Most laboratories have sample tracking for the data for the samples. Often there is a database of samples in a microplate that has been 'bought in' from outside. Rarely is there a positive identification of microplate contents when the plate is made up internally. No place is this more important than a forensic science DNA laboratory.

This device would be idea for sample tracking in these type of laboratories where samples need to be accurately moved from one container mode to another (e.g. bag of samples to a rack):

• DNA screening
• DNA sample preparation & analysis
• DNA sample tracking
• Forensic science
• Hospital laboratories
• Clinical laboratories

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LA296: automate.it storstar logged storage system

First step of the automation process is the most key - the positioning of DNA samples in a 96 well formation ready for processing on liquid handling robotics. The benefits of the automate.it storstar are:

• First step of the automation process is the most key - the positioning of DNA samples in a 96 well formation ready for processing on liquid handling robotics
• Guarantees sample remains in place throughout process and is tracked physically and electronically without constant need to check
• Fail-safe system with aperture sufficient for only 1 tube at a time so misaligning or misplacing in rack not a problem
• Easy screen prompts allow operators to follow with minimal training
• Integrates with LIMS to provide full continuity to help with provision of chain of custody information
• Where duplicate samples available allows 1 to be batched for processing and 1 to be stored in same orientation
• storstar allows sample tubes to be added to an array of tube holders including microplate tube holder, Eppendorf tube holder and storage boxes
• storstar allows you to go beyond formatting samples in tubes which are the same footprint size as microtitre plates; it can transform samples in large 1.5ml tubes into microtitre plate-compatible format. Great for use with database buccal scrapes or swabs for taking crime scene blood samples in Eppendorf tubes
• Control position of forensic samples and quality controls in the 12 x 8 format (or any other format) using software templates for added flexibility
• Multiple storstar instruments can be controlled from one PC, so multiple tubes from a single source can be loaded into multiple holders sequentially

1. Scan the barcode of the holder and place on the storstar Sampler tray
2. The system withdraws the tray into the instruments
3. Take the first sample tube, scan its barcode and place in the holder through the orifice in the top of the instrument
4. Continue until all samples are loaded in the holder
5. The system produces a data file mapping the tube barcodes with the plate barcodes and the position thereon
6. There is full error checking throughout the process

Storage box and holder for
closed Eppendorf tubes

Holder for
open/closed tubes

holder for shallow well flexible plates e.g. PCR plates

Cardboard storage box and holder
for closed Eppendorf tubes

Holder for open/closed
Eppendorf tubes

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LA306: automate.it storstar and 2D barcode labelled tubes

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LA307: automate.it storstar and 1D barcode labelled tubes