tool Attachment

    The Key to Liquid Handling Workflow Excellence

    The new CO-RE II technology assures more precise tip alignment, minimizing the risk of collisions. Also, tip coupling is faster which boosts productivity. Besides tips, a wide range of Hamilton tools are applicable with CO-RE II.

  • Accessories
    Autoload

    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.

  • Transport Solutions
    CO-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.

One space-saving solution facilitates two LC-MS sample prep workflows: protein precipitation and solid-phase extraction.

Parallel sample processing allows testing of several analytes at once without performance variability from manual processing.

Barcode scanning ensures a full sample chain-of-custody. All sample movements and run data may be uploaded to a LIMS for regulatory compliance.

  • Hamilton MICROLAB Dual MassSTAR automated liquid handling workstation, front view, open deck
  • Top-down view of an open automated liquid handling workstation with numbered components including a centrifuge (2), microplate positions, and tip racks.
  • Top-down view of an automated liquid handling workstation with labeled components: robotic arm, centrifuge, plate hotels, tip racks, and waste station.
  • Top-down view of an open automated sample storage system with numbered components: microplate stacks, tube racks, a robotic arm, and a circular module.
  • Top-down view of an open automated liquid handling workdeck with numbered components: pipette tip racks, microplate positions, a robotic arm, and a circular device.
  • Top-down view of an open automated liquid handler with numbered components: reagent troughs, microplate carriers, tip racks, a centrifuge, and a robotic transfer station.

Explore the Dual Mass STAR

1

Microlab STARlet Automated Liquid Handler

Performs all liquid handling steps and integrates all devices on deck for use in the sample preparation workflow.
2

Centrifuge

Securely store all tips and plates needed for the workflow on the deck. Ample space is also provided for reservoir- or microplate-based reagents.
3

Crystal Vacuum Station (CVS)

Supports solid-phase extraction of analytes like opioids.
4

Hamilton Heater Shaker (HHS)

Heats up to 105 ºC and shakes up to 2500 rpm. Includes variable shaking orbits.
5

Hamilton Heater Cooler (HHC)

Maintains accurate temperature control of samples across a 0 °C to 110 °C range.
6

Autoload and Barcode Reader

Automatically identifies and verifies samples, carriers, and consumables via barcodes as they are placed on the Dual MassSTAR deck.

Dual MassSTAR 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.

App Note Dual Mass STAR at Labor Berlin TIMG png

Application Note

Parallelized Protein Precipitation on the Microlab Dual MassSTAR

Labor Berlin and Hamilton automated multiple protein precipitation protocols using the Dual MassSTAR platform to streamline Therapeutic Drug Monitoring workflows. This parallelized approach improves accuracy, reduces turnaround time by up to 50%, and enhances lab efficiency with minimal manual input.
Hamilton application note cover: "Automation of Sample Pre-Treatment on Hamilton STARlet for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring with LC-MS/MS"

Application Note

Automation of Sample Pre-Treatment on Hamilton STARlet for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring with LC-MS/MS

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) improves patient care by tracking drug levels in blood to adjust dosages. This Application Note describes automating sample pre-treatment to simplify TDM workflows and sample management.
Hamilton application note cover: "Automation of Immunosuppressant Sample Pre-Treatment on the Hamilton STARlet"

Application Note

Automation of Immunosuppressant Sample Pre-Treatment on the Hamilton STARlet

Automate immunosuppressant sample pre-treatment for Roche Cobas e 411 using the Hamilton STARlet. This walk-away workflow boosts traceability, reproducibility, and lab efficiency.

Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.

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Services
Installation & Beyond

Trust in Hamilton’s Field Service Engineers for high-quality automated liquid handler installation, preventative maintenance, and field repairs.

Backed by world-class service and support.

For over 75 years, the Hamilton name has been recognized globally for its unwavering commitment to quality. That pledge extends to creating long-term customer partnerships. We're proud to offer in-depth training courses, on-site field support, custom product builds, and so much more.

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