BR-10054A
Positive sample identification, processing,
and tracking from tubes to microplates
BIOMEK ATBCR
®
AUTOMATED TUBE BAR CODE READER
Positive sample identification and tracking is critical in collecting, transferring, and storing
quality data with integrity. Tracking of samples by way of bar code registration provides historical
identification of labware contents, e.g. tube or microplate, at any point in an assay or method, and
allows decisions to be made during transfer or pipetting operations based on labware contents or
worklist import files. Within Biomek® Software, sample tracking is enabled via data sets, which store
labware properties such as a bar code or lot number, and well (or tube)
properties such as volumes and detector values.
Data sets allow information about a sample in
an individual tube or well to be tracked when the
sample is moved to another tube or well. During
any transfer operation, all data sets associated with
a plate (or tube) are automatically
copied from the source labware to
the destination labware. Only the
wells in the data set affected by the
transfer operation are copied to the
destination plate. The information in the data
set can therefore be used in decision-making for such
applications as hit-picking and normalization.
The Automated Tube Bar Code Reader
(ATBCR) integrated on the right side
of the Biomek NX Span-8 with gripper
and DTX 880 Multimode Detector,
for ELISA plate processing
The Biomek Automated Tube Bar Code Reader (ATBCR) allows the processing of open-top,
tube-based samples and controls with dimensional sizes of 12 or 13 x 75 mm, 13 x 100 mm,
16 x 75 mm, and 16 x 100 mm. The ATBCR presents one to 96 samples stored in tube formats
to the deck of a Biomek NX or FX instrument with Span-8 functionality. An internal bar code
reader scans the linear bar codes associated with not only the sample tubes, but also the tube racks
to allow association and definition of the type of tube being read for pipetting purposes. The tube
racks hold one to four tubes of the same type, however different-sized tubes can be processed during a
method in their respective racks. Up to 24 racks of four tubes each can be batch processed at one time
(e.g. in one ATBCR method step) with an unlimited number of tubes being processed (e.g. multiple
ATBCR steps) within a single Biomek Software method after reloading the ATBCR.
P REPARATION
Open-top, sample tubes are prepared for scanning in the ATBCR by ensuring
that the bar code labels are clean, free of smudges, and applied vertically
along the length of the tube. The ATBCR is capable of reading the following
bar code formats: CODABAR, Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, EAN,
Interleaved 2 of 5, UPCA, and UPCE. The labeled tubes are then placed
in the appropriate sized sample rack.
Sample racks hold
one to four tubes
Sample Racks
Sample racks hold one to four tubes
of the same dimension and are labeled with their own bar code
label to allow association and definition of the type of tube being
read for pipetting purposes. Four different-sized racks are available
to hold 12 different labware tube types. Different-sized tubes can
be processed during a method in their respective racks. Up to 24
racks of four tubes each can be batch processed at one time, i.e. in
one ATBCR method step.
I DENTIFIC ATION & T RACKING
Once the sample tubes are labeled and placed in their respective tube racks,
the racks are then placed in the input tray of the ATBCR. The cover of the
ATBCR is closed, and the Biomek Software method started. The cover is
locked by the software, until all the samples have been processed. This
protects the samples from any manual intervention or tampering, as well
as from airborne contaminants.
Positive sample identification is achieved when an internal bar code
reader scans the bar codes associated with the sample tubes and racks,
as the racks are passed by the reader from the input tray to the
presentation point. If a tube position within a sample rack is left
empty, the scanner shines through the rack and reads a permanent,
default bar code, which appears opposite the sample rack and identifies
this position as a missing tube.
ATBCR can process an
unlimited number of tubes per
method in batches of 96 tubes
Extensive Error Handling
Extensive error handling in reading the bar codes of
the sample racks and tubes ensures positive sample
identification. Options to both inputs include:
• Ignoring the error and continuing the method
• Identifying the error and continuing the method
• Using a pre-specified bar code
• Prompting the user for further
input, including manual input
Extensive error
handling
P ROCESSING
Presentation Point
of the ATBCR
As a sample rack reaches the presentation
point of the ATBCR, the Biomek NX or FX
Span-8 pod moves in position to pipette up to
four samples from the rack and transfer them to
a destination piece of labware, e.g. microplate or
tube rack, on the deck of the instrument for further
processing. Any data set information associated with
the sample tubes is automatically transferred to the
destination labware for positive sample identification,
tracking, and information transfer.
R EPORTING
After all the sample tubes have been processed, the ATBCR Report step in the
software allows the reporting of actions, and errors recorded by the ATBCR.
The report contains such information as:
• Header information, including the name of the method run,
logged-in user name, method start time, and instrument serial number
• Bar code information, including the quantity and sequence of racks
and tubes processed, rack ID’s, sample tube ID’s, and the date and time
the sample was read
• Error information, including the suspect sample rack or tube ID,
a description of the error, the user response and input, and time of error
Additionally, Biomek Software can generate a report of the complete Biomek
method run, which contains all the sample preparation log entries and data files,
including the sample information from the ATBCR. Results from this report can
be exported to a LIMS or Microsoft* Excel spreadsheet for further data analysis,
processing, or storage.
The processing of samples from
tube-to-plate with the Automated Tube
Bar Code Reader produces an unbroken
chain of traceable sample information,
providing you with data you can trust.
ATBCR Report
indicates actions and
errors recorded
S PECIFIC ATIONS
AUTOMATED TUBE BAR CODE READER (ATBCR)
Bar codes supported
Communications
Electrical requirements
Electrical certifications
CODABAR; Codes 39, 93, 128; EAN; Interleaved 2 of 5; UPCA; UPCE
RS-232C
ATBCR accessory: +24 VDC, 1.5A, Power Supply (provided)
Input: 100-240 VAC, 47-63 Hz, 6.0 A
Output: +24 VDC, 4.5 A
CSA/CSA-US, FCC, C-Tick, CE
ATBCR Accessory
(with cover closed)
Dimensions (W x D x H) 450 mm x 770 mm x 305 mm
(17.75 in x 30.25 in x 12 in)
ATBCR + Biomek FX
ATBCR + Biomek NX
(with canopy)
1,195 mm x 815 mm x 1,145 mm 1,730 mm x 815 mm x 1,375 mm
(47 in x 32 in x 45 in)
(68 in x 32 in x 54 in)
Weight
107 kg (235 lb)
20 kg (44 lb)
134 kg (295 lb) Span-8 instruments
170 kg (375 lb) Hybrid instruments
O RDERING I NFORMATION
AUTOMATED TUBE BAR CODE READER (ATBCR)
PART NO.
DESCRIPTION
A29026
A29027
Automated Tube Bar Code Reader for Biomek NX Span-8 instruments
Automated Tube Bar Code Reader for Biomek FX Span-8 or Hybrid instruments
ATBCR ACCESSORIES
PART NO.
DESCRIPTION
471918
471919
471922
473491
471923
471924
471920
471921
473492
81915
Tube racks for 12 or 13 x 75 mm tubes, blue holds 1 to 4 tubes, pkg of 10
Tube racks for 13 x 100 mm tubes, blue holds 1 to 4 tubes, pkg of 10
Tube racks for 13 x 100 mm tubes, brown holds 1 to 4 tubes, pkg of 10
Tube racks for 13 x 100 mm tubes, gray holds 1 to 4 tubes, pkg of 10
Tube racks for 13 x 100 mm tubes, green holds 1 to 4 tubes, pkg of 10
Tube racks for 13 x 100 mm tubes, purple holds 1 to 4 tubes, pkg of 10
Tube racks for 16 x 75 mm tubes, blue holds 1 to 4 tubes, pkg of 10
Tube racks for 16 x 100 mm tubes, blue holds 1 to 4 tubes, pkg of 10
Tube racks for 16 x 100 mm tubes, gray holds 1 to 4 tubes, pkg of 10
1 mL insert cups (vials), for use in a 13 x 75 mm tube in a 13 x 75 mm tube rack,
or in a 13 x 100 mm tube in a 13 x 100 mm tube rack, pkg of 1000
2 mL insert cups (vials), for use in a 16 x 100 mm tube in a 16 x 100 mm tube rack, pkg of 1000
2 mL sample cups, for use in a 13 x 100 mm tube rack, pkg of 1000
3 mL sample containers (tubes), for use in a 16 x 100 mm tube rack, pkg of 500
3 mL transfer (autoaliquot) tube, for use in a 13 x 100 mm tube rack, pkg of 4000
Pediatric (Chlamydia) insert cups, for use with pediatric tube adapters in a 13 x 100 mm tube rack, pkg of 1000
Pediatric tube adapters, for use with pediatric insert cups in a 13 x 100 mm tube rack, pkg of 100
Tube rack holder (short), for storing and transporting up to 10 tube racks
Tube rack holder (long), for storing and transporting up to 15 tube racks
Tube rack, bar code label kit (for use with tube size identifiers of 1 to 500; sufficient to label 50 tube racks for
12 x 75 mm tubes, 13 x 75 mm tubes, 16 x 75 mm tubes, and 1 mL insert cups (vials) in 13 x 100 mm tubes;
and to label 100 tube racks for 13 x 100 mm tubes, and 2 mL sample cups)
Tube rack, bar code label kit (for use with tube size identifiers of 501 to 999; sufficient to label 50 tube racks
for 2 mL insert cups (vials), pediatric insert cups, 3 mL transfer (autoaliquot) tubes, and 16 x 100 mm tubes;
and to label 100 tube racks for 3 mL sample containers (tubes) and 1 mL insert cups (vials) in 13 x 75 mm tubes
Tube rack, icon label kit (sufficient to label 50 tube racks of the same type or tube size)
81917
81902
81914
2910034
81916
472987
386188
386189
471891
471892
386180
Contact your sales representative to configure a system that meets your needs.
w w w. b e c k m a n c o u l t e r. c o m / a t b c r
B2005-6917-PO-5K
© 2005 Beckman Coulter, Inc.
Printed in U.S.A.