AUTOMATED OFFLINE
SAMPLE PREPARATION WORKSTATION
EPREP BACKGROUND
In most analytical laboratories the greatest cost is labor associated
with preparing samples prior to the analysis
While most instrument manufacturers have focused on improving the
speed and efficiency of analytical instruments, sample preparation
workflow and processes has largely not been addressed.
Extensive market research of key industry laboratories provided
ePrep® an ideal blueprint for its instrument design:
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most procedures are a combination of simple liquid handling tasks, that need to be performed
repeatedly.
Instead of pipettes, laboratories prefer to use positive displacement analytical syringes, to transfer
reagents due to their increased accuracy, particularly for non-aqueous, volatile or viscous reagents.
the volume ranges normally require more than one positive displacement device for different parts
of a sample preparation sequence.
on-line sample preparation systems fixed to one instrument are often difficult to justify
most errors arise from the repetitive nature of sample preparation steps and from the mishandling
of sample tubes
typically 2-3 preparation steps are needed for each sample prior to analysis.
existing bench-top sample preparation systems are restricted to one vial type and volume while
samples are collected in a range of different tubes and tube racks.
analytical instruments are normally accompanied by an auto-sampler
it is rare to fill an entire auto-sampler rack/carousel with samples undergoing the same analysis.
ePrep® (patent pending) was developed as a very affordable solution to preparing samples prior to analysis
in any laboratory. The ePrep bench-top platform can automate entire sample preparation workflows and
was developed to prepare samples off-line for a number of analytical instruments. The system can accept
samples in a large range of sample collection tubes and racks and prepares samples directly into instrument
specific auto-sampler racks to remove the need for transferring individual tubes. Central to ePrep’s
performance is its capability to automatically exchange a variety of
tools needed for each task.
The tablet-based control software uses an intuitive touch-screen
interface to mimic the flow of tasks typically associated with
manual sample preparation workflows. The ability to download
applications for different racks, tools, tasks and even entire
workflows makes the system upgradeable and future-proof.
THE UNIQUE CAPABILITIES OF EPREP WILL BE VALUED BY EVERY LABORATORY AND WILL
CHANGE THE WAY SAMPLE HANDLING IS PERFORMED IN THE LABORATORY
DESIGNED FOR PRODUCTIVITY
Intelligent by design and simple in operation. ePrep automated
Off-line Sample Preparation Workstation is unique and combines
a fresh and unique approach to preparing samples. ePrep is
enabled by XCHANGE; a patented tool change system that allows
a complete sample preparation procedure to be performed
without intervention.
Its capabilities include; sample aliquoting, sample dilution,
internal standard addition, reagent addition, automated SPE,
fraction collection, cartridge chromatography, vial mixing and
direct MS interface.
THE PRODUCTIVITY OF EPREP MEANS MOST LABORATORIES WILL REALISE A RETURN ON INVESTMENT OF 2-6 MONTHS.
XCHANGE® - TOOL CHANGE TECHNOLOGY
A suite of tools is generally required to complete sample
preparation tasks especially when the volume range required for
multiple liquid transfer steps can not be achieved with one tool.
With single tool systems compromises must be made.
XCHANGE tool change technology that enables the most
appropriate tool to be automatically engaged for
each task sequenced in a sample preparation
workflow. With XCHANGE there is no compromise
on accuracy, precision and speed.
XCHANGE® IS A UNIQUE TOOL CHANGE TECHNOLOGY USED TO AUTOMATE MULTI TASK SAMPLE PREPARATION WORKFLOWS
XCHANGE® TOOLS
XCHANGE® enabled tools include a range of positive displacement
syringes, single-use syringes (syngles™), pipette systems, probes,
solid dispensers, tube grippers and other technique specific
devices. Included in the XCHANGE Tool capabilities is a range of
unique micro SPE components and automated sample filtration
devices. All XCHANGE tools are fitted with RFID tags for
automated identification and simplified system configuration.
Automated Solid Phase Extraction
A range of SPE cartridges provide a highly efficient and modern
approach to SPE when combined with ePrep. Two versions of the
cartridges are available; SPEed° (with valve) and SPEmx™ (without
Valve). They enable high concentration factors through low
solvent use and no solvent blowdown.
On-Line filters
A range of unique by-pass filters are being developed to allow the filtering of samples and/or solvents to
be automated with the ePrep Sample Preparation Workstation.
THE OPTIMUM XCHANGE TOOL CAN BE AUTOMATICALLY SELECTED AND USED FOR EVERY SAMPLE PREPARATION TASK
RACK TO RACK SAMPLE HANDLING
The convenience of ePrep is enhanced by its ability to process
samples from a variety of sample collection tubes contained in
compatible racks.. Samples are prepared according to the selected
Workflow Tasks and dispensed directly into tubes in an instrument
specific auto-sampler rack. The auto-sampler rack may be simply
transferred to the analytical instrument (eg. GC or LC) for analysis,
hence removing the potential errors arising from the incorrect
handling of individual tubes.
The ability to handle and transport sample racks rather than
individual tubes is more convenient but more importantly reduces
errors associated with handling individual tubes.
Installed sample rack and tubes are automatically detected to streamline system configuration setup and operation.
REMOVE ERRORS ARISING FROM THE INCORRECT HANDLING OF INDIVIDUAL TUBES.
PREPARE SAMPLES OFF-LINE
ePrep is specifically designed for off-line sample preparation. It’s
benchtop footprint is 1110mm x 590mm making it ideal for fixed
or portable bench operation.
ePrep’s deck uses interchangeable mats that can be configured to
accommodate a wide variety of sample and autosampler racks as
well as accessories, wash stations, solvent reservoirs and custom
interfaces.
EPREP SAMPLE PREPARATION WORKSTATION CAN BE USED TO PREPARE SAMPLE FOR MULTIPLE INSTRUMENTS
SEALED TUBES
In many analytical techniques, particular the analysis of volatiles or trace levels of target compounds, if the tube
containing the sample is opened to perform a liquid transfer procedure the sample integrity is compromised.
In the analysis of trace compounds, such as the analysis of dioxins, elaborate techniques and laboratory
environments are developed to reduce the possibility of sample being altered by background contaminations.
The XCHANGE enabled positive displacement syringes include an integral needle that can pierce most septum
based tube caps. This permits samples to be processed between septum sealed tubes. Using this technique
samples that are volatile or samples that can be affected by background contamination can be safely and
conveniently process using the ePrep Sample Preparation Workstation..
MAINTAIN SAMPLE INTEGRITY EVEN WHEN PROCESSING VOLATILE OR TRACE ANALYSIS SAMPLES
EPREP SOFTWARE
WORKFLOW SETUP
ePrep is controlled through an tablet based interface that is
specifically designed to automate sample preparation workflows.
ePrep removes the complexity normally associated with the
programming of laboratory robots. Instead the workflows are
created from a suite of tasks commonly identified in standard
operating procedures.
Software features include:
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Begin Workflow
Intuitive interface specifically designed to automate
sample preparation workflows
Removes difficulty associated with the use of laboratory
robots
Workflows are created from a suite of common tasks
Tasks commonly identified in standard operating
procedures
Functions upgraded by downloading tool, rack and task
apps
Select Task
By using the intelligence built into the ePrep automation platform
configuration of the system can be automatically achieved with a
single button press.
Select Input/Output Vials
Select Tools
SOFTWARE MAKES SAMPLE PREPARATION SIMPLE, INTUITIVE AND ENSURES EPREP IS INTELLIGENT BY DESIGN
vPREP SIMULATION SOFTWARE
vPrep simulation software fully emulates the ePrep operation in
a virtual environment. Programming, workflows and task are
identical to the instrument.. The software provides a visual
simulation of the complete workflow from tool selection to task
operations in real time. Workflow and task changes can be
immediately observed and measured using the software
VPREP MAKES METHOD DEVELOPMENT EASY
KEY EPREP BENEFITS
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Open Platform - Racks, vials, tools, accessories and
interfaces can be interchanged to optimise methods.
Rapid ROI - Priced to match laboratory technician cost.
Replace labour intensive liquid handling operations.
Simple Operation - Intuitive software and instrument
enables untrained method creation.
Increased Laboratory Throughput - Offline automation
of labour intensive tasked to increase analyst and
instrument productivity.
Improved Quality Control - Quality outcomes through
precision and accuracy with reduced errors.
Validated Methods - SOPs transferable between users,
locations and types with high reproducibility.
OH&S Advantages - Reduced chemical exposure using
sealed vials. Eliminate RSI from repetitive pipetting.
Reduced Solvent Use - Optimised methods (eg. micro
SPE) for lower solvent and reagent use.
ePrep® is a Patented registered trademark of EPREP Pty Ltd.
XCHANGE® is a Patented registered trademark of EPREP Pty Ltd.
SPEed® is a Patented registered trademark of EPREP Pty Ltd.
SPEmx is a Patent Pending trademark of EPREP Pty Ltd
Publication No. EPREP0001-0006 Jan 2014
EPREP Pty Ltd
Bld 2, 7 Argent Place
Ringwood VIC 3134
AUSTRALIA
(p) +61 (0) 3 8822 3485
(e) [email protected]
(w) www.eprep.com.au