LabManagerWhere Science and Management Meet™

Identifying and Selecting the Best Managers

High Purity Water for Inorganic Analysis

Bar Codes as a PowerfulAutomation Tool

®MAGAZINE

INSID

E:

July 2007 Volume 2 • Number 7

www.labmanager.com

THE PRODUCT ISSUE

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contents

JULY 2007LabManagerWhere Science and Management Meet™

®MAGAZINE

features13 IDENTIFYING AND SELECTING THE BEST MANAGERS

Managers need not throw darts blindly when making decisionsabout promotions into managerial posts.Ronald B. Pickett

17 HIGH PURITY WATER FOR INORGANIC ANALYSISVarious possibilities exist to address the specific water purityrequirements of each laboratory and field. Some of these solu-tions are in relationship to the needs of various laboratories.Stéphane Mabic,* Beatrice Gerion, Elodie Castillo, andIchiro Kano

47 LAB DIAGNOSISBar Codes as a Powerful Automation Tool Bruce Wray

10 Upfront

30 Lab Agenda

50 Advertiser Index

In every issue

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THE PRODUCT ISSUE32 Analysis Instruments

33 Chemicals and Reagents

34 Chromatography, HPLC, andSeparation Systems

35 Filters/Filtration, Water Purification

36 General Lab Equipment

38 Laboratory Software

39 Liquid Handling

40 Meters and Monitors

41 Microscopes and Imaging

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LabManager labmanager.com6

Lab Manager® Magazine (ISSN: 1931-3810) is published monthly by Vicon Publishing, Inc., 4 Limbo Lane, Amherst, NH 03031. Application to mail atPeriodicals Postage Rates is pending at Amherst, NH 03031. A requester publication, Lab Manager® is distributed to qualified subscribers. Non-qualifiedsubscription rates in the U.S. and Canada: $120 per year. All other countries: $180 per year, payable in U.S. funds. Back issues may be purchased at a costof $15 each in the U.S. and $20 elsewhere. While every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and itsemployees cannot accept responsibility for the correctness of information supplied, advertisements or opinions expressed. POSTMASTER: Send addresschanges to Lab Manager® Magazine, 4 Limbo Lane, Amherst, NH 03031.

©2007 Lab Manager® Magazine by Vicon Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission from thepublisher. Permission is granted for those registered with the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc. (CCC), 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923 (phone:978-750-8400; fax:978-750-4470) to photocopy articles for a base fee of $1 per copy of the article plus $.35 per page.

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EDITORIALPATRICE GALVIN - Editor In Chief • pgalvin@labmanager.com | 603-672-9997, x112

BARBARA VANRENTERGHEM, Ph.D. - Science Editor • bvanrenterghem@labmanager.com

LIZ STITT - Editorial Assistant • lstitt@labmanager.com | 603-672-9997, x109

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARDMICHAEL BROWNSTEIN, Ph.D., MD • J. Craig Venter Institute

WAYNE COLLINS, Ph.D. • Thermo Fisher Scientific

LYN FAAS • Consultant, Past-President of ALMA

GLENN KETCHAM, CIH • University of Florida

MARY KEVILLE • Wyeth

VINCE MCLEOD, CIH • University of Florida

JOHN L. TONKINSON, Ph.D. • HistoRx, Inc.

ANDY ZAAYENGA • The Laboratory Robotics Interest Group

ADVERTISING SALES PATRICK MURPHY - Publisher • pmurphy@labmanager.com | 603-672-9997, x106

VICTORIA MACOMBER - Vice President of Sales • vmacomber@labmanager.com | 508-928-1255

LARRY MAHER - MW/SE Sales Director • lmaher@labmanager.com | 630-350-2975

REPRINTSJARED FLETCHER • jfletcher@viconpublishing.com | 603-672-9997, x118

ART & PRODUCTIONJOAN SULLIVAN - VP, Art & Production • jsullivan@labmanager.com

ALICE SCOFIELD - Ad Traffic Manager • ascofield@labmanager.com | 603-672-9997, x101

ADMINISTRATIONPATRICK MURPHY - C.E.O./Publisher • pmurphy@viconpublishing.com

PATRICIA GRADY - C.O.O. • pgrady@viconpublishing.com

CURTISCARMICHAEL - Marketing/Communications Manager • ccarmichael@viconpublishing.com

™LabManagerMAGAZINE®

EXECUTIVE OFFICESVicon Publishing, Inc. • 4 Limbo Lane • Amherst, NH 03031

603-672-9997 • fax 603-672-3028 • www.viconpublishing.com

8 LabManager labmanager.com

Author GuidelinesLab Manager Magazine® is aprinted publication of resources,products, and information fortoday’s laboratory manager.Articles should address someaspect of laboratory manage-ment from the perspective of aprofessional who is both a scien-tist and a manager. Topics areaswould include: managing budg-ets, personnel, technology, infor-mation, funding, training, safety,risk, expansion, building or reno-vation, among others related tothe role of a lab manager.

The article review processshould begin with a query by e-mail or phone followed by abrief abstract or outline. Pleasestate your topic and objective,and indicate your perspective aswell as your professional rela-tionship to the topic. Contentmust be unbiased and cannotpromote a particular product orcompany. Article length mayrange from 1500-2500 words.All manuscripts must be submit-ted electronically by email ordisk.

To submit an article

query contact:

Patrice Galvin

Editor in Chief

Lab Manager Magazine

pgalvin@labmanager.com

603-672-9997 x112

pp4-9 6/14/07 01:13 AM Page 8

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upfront

I n this issue, the feature article by Ron Pickett, “Identifying and Selecting the BestManagers,” addresses how to spot potential managers in your lab. Succession planning isthe formal term and despite the association with royalty or CEOs of Fortune 500 com-

panies, not all succession planning takes place at the highest echelons. In fact, for organi-zations or labs of any size, there is a tangible value in making sure that there is some lead-ership potential that is being recognized and developed at all levels.

Done correctly, succession planning is more than training someone to take over yourjob. A manager who sees something in a staff member is not merely training that personto step into his/her shoes. While that is a good idea, it also helps to throw in some “biggerpicture” goals. Succession planning is more about knowing where the company is headingand making sure that the skills and talents of the management pool can bring your organi-zation closer to the goals it has set out to achieve.

There are plenty of tools and even software to help track and chart the potential andprogress of internal candidates for key supervisory or executive roles. A succession strategydoes not have to be complex but there should be something in place in every organizationthat is looking to grow. And what company isn’t?

Are you thinking, “This type of planning is great but who has time? Why not justhire the management talent we need?”

Hiring from the outside has value in certain situations. But like firing an employee, anew hire can be expensive. The recruiting expenses alone can add up significantly. Thereare cost savings in spotting potential in your staff. For every employee you invest sometime in, whether all of them make the cut or not, it’s still cheaper than hiring and poten-tially firing someone from the outside. It’s worth measuring up current employees beforethe decision is made that a search has to go outside the company.

Succession planning is not a lonely task. A staff member who is looking for advance-ment can position themselves to learn and show off a few valued qualities. It’s not onlyabout how well you identify and groom them, it’s a collaborative effort that can lead topositive career results for all involved.

AND DON’T MISS THE AUDIO VERSION…In addition to the article, Ron will be giving two web conferences on this topic, “SPOT:Identifying and Selecting the Best Potential Managers from Your Technical Staff” will beheld on July 26th and “DEVELOP and SUPPORT: Building on the Innate Skills of YourStaff to Prepare them for the Demands of Management” will be presented on September13th. Go to www.viconpublishing.com for more information on these and other web con-ferences that are being offered.

Patrice Galvin

LabManager labmanager.com10

Management Material

“…succession management is a journey,

not a destination.”

-Robert M. Fulmer Ph.D.

pp10-11 6/13/07 12:01 AM Page 10

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Identifying and Selecting the Best Managers

managing staff

MANAGERS NEED NOT THROW DARTS BLINDLY WHEN MAKING DECISIONS ABOUT PROMOTIONS INTO MANAGERIAL POSTS.

Let’s say that you have an opening for a supervisor in your laboratory and you decide to promote an internalcandidate into the position. Your choices are:

• Sally, who has worked for you for 17 years and is a great technologist — always prompt, current onthe latest technology, easy to get along with, and good with customers

• Jane, who has worked for you eight years, is a competent technologist, sometimes challenges yourpositions, is a little too sociable for her own good, knows a lot of people in the organization, and hasasked about becoming a supervisor

Based on those descriptions, most people would conclude thatSally is clearly the better choice for promotion — she is moreexperienced, well-liked by her colleagues, and an excellent tech-nologist. However, managers often make the mistake of promotingpeople like Sally who appear to have excellent credentials as tal-ented technologists without properly evaluating whether theywould make talented managers as well. The best technologists arenot always the best management prospects. In fact, sometimeswhen you promote your best technologist, not only do you run therisk of getting a poor manager, but you lose a great employee aswell!

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A GOOD MANAGER?When you need to select and promote someone from your labora-tory into a management role, the first thing to do is examine whatmakes a good manager. Many of the characteristics that make agreat technical staff member will also lead to excellent managerial skills; however, many others do not existin great technologists, or if they do we have not had the opportunity to observe them. In his book, TheCompetent Manager, Richard Boyatzis uses a Competency Model to guide hiring personnel through the man-agement search.1 He emphasizes problem solving, interpersonal influence, leadership, and personal/corporateeffectiveness. I have provided a detailed explanation of some of the more salient characteristics laboratorypersonnel should be specifically evaluated on below (if you would like to see descriptions of full list of compe-tencies, please visit http://www.gov.sk.ca/psc/MgmtComp/Mcdhmpg).

Problem Solving Cluster • Conceptual Thinking • Innovative Thinking• Strategic Orientation — Demonstrates a working knowledge of the capabilities, goals, and vision of

the department. Takes calculated risks based on economic, mission, and political issues, trends, andprocesses as they relate to the strategic objectives of the department and its linkages with the directionof the organization.

(Some of these competencies are naturals for technologists!)

Interpersonal Influence Cluster • Impact and Influence

Ronald B. Pickett

When it is time to promote

someone from your laboratory

into a managementrole, the first thing

you should do isexamine what it

takes to be a goodmanager.

LabManager 13labmanager.com

>>

Think back to your first few days as a manager. How were youselected? How did you make thetransition from the bench to yourdifferent responsibilities as a super-visor? What would have helped toease the transition? What wouldyour advice be to someone contem-plating the change? What strengthsdid you bring — what skill deficitswere the most challenging to fill?

pp12-16 6/13/07 11:25 PM Page 13

labmanager.com14

• Listening, Understanding, and Responding• Networking — Establishes and maintains a network of con-

tacts to help understand emerging issues and makeinformed decisions. Identifies who to involve and when andhow to involve them to accomplish objectives and mini-mize obstacles.

• Teamwork(As you continue to review this list, think about the people

who work for you and which of the competencies they havedemonstrated.)

Leadership Cluster • Change Leadership• Sharing Responsibility — Shares responsibility with indi-

viduals and groups to increase their sense of commitmentand ownership. Assists in the coaching, learning, and devel-opment of others.

• Holding People Accountable• Team Leadership(The personalities of the ideal technologist maybe quite differ-

ent from the ideal managerial profile.) Personal and Corporate Effectiveness Cluster

• Results Orientation• Commitment to Learning• Client Service Orientation• Concern for Political Impact — Is aware of how depart-

mental issues, program policies, and decisions impact otherswhile being sensitive to the differing needs/agendas of vari-ous stakeholders.

• Flexibility• Organizational Awareness — Acts with an understanding

of the department and organizational purposes and process-es and makes departmental changes to resolve issues orproblems.

• Planning and Initiative

USING THE COMPETENCY MODEL While most of these KSAs (formally, Knowledge, Skills andAttributes , although I sometimes like to substitute “Attitude” forAbilities) are important qualities for laboratory managers to have,five of them — Strategic Orientation, Networking, SharingResponsibility, Concern for Political Impact, and OrganizationalAwareness — may be particularly helpful during the early stages ofidentifying potential supervisors or managers.

SETTING UP AD HOC AUDITIONS It is advisable to give your employees managerial-type duties inwhich you can evaluate their potential as supervisors. Among thesuggested possibilities:

• Assign staff members to committees, task forces, or projects.• Give them leadership responsibilities at department-wide

meetings.• Ask them to attend a relevant association meeting.• Since some people will have limited opportunity to demon-

strate leadership potential on the job, discuss their off-the-job activities, including education, clubs, church, etc.

• Send them to a management development or trainingactivity.

• Assign them a written project report on a topic related tothe business of the lab.

WHAT TO OBSERVE• Watch for the individual’s level or intensity of involvement• Observe nonverbal communication (such as body language

indicating involvement, resistance, doubt, closure, etc.)• Pay attention to the questions they ask.• Set up challenging situations.• Ask them what they think about management.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF• Do they participate in discussions during department

meetings?

LabManager

Trying to decide whether or notto move into a leadership role?Ask yourself the following questions about thework experiences you have found most interestingand fulfilling:

• Do I like collaborative work? • Do I tend to become the leader of groups

in which I find myself? • Have I ever volunteered to coach or tutor

others?• Do I find it intriguing to work on thorny,

ambiguous problems? • Do I cope well with stress (e.g., extended

hours, tough personal decisions)?

If you cannot answer “yes” to most of thesequestions, you may not have the personal qual-ities, character, or motivation required to be aneffective manager.

Source: Hill LA. Becoming a Manager: How New Managers Master the Challenges ofLeadership. Boston; Harvard Business School Press: 2003

pp12-16 6/13/07 11:25 PM Page 14

• Do they coach or teach new skills to others?• Do they take a leadership position?• Do they ask productive, facilitative “Why” questions?

EVALUATING POWERManagement involves the ability to get others to do something,but power is the attribute necessary to convince other people to dowhat you want them to do. It is important that you evaluate howyour employees respond to and command power among their col-leagues when deciding on their management potential. A fewspecifics to ask yourself:

• What is their attitude about power?• Do they question authority? Is it done in a positive or nega-

tive way?• Can they differentiate power that is necessary to be an

effective manager from power that is purely for self-aggran-dizement?

If you decide to evaluate your staff on their managerial abili-ties, it is wise to be clear about what you are going to do before theprocess actually begins. Keep in mind the following suggestions:

• Tell your staff that you are observing and assessing theirmanagement potential.

• Ask them if they want to be considered.• Be particularly careful in your assessment of people who

“look a lot like you.” Research shows that we tend to favorindividuals who share a lot of our characteristics from aphysical, cultural, and personality perspective more highlythan others of equal capability and performance.

• Mistrust glibness. Remember that the most articulate peo-ple in the world are con artists.

• Be wary of the “hungry” person. If they want the positiontoo much, it may very well be for the wrong reason.

• Don’t overvalue technical skill, but don’t accept individualswith poor technical orientation.

PUTTING IN A COACHGood coaches have a model of behavior that they drive otherstoward — the perfect golf swing, the correct serve, etc.Management coaches need a similar model, but a lot of executivecoaches keep their model unstated, hidden, and obfuscated. Thatis unnecessary. Here is my model of a good managerial coach:

• Explain and coach your employees toward the managementcompetency model.

LabManager 15labmanager.com

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• Be objective — site specific examples of behavior and areasfor improvement.

• Reward achievement.• Expect slow progress (it took us a long time to get the way

we are).• Describe what employees can expect if they do become a

manager.2-3 • Hold rehearsals and practice sessions.• Use performance appraisals to focus on future develop-

ment.

SUMMARYSo getting back to the original scenario, which employee shouldyou choose to promote? That’s up to you to decide, but it is impor-tant to keep “The Peter Principle” in mind when considering pro-motions. It reads, “In a hierarchy, every employee tends to rise tohis level of incompetence.”4 People are often promoted into posi-tions that require skills and personality traits that they lack. Thereis much more to selecting an appropriate candidate for a manage-ment post than at first appears. Good managers develop a pipelinethey can use to evaluate and nurture potential candidates; it notonly makes the selection process easier, but it also helps them del-

egate tasks effectively even prior to selecting a new supervisor sothat they can see their employees display necessary managerialcharacteristics.

References1. Boyatzis R. The Competent Manager - A Model for Effective

Performance. New York; John Wiley and Sons: 1982.2. Pickett R, Kennedy MM. The Stages of a Manager’s Life, Part I.

Clin Leadersh Manag Rev. 2003;17(4):224-227.3. Pickett R, Kennedy MM. The Stages of a Manager’s Life, Part II.

Clin Leadersh Manag Rev. 2003;17(5):283-285.4. Peter L, Hull R. The Peter Principle: Why Things Always Go

Wrong. New York; William Morrow & Company, Inc: 1969.

Ronald B. Pickett is a Management and OrganizationDevelopment Consultant with over 25 years of experience. His areas ofspecialization include: leader development, organizational politics, atti-tude and opinion survey development and analysis, and succession plan-ning. Mr. Pickett received a bachelor's degree in engineering science andmaster's degrees in Counseling and Leadership and Human ResourceDevelopment. He can be reached at 3415 Avenida Sierra Escondido, CA 92029; 760-738-8638; RonP70000@aol.com.

labmanager.com16 LabManager

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pp12-16 6/13/07 11:25 PM Page 16

High Purity Water for Inorganic Analysis

managing quality

VARIOUS POSSIBILITIES EXIST TO ADDRESS THE SPECIFIC WATER PURITYREQUIREMENTS OF EACH LABORATORY AND FIELD. SOME OF THESE

SOLUTIONS ARE IN RELATIONSHIP TO THE NEEDS OF VARIOUS LABORATORIES.

Environmental analysis, microelectronics, material chemistry, and clinical analysis all involve orrely on metal and ion analyses. However, the analytical laboratories in these fields are not allequipped with the same instruments and do not pursue the same analyses. Therefore, a variety ofanalytical tools and techniques are utilized for measuring various matrices at different concentra-tions and throughput. Due to the diversity of sample types, the analytical methods differ by therequired sensitivity and sample preparation steps.

PURIFIED WATER IN THE ANALYTICAL PROCESSAnalytical methods may be divided into those employing water during the actual analysis phase(liquid chromatography-based techniques) and those without water during the analysis step(spectrometric and spectrophoto-metric techniques – ICP-OES,ICP-MS, and AA). In both cases,water is, or can be, used for samplepreparation, standard dilution,blanking, and instrument rinsing(Figure 1). The amount of wateradded is so important that thepresence of any water contami-nants may generate interference inthe detection range of the sample.In addition, water is the majorcomponent of mobile phases andbuffers for liquid chromatographytechniques (e.g., IC, IC-MS, andCE).

WATER QUALITYREQUIREMENTSSince all the aforementioned techniques measure levels of inorganic analytes, it is important toselect water with a high ionic purity. Resistivity has traditionally been a useful parameter tomonitor the overall ionic purity of the water and is the basis to distinguish variouswater quality grades in norms, standards, and guidelines. The resistivity value isbased on the sum of the contribution (concentration, valence, and mobility) ofeach ion present in the water. As the mobility is temperature-dependent, theresistivity value usually is given together with a temperature value. The maximumresistivity value of pure water, arising from water dissociation, is 18.2 M�·cm at

Stéphane Mabic,* Beatrice Gerion, Elodie Castillo, and Ichiro Kano

The amount ofwater added is soimportant that the

presence of anywater contaminants

may generate interference in thedetection range of

the sample.

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25 °C.1 This value ensures that the overall concentra-tion of ions is below 1 ppb (1µg/L), in Type-I water.

Other parameters also are important to monitor.Bacteria, which can release ions and behave as particu-lates, should be minimized because they can spoil thenebulizers and ionization chambers. The organic con-tamination also needs to be controlled for avoidingspoilage of the instruments. Additionally, organics canmake complexes with metals.

Water degrades very rapidly on storage not only dueto carbonic acid formation but also because ions andorganics from air and containers readily dissolve in highpurity water. Bacteria quickly start growing when waterremains stagnant in a container and bring additionalcontamination and issues. Therefore, it is crucial to usefreshly produced, high purity water and minimize thestorage time.

OPTIONS FOR SELECTING TYPE-I WATERNo unified solution exists for water consumption, uti-lized techniques, selected methods, required purity andmethods for sample preparation. Various possibilitiesexist to address the specific requirements of each labora-tory and field. Some of these solutions are discussed inrelationship to the needs of various laboratories.

LOW WATER VOLUME NEED AND MIDDETECTION RANGESome laboratories require a few liters of water per weekonly or use water sporadically for sample preparation andanalyses campaigns. Others perform analyses at the ppmlevels and focus more on flexibility and reliability of theanalysis than on the sensitivity of the detection meth-ods. For all these cases, there are simple water purifica-tion solutions. Compact and easy-to-operate systemsthat produce high resistivity water from tap water can beselected. Type-I water is always available and there is noneed for water storage over extended periods of time.The purification process from tap to Type-I water maycombine reverse osmosis, activated carbon, and ionexchange resins. Other possibilities exist to finalize thewater purification only when pure water is availablealready in the laboratory or facility. These solutions aresuitable for environmental laboratories using AA orICP-OES.

HIGH WATER VOLUME NEEDS AND LOWDETECTION RANGEFor higher sample numbers or higher purity, other com-binations of purification technologies can be selected todeliver higher volumes per hour and consistent purity

LabManager

pp17-21 6/13/07 11:33 PM Page 18

for analysis in the low detection range. Inaddition to the resistivity, other parameters,such as the organic level (total organic car-bon – TOC), become significant whenwater is used for chromatography purposes.The overall purity of the water (particu-lates, organics, ions, and bacteria) mayaffect the performances of IC and CE forexample, and even more so if the chro-matography instrument is hyphenated toMS. These contaminants also would affectICP instruments by spoiling nebulizers, gen-erating deposits on CCD imaging systems,or creating interferences.

The selection of purification tech-nologies requiring low maintenance over along period of time is recommended forlaboratories requiring large volumes,whether it is for sample preparation, dilu-tion of standards, or instrument rinsing.Expected levels of some elements in waterproduced by a purification chain combin-ing reverse osmosis and electrodeionizationfollowed by ion exchange resins are report-ed in Table 1.

ULTRA LOW DETECTION RANGE(PPT OR SUB-PPT)Some fields require ultra low ion levels inthe water at any time. ICP-MS instru-ments usually are operated in cleanrooms.A specific water purification system dedi-cated to trace elemental analysis wasdeveloped.2,3 Design and material selec-tion are important for optimizing the performance of thepurification process and reducing water contaminationwith tubing and filters. The water system can be operatedin clean environments (cleanrooms and clean hoods)using a foot-switched pedal to consistently deliver waterwith extremely low levels of ions. Typical concentrationsof some elements are reported in Table 2. Most elementsare present at a level below the ppt concentration.4,5

This water is adapted for analyses in microelectronics,pure metals, as well as in certain research areas, such asglaciology and geochemistry.

UTILIZING HIGH PURITY WATERSelecting a purification chain and using high purity wateris important. The analytical method, including the selec-tion and the cleaning of filters and sampling containersas well as the water handling and usage are just as crucial.

These examples highlight the opportunities to add con-tamination in the analysis.

SAMPLE PREPARATIONThe selection and the rinsing of good filters used to cleanthe samples are particularly important. All filters need tobe cleaned with a few milliliters of water. Elements typi-cally released by plastic filters include sulfate, chloride,calcium, potassium, and sodium.

STORAGE OF STANDARDSIn an experiment, Ca and Na standards were preparedusing freshly produced Type-I water. The plastic vialscontaining the standards were installed onto an automat-ic sampler and IC was run. Standard curves wereobtained (5–20 ppb) with high correlation coefficient forboth elements. In both cases, the line goes through the

LabManager 19labmanager.com

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origin. The vials containing the standards were left as is, and18 h later, the calibration curve was built again (Figure 2).

As one can see, very straight standard lines wereobtained with high correlation coefficients.However, both the Ca and Na standard curveswere off and no longer going through the originanymore. Overnight, Na and Ca from air had dis-solved in the vials (it was checked independentlythat the vials were not the source of the contami-nation). The concentrations measured are off.This is a common phenomenon that usually ishidden when an autozero is applied on the ICbefore starting the measurements. Concentrationsmeasured are not accurate, yet frequent. Reducingwater storage, the standards, and samples afterpreparations should be a constant focus in the ana-lytical process.

REAGENT SELECTION In the course of IC experiments, we have beenconfronted with the presence of extraneous peakson the chromatograms. In searching for the sourceof the contamination, it appeared that the ACS-

grade methane-sulfonic acids used to prepare the mobilephase were not as clean as expected. Two well known brands

FINALLY, AN AFFORDABLE VIRUS SAMPLER CARTRIDGEPerfect for the USEPA Methods of Virology

NanoCeram® from Argonide continues to re-write the rules of filtration.The NanoCeram® Virus Sampler uses Argonide’s patented electropositive non-woven filter media in a pleated cartridge. It is capable of meeting the rigid testing meth-odology for virus sampling as specified by the EPA and is currently used by several leading laboratories.The Virus Samplers are supplied in sealed polybags which have been sterilized by the TAMU Electron Beam Facility in College Station, Texas. This provides a sterile sampler as suggested in the EPA’s Method.NanoCeram® Virus Samplers also remain effective over wide pH & salinity ranges,

and provide >99% recovery of virus in a small fraction of the time needed for competi-tive samplers.In addition to the Virus Sampler, Argonide

manufactures a full line of RO prefilters and Filter Discs, all from our NanoCeram® filter media. For your filtration solution give us a call.

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NanoCeram is a Registered® Trademark of the Argonide Corporation 2005. All rights reserved.

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labmanager.com20 LabManager

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pp17-21 6/13/07 11:34 PM Page 20

of acids were compared (Figure 3). It is clear that thereagents will contaminate the mobile phase.

SAMPLING PROTOCOLSWhen trace or ultratrace levels of ions are being measured,it is recommended to have well defined protocols to preparethe containers receiving the samples and standards.Ultrapure water becomes an extremely powerful solvent andit can extract elements from any material it touches. Plasticcontainers should always be used to collect samples for ionicanalysis, because glass releases silica, calcium, and sodium.Protocols have been developed in our application laborato-ries and can be provided.

DETECTING ISSUESRecognizing and identifying the source of issues in an analyticalprocess is not always an easy task. While water may sometimesbe the cause, the few examples mentioned above show thatother sources of contamination may impair the analysis. Waterstorage is certainly a major source of contamination. Usingfreshly produced water with a resis-tivity at 18.2 M�·cm at 25 °Censures that the overall ionic con-tamination of the water is below 1ppb. Consequently, ICP levels ofNa at 35 ppb or an IC peak of Clat 20 ppb are unlikely to originatefrom the water and other sourcesof contamination should be inves-tigated.

CONCLUSIONSThe opportunity to have highpurity water on demand is cer-tainly one of the major assets of apurification system. There are var-ious alternatives to having Type-Iwater in a laboratory and theselection of a purification chain isbased on the needs and require-ments of each laboratory. Goodpractices include reducing thestorage times of standards andsamples as well as carefully select-ing the reagents and rinsing pro-tocols. These are an inherent partof the analytical process and mustbe optimized to take full advan-tage of analytical instrumentation.In the laboratory, water is a chem-ical reagent and should be treatedas such.

References1. C. Nora, S. Mabic, D. Darbouret. Ultrapure Water. 2002,

October, 56. 2. D. Darbouret, I. Kano. J. Anal. At. Spectrom. 2000, 15,

1395.3. D. Darbouret, I. Kano, Ultrapure Water. 1999, 16 (7), 53.4. I. Kano, E. Castillo, S. Mabic. J. Chromatogr. A. 2004,

1039, 27.5. S. Mabic, I. Kano, D. Darbouret. LabPlus Internat. 2003,

April, 16.

Stéphane Mabic, Ph.D. is the worldwide applicationssupport manager for Millipore’s Bioscience Division.Millipore Corporation, Boîte Postale 307, F-78094 St.Quentin en Yvelines, France; Phone: +33 1-30-12-71-40;stephane_mabic@millipore.com; www. millipore.com.

LabManager 21labmanager.com

pp17-21 6/13/07 11:34 PM Page 21

SPOT: Identifying and Selecting the BestPotential Managers From YourTechnical Staff

By participating in this web conference, you will be able to:• Identify the skills that highly-competent tech-

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Date: July 26, 2007Time: 1:00PM ET

DEVELOP and SUPPORT: Building onthe Innate Skills of Your Staff to Prepare them forthe Demands of Management

By participating in this web conference, you will be able to:• Develop a person-specific plan for the success

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Date: September 13, 2007Time: 1:00PM ET

Ron Pickett is a consultant with more than 30years of experience. He has written a column forCLMA publications for more than 10 years andis a frequent speaker at national and state meet-ings. He has been closely involved in establish-ing formal and informal leader identification

and development programs in large and small organizations.This challenging process will help you take a clear and honestlook at your staff and develop quick and simple individualizeddevelopment plans.

Vicon Publishing, IncWEB CONFERENCES

Upcoming Web Conferences

Laboratory Environmental,Health, and SafetyCompliance Strategies

Date: September 19, 2007Time: 1PM ET

This web conference will review common US federal laws per-taining to the research and process laboratories and provideattendees with practical compliance solutions. The speaker willdiscuss laws and compliance solutions from OSHA, the EPA,the US Center of Disease Control and Prevention, US NuclearRegulatory Commission, and the US Department of HomelandSecurity.

Topics discussed include: • Whether lab safety or hazcom applies for occupational expo-

sure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories• Recording and reporting occupational injuries and illnesses• Assessing need, selection, and training for personal protec-

tive equipment• Storing, using, and the limitations on flammable and com-

bustible liquids• Regulated areas for carcinogens• The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and the Clean

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George Bleazard is currently the Corporate Director

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labmanager.comLabManager22

pp22-23 6/13/07 11:37 PM Page 22

HOW IT WORKS

Problem: Over the past 40years, laboratory science has will-ingly embraced a high level ofautomation that over time hasbecome increasing sophisticated.Bar-coded patient samples flythrough a complex and variableanalysis process in clinical chem-istry, hematology, and most otherlab disciplines. Results are reportedas soon as they become availablevia LIMS that send the informa-tion to integrated patient informa-tion management systems.

The sole exception was microbi-ology — laboratory scientists andassistants continued to laboriouslyinoculate and streak plates withstreak patterns specific to whatthey were trying to culture in avariety of media. This labor-inten-sive, pre-analytical phase precededincubation and interpretation and,in spite of the mundane nature ofthe task, the variability involvedseemed to mitigate for humanintervention

Solution: In 1998, Canada’sleading laboratory sciences compa-ny approached Dynacon to co-develop with them a system thatwould automate a substantial por-tion of the pre-analytical workcommon in the microbiology labo-ratory. Dynacon took on the chal-lenge and set out to design amachine that would automate thiscomplex and infinitely variable

process. The approach taken was todesign a versatile, but not univer-sal, machine that would automatethe highest volume studies thatmade up the bulk of the work inmicrobiology. The first InocuLAB(Figure 1) was completed in March2000 and passed its first customeracceptance test in June 2001.

InocuLAB receives the bar-coded samples presented to it, readsthe barcode, prints the barcode onthe plate(s) to be inoculated andstreaked, uncaps the donor con-tainer, samples the liquid, recapsthe donor container, inoculates andstreaks the plate, and presents thestreaked plates in an output stack

ready for the incubator.Sophisticated software virtuallyeliminates errors and overall quali-ty is improved in that every streakis exactly the same and repro-ducible. At 60–80 plates per hour,significant labor savings are cap-tured and employee stress andinjury are prevented.

Today Dynacon is approachingone hundred systems installed allover North America and WesternEurope. Customers include largereference laboratories, hospitals,and teaching institutions, tissuebanks, veterinary facilities, andregional laboratories. The referencesite list contains some of the mostprestigious teaching laboratories inthe world and continues to groweach month. Geographic expansionhas been limited by Dynacon itselfto those areas where quality servicewill match the quality of the ISO9001 built and CE-markedmachine.

The future will bring on phasedgeographic expansion and somenew automation products for themicrobiology laboratory to comple-ment the current LQ and LQ-Hmodels.

For more information onInocuLAB, go to www.dynacon.ca.

labmanager.com LabManager 23

Figure 1: InocuLAB automates microbiology specimen set up.

Automating Microbiology Specimen Set Up

pp22-23 6/13/07 11:37 PM Page 23

HOW IT WORKS

Problem: While the benefitsof molecular diagnostics have beenknown for decades, its real potentialhas not been fully achieved. Slow,labor-intensive methods and theneed for costly labs and the speciallytrained staff to run them have keptthe technology out of reach formany organizations.

Solution: Today, barriers arebeing eliminated with Cepheid’sGeneXpert® System. GeneXpert isa genetic testing platform that per-forms real-time analysis of biologicalsamples by fully integrating andautomating what have previouslybeen complex and time-consumingmanual laboratory procedures.

The GeneXpert® System fullyintegrates and automates the threeprocesses required for real-timePCR-based (polymerase chain reac-tion) genetic testing: sample prep,amplification, and detection. Oncea biological sample is loaded in aGeneXpert cartridge, the systemdoes the rest:

• Sample preparation andextraction of nucleic acids. TheGeneXpert® System completelyautomates sample preparation, per-forming all the complex steps ofDNA extraction in its advanced“microfluidic” cartridges. TheGeneXpert cartridges are designedto handle a variety of sample vol-umes, enabling them to obtainhigher concentrations of startingtarget materials. Concentrationand purification of the target fur-ther increases the sensitivity of the

resulting test. Once the samplenucleic acid is extracted, it ismoved into the cartridge reactiontube where amplification and detec-tion take place (Figure 1).

•Amplification of extractednucleic acids. The GeneXpertSystem solid state modules per-form the extremely rapid heatingand cooling cycles required forreal time PCR. The modules con-tinuously monitor the chemicalreactions in each cartridge inorder to quickly create enoughcopies of the sample nucleic acidfor accurate measurement. Each ofthe modules works independentlyand can be used to conduct differ-

ent tests simultaneously. •Detection of a target gene

sequence. The GeneXpert System’shighly sensitive optics detect thepresence of the target nucleic acid.Continuous optical monitoringallows the software to automaticallystop the reaction as soon as the tar-get is detected, further acceleratingtime to results.

GeneXpert’s ability to rapidly andaccurately identify a wide range ofinfectious diseases through theirgenetic fingerprint gives health careprofessionals powerful new ways toenhance patient management andcare. With a level of sensitivitygreater than any other test on themarket, the GeneXpert System canbe used to detect any genetic ele-ment in the genome — includingDNA, RNA, chromosomal translo-cations, gene amplification and sup-pression — with the potential forsingle cell detection.

With the 2006 launch of its XpertGBS in vitro diagnostic test, theGeneXpert System became the firstmolecular system to enable a “mod-erately complex” designation fromthe FDA, allowing non-laboratory professionals such as doctors and nurses to run Xpert GBS in near-patient environments.

For more information, go towww.cepheid.com.

labmanager.comLabManager24

Real-time Analysis of Biological Samples

Figure 1: “Self Contained Cartridges”

Optical windows-enable real time four-color detection

Reaction tube-thin chamber enables very rapid thermal cycling

Valve- enablesfluid transferfrom chamberto chamber;may containDNA lysis and filteration components

Processing chambers-contain reagents, filters, and capturetechnologies necessaryto extract, purify, andamplify target DNA

pp24-27 6/14/07 12:15 AM Page 24

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pp24-27 6/14/07 12:15 AM Page 27

HOW IT WORKS

Problem:Contract laboratoriesare constantly faced with the challengeof running more samples and producingmore data. One way to increase produc-tivity is to accelerate separations.

Solution: The Dionex UltiMate3000 LC system and Acclaim RapidSeparation LC (LCr) columns increaseseparation speed up to 15-fold, increasethroughput up to 30-fold, save up to85% of solvent, and consume up to60% less sample. Acclaim columnsoperate precisely at higher temperaturesto reduce viscosity and pressure. Thecolumn format is 3 mm ID and 33 mmor 75 mm length, packed with 3-µmstationary phases that increase robust-ness and separation speed withoutrequiring new method development.LCr also requires a pump that consistentlydelivers precise, accurate flow at high pres-sure (5000 psi or greater). This flow resultsin very small delay volumes (rapidresponse to gradient changes and rapidreequilibration before each consecutiverun) that is essential for accelerating sepa-rations. The accuracy of the pump alsoyields very low extracolumn variance toensure column efficiency. Other instru-ment solutions include a detector with fastdata rates and a fast time constant, a col-umn oven, and a fast autosampler withoverlapping preparation of injections.

To test these advances, food dyesin breakfast cereal were identified anddetermined using the Dionex UltiMate3000 LC system and the Acclaim LCr120 C18 column. The food dyes areanionic, with multiple sulfonate groupsthat not only inhibit their absorptionin the digestive tract, but also makethem challenging to analyze.

Chromatographic Conditions• Column: Dionex Acclaim LCr 120

C18 3 µm, 3.0 75 mm

• Mobile phase: water 677 g, Na2SO40.97 g, KH2PO4 2.24 g, 55% tetra-butylammonium hydroxide 2.30 g, andacetonitrile 250 g

• Flow rate: 1.00 mL/min, isocratic• Temperature: 30 °C• Injection: 8 µL

• Detection: Visible at 427, 508, and 625nm; data rate 2.5 Hz, time constant 0.6 s.

Sample Preparation: Individual piecesof a children’s breakfast cereal wereseparated by color and crushed. A200-mg portion was extracted with5.0 mL of mobile phase, and filteredthrough a 0.1-µm membrane. Themobile phase dissolved the dyes effec-tively and also prevented the starchesfrom interfering with the samplepreparation and analysis.

Results: Figure 1 shows the analysis ofa mixture of commonly used dyes. Indesigning the mobile phase, the ion-pairing agent, ionic strength, andorganic solvent were balanced toresolve the different colors from eachother while grouping isomers together.Since the mobile phase was designedfor optimum selectivity, a relativelyshort C18, 3 µm, 3.0 ? 75 mm rapid LCcolumn provided sufficient resolutionin a run time of 5 min. Calibration waslinear from the quantification limit of0.1 µg/mL, up to 250 µg/mL. Figure 2shows the analysis of an extraction of“blueberry” flavored cereal sample.

Conclusion: LCr is a fast and conven-ient technique for determining fooddyes using Dionex HPLC technology.When compared to traditional LC,LCr allows laboratories running dozensof samples to significantly ramp up pro-ductivity by accelerating separations upto 15-fold.

For more information, go towww.dionex.com.

labmanager.comLabManager28

Accelerated Analysis

Figure 1: Analysis of food coloringstandards used in breakfast cerealseparated by the Acclaim Rapid LC col-umn. Peaks: 1) FD&C Red #40; 2)FD&C Yellow #5; 3) FD&C Green #5; 4)FD&C Blue #1; 6.25 µg/mL each.

Figure 2: Extract of breakfast cereal.Peaks: 1) FD&C Blue #2 and 2) FD&CBlue #1.

pp28-29 6/13/07 11:41 PM Page 28

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lab agendaJULY 15–19, 2007AACC Annual Meeting &Clinical Lab ExpoAmerican Association forClinical Chemistry San Diego, CAwww.aacc.org

JULY 26, 2007SPOT: Identifying and Selectingthe Best Potential Managers FromYour Technical StaffWeb Conference – 1:00 PM ESTwww.viconpublishing.com/audio.asp

JULY 30 – AUGUST 3,200734th Annual NAOSMMConference and Trade ShowNational Association ofScientific Material ManagersCleveland, OHwww.naosmm.org

AUGUST 6–9, 2007IBC's Drug Discovery andDevelopment of InnovativeTherapeutics(DDT) World Congress Boston, MAwww.drugdisc.com

AUGUST 19–23, 2007ACS Meeting & ExpoAmerican Chemical Society Boston, MAwww.acs.org

AUGUST 20–24, 2007 Forum on LaboratoryAccreditationJoint Meeting of The NELACInstitute and the NationalEnvironmental MonitoringConferenceCambridge, MA www.nelac-institute.org

SEPTEMBER 13, 2007DEVELOP and SUPPORT:Building on the Innate Skills ofYour Staff to Prepare them for theDemands of ManagementWeb Conference – 1:00 PM ESTwww.viconpublishing.com/audio.asp

SEPTEMBER 19, 2007Laboratory Environmental,Health, and Safety ComplianceStrategiesWeb Conference – 1:00 PMESTwww.viconpublishing.com/audio.asp

SEPTEMBER 26–27,2007NIH Research FestivalBoston, MAresearchfestival.nih.gov

OCTOBER 2–3, 2007Joint ELRIG and SBS Meeting:Drug DiscoveryNottingham, UKwww.sbsonline.org

OCTOBER 13–16, 2007ACIL Annual MeetingAmerican Council ofIndependent Laboratories Atlanta, GAwww.acil.org

OCTOBER 14–18, 2007FACSS 2007Federation of AnalyticalChemistry and SpectroscopySocietiesMemphis, TNwww.facss.org/facss/index.php

OCTOBER 25, 2007Lab Manager Boot CampLab Manager Magazine®Waltham, MAwww.labmanager.com

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pp30 6/14/07 03:01 AM Page 30

HOW IT WORKS

Problem: High performance lab-oratory freezers are one of the mostessential pieces of equipment in anylaboratory, and researchers worldwidedepend on them everyday to providecritical protection and storage for valu-able samples, many of which are irre-placeable. Many biological samples,such as DNA, RNA, cells, and proteinsamples, must be stored at below-freez-ing temperatures in order to preventdegradation and preserve them forfuture reference, analysis or use.Therefore, protecting the integrity ofresearch samples is very important.

When you are storing what couldbe your life’s work, not just any freezerwill do. A freezer door opened fre-quently or for extended periods of timecould expose your samples to warm air,creating on opportunity for decreasedsample integrity. It is critical to choosea unit that provides a constant temper-ature within the freezer and deliversrapid temperature recovery afteraccessing your samples to maintainsample integrity. Your freezer selectionis one of the most important decisionsyou will make in your lab.

Solution: A series of freezers ofdifferent capacities that combine relia-bility and performance with cost-effec-tive operation and practical features.The Thermo Scientific Revco® PLUSseries of upright -86°C freezers aredesigned for maximum performanceand are suited for all laboratories. AllThermo Scientific Revco PLUS mod-els: Revco Ultima® PLUS, RevcoElite® PLUS, and Revco Value®PLUS, feature the same advancedpatented refrigeration technology anda new robust electronics platform.Valuable samples are protected bycombining great rapid temperaturerecovery, temperature stability, and

operational efficiency, all in a produc-tive and comfortable lab environment.In addition, programmable, easy-to-usemicroprocessor controls provide real-time monitors and precise temperaturesettings, power and other criticalparameters, further ensuring the securi-ty of samples.

The new Thermo ScientificRevco PLUS upright freezers featureadvanced refrigeration technology thatprovide more heat removal capacityensuring rapid temperature recoveryafter door openings. This also decreasesthe risk of sample degradation createdby the freezer door being open forextended periods of time and protectsthe integrity of valuable samples.Thermo Scientific Revco PLUS freezersalso feature various rack configurationsto ensure the easy retrieval of precioussamples and minimize exposure toambient conditions.

Thermo Scientific Revco PLUSfreezers require less power to efficientlymaintain cabinet temperature. Thisreduces heat emissions into the labenvironment, meaning that ThermoScientific Revco PLUS freezers reduceair conditioning and energy costs andmaximize operational efficiencies.Thermo Scientific Revco PLUS freezershave minimal noise output due toadvanced noise abatement technologyand insulation. This allows the units toreside directly in the lab, which speedssample preparation and minimizes sam-ple exposure to ambient air. Researchers,who spend many hours surrounded bylab equipment, will also benefit from aquieter and more productive, efficient,and comfortable working environment.

For more information on ThermoScientific Revco PLUS freezers, visitwww.thermo.com/revcoplus.

labmanager.com LabManager 31

Protecting Valuable Samples

Figure 1. Thermo Scientific RevcoPLUS -86°C upright freezers includethree models: Revco Ultima PLUS,Revco Elite PLUS and Revco ValuePLUS

Figure 2. Thermo Scientific RevcoPLUS -86°C upright freezers protectvaluable samples by combining tem-perature stability, maximum recoverytime, and energy efficiency.

pp31 6/14/07 12:17 AM Page 31

SAMPLE PROCESSINGSYSTEMThe Element has an open-access plat-form that integrates instruments forprocessing and can be tailored to thecustomers needs. The unit wasdesigned for applications that includemedium to high throughput screeningof cell-based and enzyme assays,ELISA, plasmid and sequencingpreparation, PCR clean-up, solubility,and more.Velocity11www.velocity11.com

ANALYSIS BROCHUREThis brochure, “Assisting,” providesdetailed information about essentialsteps in the quality process of samplepreparation. Products include sampledividers that ensure meaningful analy-sis results based on a representativesample, a laboratory fluid bed drier,and pellet presses, ultrasonic clean-ers, and vibratory feeders.Retschwww.retsch-us.com

AUTOMATED CHEMISTRYANALYZERThe Flow Solution IV+ automatedchemistry analyzer performs continu-ous flow ion analysis. The analyzerruns both SFA and FIA methods andcan automate a wide range of wetchemistry procedures. System modulesare available to perform automaticdilutions and on-line sample prepara-tion techniques.OI Analyticalwww.oico.com

INHALER TESTEQUIPMENTThe Breath Simulator Model BRS1000 automates aspects of metereddose, dry powder, and nebulizer test-ing. This microprocessor-controlledunit generates the standardized sinu-soidal flow profiles regularly used bycompanies developing nebulizedproducts and as specified by theEuropean Pharmacopoeia mono-graph.Copley Scientificwww.copleyscientific.co.uk

COULOMETRIC TITRATORWith features like a fritless cell option,the AQ-300 offers results. This coulo-metric titrator has six built-in calcula-tion modes to accommodate solid,liquid, and gas samples. Four fileswith preset conditions can be storedand allows instant recall for up to 20samples. This unit has balance andcomputer interfaces for GLP and ISOdocumentation.JM Sciencewww.jmscience.com

PHASE MONITORLIGHT SCATTERINGINSTRUMENTThe model 802-DAT high throughputdynamic light scattering instrumentdelivers sensitivity, wide range temper-ature control, and low sample volume.Featuring dual attenuation technology(DAT), it controls the level of light enter-ing the sample as well as controllingscattered light going to the detector. Viscotekwww.viscotek.com

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4 2 1 0.5 0.25 0.125 0

detectionin HeLa total RNA (µg)

miRtect-IT™

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Total TimeStart to Finish

miR-21

LIVE CELL ASSAY KIT The live cell NeurotransmitterTransporter Uptake Assay Kit is a sin-gle tool to screen for live cell kineticuptake of the three key neurotransmit-ters — dopamine, norepinephrine,and serotonin. The homogeneous, flu-orescence-based, high-throughputscreening procedure eliminates theuse of radioactive tags or labels. Thisassay can be used in both kinetic andendpoint modes and is a simple, mix-and-read protocol performed in 96- or384-well formatted microplates. Molecular Deviceswww.moleculardevices.com

C-REACTIVE PROTEIN Human C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is aprotein found in the blood that oper-ates as a marker for inflammation.Inflammation is believed to play a rolein the initiation and progression of car-diovascular disease. CRP studies haveshown that baseline Human C-ReactiveProtein concentrations are not subjectto time-of-day variation and, therefore,help explain why CRP concentrationsare a better predictor of vascular riskthan interleukin-6.Lee Biosolutions www.leebio.com.

CYTOMETRIC REAGENTS The Phospho-MAPKAPK-2 andPhospho-STAT3 kinase antibodies aresingle-color flow cytometric reagentsto measure kinase activation in thecytoplasm and are valuable for cellfunction research. The Phospho-MAP-KAPK2 marker is useful in the study ofpro-inflammatory mediator release,actin reorganization, and cell inva-sion mechanisms. The Phospho-STAT3marker plays a key role in many cel-lular processes.Beckman Coulterwww.beckmancoulter.com

HIGH PURITYLYSOPHOSPHOLIPIDSThis new line of synthetic lysophos-phatidylcholines are high-purityreagents for membrane protein andcell biology applications. TheLysoFos™ Cholines are preparedaccording to rigorous standards of puri-ty; they are 99% pure by HPLC andhave low background absorbance andconductance specifications. Offered infive different acyl chain lengths (C10,C12, C14, C16, and C18) to providea variety of lysophospholipids with arange of physical properties. Anatracewww.anatrace.com

miRNA LABELING ANDDETECTION KIT The miRtect-IT™ miRNA Labeling andDetection Kit is a novel method for thelabeling and detection of maturemiRNA from total RNA by splinted-lig-ation technology. The splinted-ligationtechnology is a nucleic acid hybridiza-tion assay that uses a miRNAspecificBridge Oligonucleotide to form basepairs with the miRNA and a DetectionOligonucleotide. The captured miRNAis subsequently ligated to the DetectionOligonucleotide with T4 DNA Ligase.USB Corporationwww.usbweb.com/mirtect-it.asp

STAINS AND DYESA comprehensive range of Stains andDyes are available for research andclinical applications — one of thelargest selections of stains and dyes inthe world, covering a wide range ofstaining methods used in scientificresearch and clinical applications. Anonline catalog is available at sigma-aldrich.com/handhcatalog.Sigma Aldrichwww.sigma-aldrich.com/handh

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AUTOMATED REACTORSAMPLING SYSTEM Instrument interface kits for the ARSseries of sampling instruments permitan ARS system to connect through aproprietary sterile interface to a varietyof analytical instruments. Nutrientmonitor interface options include kitsfor the YSI 7100 MutiparameterBioanalytical System, the YSI 2700SELECT™ Biochemistry Analyzer, andthe Nova BioProfile® Analyzer series. Groton Biosystemswww.grotonbiosystems.com

GEL PERMEATIONCHROMATOGRAPHY Gel Permeation Chromatography(GPC) provides a solution for auto-mated post-extraction clean-up of inter-fering substances from environmentalsamples, food products, and animaltissue prior to analysis by GC,GC/MS, HPLC, or LC/MS. TheAutomated GX-271 GPC Clean-upSystem performs residue analysis ofcomplex matrices such as fatty foods,soils, sludge, animal, and plant tissue.Gilsonwww.gilson.com

1.8µM LC COLUMNS Two ZORBAX rapid resolution highthroughput 1.8µm LC columns offersolutions for both conventional andultra-fast separations. The StableBondphenyl column provides selectivity foraromatic compounds. The StableBondAQ column separates polar com-pounds in up to 100% aqueousmobile phases. Users can now choosefrom over 100 column configurations.Agilentwww.agilent.com

EIGHT-CHANNEL HPLC The ExpressLC-800 Plus system con-figuration makes up to six solventsavailable to each of the eight LC chan-nels. Solvent switching is easily pro-grammed via the system control soft-ware. The ExpressLC-800 Plus’ eightchannels offer true multiplexed HPLCfor dramatic savings in analysis time,labor and laboratory bench space todeliver dramatically increased levelsof separation resolution and speed. Eksigentwww.eksigent.com.

GAS CHROMATOGRAPHThe Grace® Model 1500 GasChromatograph is a simple, depend-able GC instrument for an affordableprice. Choose up to three injectorsand three detectors, including FID,TCD, and ECD. User-friendly soft-ware and simple operation make thisan ideal GC for routine, everydaymethods.Grace Davison Discovery Scienceswww.discoverysciences.com

CENTRIFUGE PACKAGESThe CentraSpin™ Plus Package is suit-ed for low volume sample processingand has a 64% higher capacity anda 1000 RPM increase. The new pack-age includes the Universal 320 cen-trifuge, a 4-place swing-out rotor, andfour buckets with inserts. TheCentraSpin Plus package has a totalspin capacity of 28 tubes. MaximumRPM/RCF is 5,000 / 3,193. TheCentraSpin-R Plus package, whichincludes the Universal 320R refriger-ated centrifuge, is also available.Helmerwww.helmerinc.com

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ULTRAFILTRATIONAPPLICATION GUIDEThe revised Ultrafiltration Applicationand Product Guide has been expand-ed and contains additional productinformation and more protocols,including those for virus concentration.The revised guide includes the sectionson membrane filtration overview,selection guide, product overview,protocols, and glossary. To obtain acopy of the publication, visit www.mil-lipore.com/biosciences.Milliporewww.millipore.com.

ULTRA-HIGH PURITY WATERSYSTEMThe Gemini High Purity Loop incorpo-rates a patented system called the“multipass” UV, a microprocessor withresistivity display, dispensing functions,and an integral drain basin. AriesFilterworks offers a wide range ofwater purification systems whether it isa Type I water system or general deion-ization.Aries Filterworkswww.ariesfilterworks.com

WATER PRESERVATIONCELLThe Thermo Scientific AquaTec™water preservation cell prevents water-borne contamination in CO2 incuba-tors and water baths. Designed to pro-vide worry-free sample incubationand cell culture, the AquaTec providesup to six months of protection frommore than 600 types of bacteria, virus-es, molds, and fungi. It enables theprevention of microbes from waterwithout the use of harsh chemicals.Thermo Scientificwww.thermo.com/aquatec.

PURGE AND TRAPAUTOSAMPLERThe EST Centurion 100 position waterpurge and trap autosampler isdesigned for high throughput environ-mental and municipal laboratories. TheCenturion was developed to give maxi-mum sampling flexibility at an afford-able price. The ability to process anddeliver samples to two different concen-trators and the unique and preciseInternal Standard delivery system makethe Centurion the a technicallyadvanced purge and trap autosampler. EST Analyticalwww.estanalytical.com

LASER DICHROIC FILTERS The RazorEdge® Dichroic™ beam-splitters boast an ultrasteep transitionfrom reflection to transmission. Theguaranteed transition from laser line topassband in <1% of the laser wave-length (regardless of polarization)makes these new filters a match toSemrock’s patented and normal-inci-dence RazorEdge ultrasteep long-wave-pass filters. Semrockwww.semrock.com

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MICROWAVEPREPARATION SYSTEMThe MARST system can be configuredfor digestion, extraction, synthesis andother applications. The system featurespressure and temperature control tech-nology as well as an array of vesseldesigns. Solid-steel cavity construction,a high-impact flex and reseal door,and continuous internal reaction con-trol provide safety during operation.CEM Corporationwww.cem.com

FILTER MICROPLATEWASHERThe ELx50 filter microplate washer fea-tures a syringe drive fluid-delivery sys-tem with an automated vacuum filtra-tion solution for unattended processingof 96-well filter bottom plates. Its aspi-ration carrier may be adjusted with avariety of filter pore sizes, fluid viscosi-ties, and plate designs. The modularplatform allows for processing of stan-dard solid bottom microplates. BioTek Instrumentswww.biotek.com

POLYPROPYLENEPRODUCTSNuAire offers a complete line ofpolypropylene products including ver-tical laminar airflow fume hoods, con-ventional and by-pass fume Hoods,polypropylene casework, acid storagecabinets, countertops, and acces-sories. This equipment is designed forthe corrosive, semi-conductor, or metalfree laboratory, constructed from allstress-relieved, fully seam-welded,white polypropylene. NuAirewww.nuaire.com

MULTI-SAMPLEHOMOGENIZINGSYSTEMThe programmable Omni Prep™ isdesigned to homogenize 6 samplesper cycle and up to 250 samples perhour. Operation with disposableprobes eliminates cross contaminationand cleaning. The system utilizesbrushless motor technology. Featuresinclude a removable clear door andpositive airflow that can be exhaustedto a HEPA-filter or fume hood.Omni Internationalwww.omni-inc.com

LABELING SYSTEMThe v2.0 LABEXPERT™ laboratorylabeling system can be used to pro-duce labels for lab samples, smallcustom safety labels, and other gen-eral laboratory ID labels. The labelscan withstand exposure to solvents,moisture, and low temperature. Thesystem features vial size templates,one touch time and date stamp, and140 Greek and laboratory symbols.Bradywww.bradyid.com

CELL DENSITY TUBESVoluPAC™ tubes provide an alterna-tive method to determine the cell den-sity in a cell culture suspension. The vol-ume of the cell pellet relates to the com-plete sample volume and expressed as% PCV (packed cell volume) whichresults in an absolute value, corre-sponding to parameters like cell count,protein content, metabolic activity, etc. Sartoriuswww.sartorius.com

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LAMINAR FLOW STATIONThe TerraFlo™ horizontal laminar flowstation was designed for use in thepharmaceutical, biotech, electronics,and semiconductor industries. It fea-tures filter/blower and filter/fan mod-ules in order to provide a back-to-frontlaminar flow of filtered air, anadjustable multi-speed, direct-driveblower to control air speed, and yourchoice of HEPA or ULTA filters.Terra Universalwww.terrauniversal.com

GEL-BASED BEAD FOR PCRThe ReaX Mastermix Lab-in-a-Beadrange includes all the reagentsrequired to perform PCR. This allowseven untrained operators to set up PCRreactions. They can be used for end-point, qPCR and RT-PCR, and with mul-tiple fluorescent chemistries. The beadscan be stored and shipped at ambienttemperature.Q Chipwww.q-chip.com

THERMAL CYCLERThe Veriti™ 96-Well Thermal Cyclerwith VeriFlex™ Blocks uses six sepa-rately controlled alloy blocks whichallows users to set specific tempera-tures within a zone. The cycler featuresa touch screen interface to control tem-perature zones and operate the instru-ment system. Users can run pre-pro-grammed or custom methods usingfast or standard chemistries. Applied Biosystemswww.appliedbiosystems.com

VACUUM GAUGESThe CMR/CCR capacitive transmittersoffer vacuum measurement to coverall applications from 10-5 to 1100mbar. The gauges feature a ceramictechnology sensor which preventsmemory effective, provides resistanceto corrosive gases, and temperaturecompensation. They can be operatedwith an ActiveLine controller and canbe used as a drop-in replacement forolder gauges.Pfeiffer Vacuumwww.pfeiffer-vacuum.com

REAL-TIME PCR SYSTEMThe LightCycler® 480 Real-Time PCRSystem features integrated support forhigh-resolution melting based mutationscanning, enabling analysis of geneticvariations (SNPs, mutations, methyla-tions) in PCR amplicons prior to or asan alternative to sequencing. The newDNA dye and Gene Scanning soft-ware tool help create melting curveswhose shape can be analyzed andinterpreted.Rochewww.roche.com

CELL DISRUPTORThe Disruptor Genie provides multi-directional action, which simultane-ously agitates and vortexes at highspeed, increasing cell disruption orsample re-suspension efficiency. Analternative to ultrasonic disruptors, itcan hold up to twelve 1.5- or 2.0-mLmicrotubes. In addition, a suppliedpop-off cup easily attaches for use asa standard single-tube vortex mixer.Scientific Industrieswww.scientificindustries.com

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MASS SPECTROMETRYSOFTWAREPEAKS is an software solution for pep-tide sequencing and protein identifica-tion from tandem mass spectrometry(MS/MS) data. It can perform denovo sequencing, which is providingthe sequence of a peptide or a proteinwithout the aid of a protein sequencedatabase.Bioinformatics Solutionswww.bioinfor.com

PROCESSING SYSTEMBy combining aspects of laboratoryand on-line systems, the ProcessLab isa fully customized, automated systemfor analytical testing with up to 16places for measuring instruments, sam-ple loops, pumps, stirrers and otheraccessories. It features application-specific modules to perform titration,conductivity UV/VIS, ion selectivemeasurements, and more.Brinkmannwww.brinkmann.com

INFORMATICS SYSTEMThe KnowItAll informatics system is afully integrated software package thatoffers solutions for centralizing, secur-ing, and accessing your IR, NMR,MS, Raman, UV, and chromatograph-ic data resources (including structuresand properties) — from the laboratoryto the global enterprise. The softwarecan also be complimentary to othersystems in your laboratory. Bio-Radwww.bio-rad.com

TEST AUTOMATIONSOFTWAREThe software plug-ins are used as anadjunct and interface to Fluke andMetron analyzers and simulators inorder to perform medical deviceinspections, whether for preventivemaintenance or post-repair testing.The design ensures a consistent userinterface for every test device used.Fluke Corporationwww.fluke.com

TITRATION SOFTWARELabX pro titration software v2.5 fea-tures dual mode, which allows parallelwork at the instrument, from the titratorterminal, or both. The software canconnect remotely over an Ethernet con-nection—allowing one user to operatethe instrument while others use the soft-ware for analysis, compliance prac-tices, and to back up paper reporting. Mettler Toledowww.mt.com

SOLID PHASEEXTRACTION SOFTWARETrilution® LH offers one softwarepackage to control all liquid handlingand solid phase extraction instrumentsmaximizes. The drag-and-drop func-tionality enables users to both set-upinstrument configuration and definebed layouts. The software has anapplication run screen that providescomplete control over the users runand features and import/export func-tionality.Gilsonwww.gilson.com

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HIGH-PERFORMANCEPIPETTEThe Transferpette® S provides com-fort and performance with traditionaldesign. It is lightweight, yet robustwith one-handed operation and auto-clavability. Eight adjustable modelscover volumes from 0.1µL to 10mL.Compatible with leading brands oftips. Available singly and in sets fromlaboratory dealers. BrandTech Scientific, Inc. www.brandtech.com

PLASMA CLEANING FORPIPET TIPSThe TipCharger® System uses roomtemperature atmospheric pressureplasma to clean and sterilize pipet tipsby removing contaminants at themolecular level without liquids. Thisplasma cleaning technology, speedsrun time, and improves assay pro-ductivity. The system can be integrat-ed into both new and existing work-stations.Cerionxwww.cerionx.com

AUTOMATED LIQUIDHANDLING ANDROBOTICSThe Freedom EVO® liquid handlingworkstation is fully customizable for theautomation of genomic, proteomic,drug discovery and development, andother life science applications. This plat-form can be integrated with a widechoice of robotic arms, high precisionpipetting tools, and application mod-ules, including 96- or 384- multi-chan-nel pipetting and barcode sampleidentification.Tecanwww.tecan.com

MANUAL ANDELECTRONIC PIPETTESThe range of Sarpette® M manualand E electronic pipettes are availablein single, 8, and 12 channel configu-rations. The manual pipettes featurecontinuously adjustable volumes fromeither the dispenser button or thumb-wheel. The electronic pipettes featureoperation modes that include variousmixing, dispensing, and sequentialaspiration options. Sarstedtwww.sarstedt.com

VERIFICATION SYSTEMCapable of accurate volume verifica-tions of multichannel and automatedliquid handlers, the MultichannelVerification System produces trace-able accuracy and precision meas-urements in one simple experiment.The system is able to verify liquid han-dlers with up to 384 channels usingaqueous and non-aqueous solutionsfor volumes as small as 0.03 micro-liters.ARTELwww.artel-usa.com

HANGING DROPAUTOMATIONThe mosquito® uses the same tech-nique for both screening and scale-upand was designed for membrane pro-tein crystallographers. It features accu-rate positioning, the ability to minia-turize crystallography set-ups (withdrop volumes of only 50nl to 1200nl),and disposable pipettes for zero-crosscontamination of samples. TTP LabTechwww.ttplabtech.com

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PH AND CONDUCTIVITYTESTERSThe PHH-7000 series of testers aremicroprocessor-based. These hand-held devices feature a special viewingangle, large LCD which displays pH,conductivity, and temperature simulta-neously, and rugged IP67 rated water-proof housing. They include replace-able sensors and a convenient carry-ing case with buffer or standard solu-tions for easy calibration.Omega Engineeringwww.omega.com

PH GLASS FORMULAThis pH glass formula, GXV, works inlow ionic strength solutions as well ashigh pH applications. The sample pHis registered in less than 20 secondsand the pH value is reproducible overthe entire pH range from 0 to 14.Van London – pHoenix Cowww.vl-pc.com

LOW FLOW MASS FLOWMETER AND CONTROLLERThe Micro-Trak™ flow meter and con-troller is designed for flow rangesunder 4 sccm (smlm). Its all-stainless-steel flow path is suitable for mostclean gases including corrosives andtoxics. The meter has a small footprint(3.0” x 1.0”), 24 VDC power, andchoice of multiple communications. Sierra Instrumentswww.sierrainstruments.com

BENCH CONDUCTIVITYMETERThe Traceable® bench conductivitymeter allows users to fulfill all officiallab analysis regulations and reagent-grade water standards for CAP,ASTM, NCCLS, and ACS. A micro-computer program and software pro-gram allow four calibration points toensure accuracy over the entirerange. Readings are displayed in con-ductivity, resistivity, total dissolvedsolids, salinity, concentration, and tem-perature.Control Companywww.control3.com

ELECTROCHEMICALSENSORSThe InLab® pH electrode sensorsmeasure pH, ORP, conductivity, anddissolved oxygen measurements. Theywere designed for use in the chemical,pharmaceutical, food technology, andbiological industries. Part of the linewas even designed for use in highlyviscous samples.Mettler Toledowww.mt.com

HANDHELD METER When connected to a multiparametersensor (MPP 350), the Multi 3500ican measure and display four param-eters simultaneously on the backlitgraphic display. Other featuresinclude GLP-compliant calibrationrecording capability, 1800 data setmemory, time-controlled datalogging,and bidirectional RS232 interface.Nova Analyticswww.novaanlaytics.com

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MICROPLATE CYTOMETERThe Acumen® eX3 microplatecytometer is equipped with up tothree lasers at 405, 488, and 633nm. It is compatible with a variety offluorescent reagents. It delivers theobject recognition of CCD Imagerscombined with the fast reads of bulkfluorescence readers.TTP LabTechwww.ttplabtech.com

OPTICAL BOTTOM PLATESThe NUNC brand 96- and 384- welloptical bottom plates combine anupper structure bonded to a clearbase that provides superior opticalclarity in imaging applications usingmicroscopes or plate readers. Theplates are available with upper struc-tures in black for fluorescence studiesor white for luminescence assays. Thermo Fisher Scientificwww.thermofisher.com

LED MICROSCOPEThe DM1000 LED was designed forcytology, histopathology, and otherclinical and biomedical laboratoryapplications. The microscope incorpo-rates LED illumination which providescolor neutral illumination and rarelyneeds lamp replacement. An optionalportable solar power supply is avail-able for field-based applications.Eyetubes can be individual adjusted orconfigured with an ergonomic 15°viewing angle. Leica Microsystemswww.leica-mycrosystems.com

FLUOROMETRICIMAGING PLATE READERThe FLIPR Tetra® fluorometric imagingplate reader features an aequorinoption. This option includes a camerathat can detect both fluorescence andaequorin luminescence and a newcell suspension option. The system canmeasure up to 1536 kinetic measure-ment simultaneously.Molecular Deviceswww.moleculardevices.com

IMAGING AGENTANTIBODY CONJUGATESThe KODAK X-SIGHT imaging agentantibody conjugates were designedfor in vitro imaging applications.They are designed to be biocompati-ble and non-toxic. They are availableconjugated to a variety of secondaryantibodies in four distinct excitationand emission wavelengths, spanningjust above UV to near IR.Carestream Healthwww.carestreamhealth.com

FLUORESCENT PROTEINFILTER SETSFilter set solutions are available forInvitrogen’s Vivid Colors, Clontech’sLiving Colors, and MBL’s Coral Huesas well as the fluorescent proteinsdeveloped at the University ofCalifornia San Diego. All of the filtersets produce steep slopes and accu-rate band placement, for maximizingexcitation and emission energy andfor minimizing background.Omega Opticalwww.omegafilters.com

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MANUFACTURINGSERVICESThe integrated contract developmentand manufacturing services includeinstrumentation, disposables, and cus-tom automation. These services weredesigned for specialist applications,such as handling magnetic beads,microarrays and glass slides, heatingand cooling, image acquisition andanalysis, and design of highly inte-grated optics. Invetechwww.invetech.us

CONDUCTIVITYSTANDARDSTraceable® Conductivity Standardscalibrate all conductivity meters andprobes for maximum accuracy.Accuracy at 25 °C is ± 0.25micromhos for 1, 5, and 10 micromhosolutions and ± 0.25% for other solu-tions or the uncertainly shown on thecertificate, whichever is greater.Standards are 100% compatible withall makes of equipment. Control Companywww.control3.com

LAB REFRIGERATORS ANDFREEZERSAn upgraded line of value-based refrig-erators and freezers has been devel-oped for general purpose applicationsin clinical, life science, and industriallaboratories. The product line includes23-cu. ft. (single door), 40-cu. ft. (doubledoor) models and 61-cu. ft. (triple door)models with stainless steel interior andexterior surfaces, microprocessor con-trols, and digital temperature displays,available with solid or glass doors. Sanyowww.sanyobiomedical.com

CUSTOM AUTOMATION TTP LabTech’s custom automation busi-ness provides practical and innova-tive integrated automation across anumber of industry sectors. Recentprojects include: automating a chemi-cal synthesis process for increasedproduction efficiency; the develop-ment of a novel tablet-coating systemwith a capacity of 250,000 tablets anhour.TTP Labtechwww.ttplabtech.com

MODULAR GENERATOR The 491M/B/SD modular gas stan-dards generator dynamically blendsprecisely known VOC/TOC gasstandards with parts-per-billion (ppb)and parts-per-trillion (ppt) analyte con-centrations. The geneartor usesdynamic blending to circumvent thecommon problems with ppb and pptstandards. The modular, two-stagedilution approach uses permeationtubes with measurable rates to controlanalyte flow. KIN-TEK Laboratories, Inc.www.kin-tek.com

COMFORTABLESYNTHETIC GLOVESSynthetic Neogard™ chloroprenegloves stretch and conform to yourhands for a comfortable fit and feel.The special formulation reduces thehand fatigue associated with some syn-thetic gloves.These powder-free glovesare latex-free and are textured forenhanced wet grip and sensitivity.They are more puncture resistant thanlatex and have a chemical resistancesimilar to nitrile. USA Scientific, Inc.www.usascientific.com

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MASS SPECTROMETRYSYSTEMThe Synapt™ High Definition MS™(HDMS)™ System is the first massspectrometer to employ technology toanalyze samples and differentiatesample ions by their size and shapeand charge, as well as their mass. Thisnew capability increases specificityand sample definition beyond thatachieved by conventional commercial-ly-available mass spectrometers. Waterswww.waters.com

SPECTROSCOPYREFERENCE DATABASEA new spectroscopy reference data-base and software product,KnowItAll®U, for academic researchand teaching represents a powerfulcombination of reference data, tools,and technologies that will assist faculty,staff, and students in their scholarlyresearch. In addition, this product canbe used to train students in the skillsand technologies they will need oncethey leave academia.Bio-Radwww.bio-rad.com

GAS CHROMATOGRAPH/MASS SPECTROMETERThe Clarus 600 Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer combines theClarus 600 Gas Chromatograph(GC) with multiple pumping options inour Clarus 600 Mass Spectrometer(MS). This combination offersincreased sample throughput andsample-centric, application-focusedsoftware. Multiple pumping optionsmeet a variety of laboratory needs.PerkinElmer Life and AnalyticalScienceswww.perkinelmer.com

SPECTROSCOPYSOFTWAREModiro™ is a novel software toolenabling rapid, automated detectionof true post-translational modificationsin MS/MS datasets. It was developedto discover PTMs, which cannot bedetected by any other software. Itallows the investigation of the largeamounts of valuable information hid-den in acquired MS/MS data andovercomes the tremendous amount ofmanual analysis time.Protagen AGwww.protagen.de

GAS CHROMATOGRAPH/MASS SPECTROMETERThe GC/MS-QP2010 Plus features amass range of 1.5 to 1090 m/z, anion source temperature range from100 °C to 300 °C, and dual turbopumps. It also features automaticadjustment of retention time (AART),fast automated scan/SIM type(FASST), and creation of automaticSIM tables (COAST).Shimadzu Scientific Instrumentswww.shimadzu.com

TEMPERATURE SPRAYCHAMBERThe IsoMist ProgrammableTemperature Spray Chamber pro-vides the benefits of a temperature-controlled ICP sample introduction sys-tem in a compact, convenient pack-age. The temperature is electronicallycontrolled using a powerful built-inPeltier device. Any temperaturebetween –10 °C and +60 °C can beselected.Glass Expansion Inc.www.geicp.com

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Application Needs

Beckman Coulter, Inc. in 2007 introduces the PARADIGM™ Detection Platform,a unique, modular system that allows quick and easy configuration by the user.The platform features a selection of cartridges that can be interchanged in lessthan five minutes to meet different assay needs, making this the first user-upgradable and -configurable multimode reader. It is ideal for labs with multi-ple users and applications. The high-throughput detector reads on the fly, in for-mats from 6 to 1,536 wells.

Eight different cartridges will be available, based on detection modes includ-ing fluorescence polarization, time-resolved fluorescence, dual-label fluores-cence (including FRET) and luminescence. A monochromator-based absorbancecartridge will also be offered. Future cartridges, including models specificallydesigned for the new BioRAPTR FRD™ microfluidic workstation, are in develop-ment. Beckman Coulter will also provide custom-labeled cartridges for theseread modes, to meet unique user needs. The cartridges contain application-spe-cific elements, including wavelength-tuned light sources and optics that can beinterchanged on the detector.

The PARADIGM system software comes with a portfolio of generic protocoltemplates, for the most common detection measurements to streamline user start-up and operation. Assay protocols for third-party chemistry kits are also includ-ed, allowing the user to simply enter the number of samples and read the plate.The menu of kit-specific assay protocols will be expanded through ongoingdevelopment with several reagent partners. An Auto Update software featurewill allow the user to preview available assay protocols and install them with asingle click.

www.beckmancoulter.com

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lab diagnosis

It is a question that is all too familiar in today’s labs. “We have to automate our laboratory,but how?”

The benefits of automation are profound. Productivity and accuracy improvementscan be significant. However, some labs still rely on old-world methods of manual datatracking because they don’t think they can justify the investment or time commitment toautomate. In reality, a simple bar-code scanner — a proven and reliable technology —holds the answer to automation.

Bar codes are a cost-effective technology available to automate many of the time-consuming and error-prone processes taking place daily inyour facilities. In fact, laboratories can scarcely automatetoday without bar codes. While other technologies maysomeday offer more cost-effective identification, bar codesare essential to automation efforts in today’s lab setting.Many labs are not only integrating bar-code scanning andprinting to satisfy a customer requirement, but to streamlineand improve their own operations.

When a national research project to investigate adoles-cent AIDS cases needed to manage numerous samples frommultiple locations, it looked to bar codes to improve testdata collection and track test results. Sixteen clinical sites in13 cities were part of the study, feeding samples to two cen-tral laboratories for testing or storage. Each sample, typicallyblood or a gynecological specimen, needed to be uniquelyidentified as study participants make multiple visits per yearwhere similar samples are taken.

A bar-coded identification system was implemented to track each person throughoutthe duration of the study with labels that identify the site, the subject number, the visitnumber, the nature of the sample, and similar samples from the same visit. Because of thecomplexity of information required to track the samples, the study would have been “vir-tually impossible without the bar codes,” said a key member of the research staff.

>>

Bar Codesas a Powerful Automation Tool

LabManager 47Bruce Wray

labmanager.com

Table 1. Comparison of manual data entry vs. bar-code data entry (12-character alphanumericmessage)

MANUAL ENTRY BAR CODE SCANNINGTIME REQUIRED 4 to 6 seconds 1 to 2 secondsACCURACY 1 error/300 characters 1 error/10 million characters

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WHY BAR CODES?The use of bar codes has proliferated because it is bothfast and accurate (see Table 1). While not the onlymethod of data collection available, bar codes don’tnecessitate a trade-off between speed and accuracy.Equally important is the ease of use. Add to that the per-formance increases and cost decreases of microprocessors,and the rationale for bar-code technology becomes com-pelling. Bar codes are fast, accurate, easy-to-use, andinexpensive.

BREAKING DOWN BAR CODESWhile bar codes have been a part of our lives for years,not everyone understands the technology. Bar-code scan-ning is based on a simple principle — light is reflected indifferent amounts by different colored surfaces. Todecode the information in a bar code, a small spot oflight is passed over the bars and spaces via a scanningdevice. This bar-code scanner can be a hand-held wand,a fixed-beam device, or a moving-beam device. The barcode will reflect the spot of light back into the scannerin varying amounts. That is, the dark bars of the barcode will absorb light, while the white spaces willreflect light. These differences in reflectivity are trans-lated into electrical signals by a light detector insidethe scanner. The signals are converted into binary onesand zeros; these are used in various combinations tostand for specific numbers and letters.

To be an educated consumer of bar-code technolo-gy, it’s important to know some commonly used termsto identify important features of the bar code itself(Figure 1).

The quiet zone: This is the area immediatelyadjacent to the beginning and the end of the barcode symbol. These zones define the parametersof the code. They are not merely aesthetic, butare required for the scanner to determine back-ground reflectance, which enables the device todifferentiate between bars and spaces.

Start and stop characters: Found at the begin-ning and end of each bar-code symbol, thesecharacters tell the scanner from which directioninformation is being received and which symbol-ogy is being used. These characters also providefor “bi-directional scanning,” which means thatboth left-to-right and right-to-left scan patternswill result in identical decodes.

Check character: Usually the next-to-lastcharacter in a bar-code message, this characterderives its value from an algorithm that runs on

the other characters in the message. The check charac-ter ensures the entire message has been decoded correct-ly.

Interpretation line: This is the line above, beneath, oradjacent to a bar-code symbol where human-readableinformation appears. It may not exactly match the dataencoded; there is no “rule” about what information mustappear in the eye-readable unless there is a specificationthat outlines such a requirement.

PRINTING BAR CODESBeyond the decision to implement a bar-code identifica-tion system, selecting the right label or printing methodfor bar-code labels is equally important. In the case ofthe AIDS project, the bar-code labels needed to with-stand extreme temperature variances as samples gothrough five freeze/thaw cycles, going from -70 °C toroom temperature and back again. It is imperative thatthe bar-code labels are read correctly every time, stayadhered to the sample container, and can endure harshchemicals or extreme temperatures in order to survive inthe end-use environment.

Bar-code symbols can either be provided on pre-printed labels or printed on-demand. There are advan-tages and disadvantages to each approach. Some users gothrough a formal “make vs. buy” exercise to determinethe best option for their application.

Pre-printed labels: Microwell plates, glass or plasticvials, slides, and other lab containers can be pre-labeledfor maximum convenience. The data required can beprinted and/or encoded on the item to exactly meetspecifications. Guarantees are available that precludeduplicate numbers and ensure sequence integrity.

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Figure 1. Commonly used terms to identify bar-code features.

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On-demand: The most common on-demand bar-code label printing technology in the lab is thermaltransfer. Printers of this type produce images on labelstock by selectively heating or not heating tiny sectionsof a thermally sensitive ribbon passing over the printhead. When the heat element (called a “pixe”) is turnedon, the heat it generates causes the ribbon to transfer itsimage to the label stock moving beneath it. Each ofthese tiny heaters is controlled by logic in the printerand is a rectangular dot or bar shape. The same printerlogic that controls the heating elements also controls themovement of the label stock past the printhead, permit-ting the printing of a complete label.

There is a wide variety of label stocks available forthermal transfer printers. Many of the non-paper mate-rials (polyester, polyolefin, etc.) will withstand chemi-cal spills and other harsh conditions they mightencounter in a lab environment. That means bar-codelabels can be used in a lab without concerns aboutdurability and long-term scannability.

Below are some of the features of thermal transferprinters important to labs in making product selec-tions. There are many makes and models availablefrom low-cost desktop units for under $1000 to more

feature-rich and costly models. •Maximum print width—The widest image that

can be printed. •Maximum label width—The widest label stock

that can be accommodated. •Maximum roll size—The outside diameter of the

largest roll of label stock the printer can handle.The larger the roll of stock, the less often the rollmust be replaced. This can be an important issuefor high-volume printing, but is not as critical formedium- and low-volume applications.

•Maximum print speed—How fast the label isprinted.

•Rewind and dispense mode—Internal rewindmeans that the printer will do batch printing andthen wind the printed stock onto a take-up rollinsider the printer. A more common use of on-demand printers in health care is the print-and-dispense mode, in which the label is printed andpartially ejected from the front of the printer asthe release liner is wound up inside the printerfor later disposal.

•Resolution—Measured in dots per inch (dpi),this is the feature that determines the bar code

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densities that can be printed. Printers used inhealthcare are typically 203 dpi, 300 dpi, or 600dpi. The higher the resolution — the more dotsper inch — the smaller the narrow elements thatcan be printed. Beyond bar-code density, anotherreason to use a high-density printer is enhancedreadability of smaller text.

WHAT’S NEXT IN AUTO ID FOR LABAUTOMATION?Bar codes are not the only method of automated datacollection. While they have advantages over, forexample, to Optical Character Recognition and man-ual data entry, linear bar codes have inherent limita-tions that other, newer technologies do not have.While technology is changing at an ever-increasingrate, the following summary highlights the majoridentification technologies that may replace orenhance the scanning of a simple bar code.

Stacked bar codes are a series of linear bar codesstacked directly on top of one another that form onecontinuous message. Advantages include higher capac-ity than linear codes, read by conventional laser scan-ners, error detection/correction in most symbologies,and printed similar to linear.

Matrix codes are made up of a block of cells that

are filled or unfilled to represent binary data, generallyarranged on a square grid. Advantages with matrixcodes include large data capacity, well-founded opticaltechnology, error detection/correction, and printedsimilar to linear. Disadvantages include they must beread by image processors (2-D array of CCD sensors),read-only.

While many of these newer technologies offergreat promise, the standard against which they all mustbe measured is the simple linear bar code — the easiestand most cost-effective method for automated data col-lection available today. Note: The table and figure are from Roger Palmer’s“The Bar Code Book” (4th Edition), HelmersPublishing Company, Peterborough, New Hampshire,2001.

Bruce Wray is Marketing Manager of Computype, aglobal leader in labware identification based in St. Paul,MN. He can be reached at 800-328-0852; bruce.wray@computype.com.

Applied Biosystems . . . . . . . . . .25, 26-27, 45

Argonide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Beckman Coulter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7, 44

BioRad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

BioTek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44, 51

Carestream Health, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Julabo USA, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Lab Safety Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Molecular Devices Corporation . . . . . . . . . .15

NuAire Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

PerkinElmer Life & Analytical Sciences . . . . . .5

Sigma-Aldrich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11, 46

Thermo Fisher Scientific . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3,45

Thermo Scientific GC/MS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

US Filter, A Siemens Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

A D V E R T I S E R I N D E X

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Introducing SYNERGY ™4Multi-Detection Microplate Reader

with Hybrid Technology™

BioTek’s new Synergy 4 with Hybrid Technology combines two powerful detection systems, filter-basedand monochromator-based, in one unit. As a result,you can finally enjoy complete flexibility and instantcontrol in assay choice for current as well as futuredemands. The result – the world’s first true multi-detection system capable of performing an unlimited number of microplate based assays.

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Spectral Scanning X X

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TRF / TR-FRET performance ++ + ++

Best performance across spectrum X X

Ratiometric ion channel assays X X

Filtered luminescence (e.g. BRET) X X

Best read speed/throughput X X

Filter-based

Monochromator-based

The choice is yours. HybridTechnology

++ indicates best performance+ indicates good performance; less sensitivity than filter performance

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Visit www.biotek.com/synergy4 to learn just how versatile multi-detection can be with Synergy 4.

eady

Patent Pending

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