Cobas p 480 : Laboratory Automation and Efficiency
The cobas p 480 is an instrument designed to enhance the efficiency of laboratory workflows by handling the pre-processing of primary vials. Intended to operate in conjunction with the cobas 4800 system, it enables automated sample handling, thereby reducing repetitive tasks for laboratory technicians.
Its system processes four vials simultaneously, ensuring essential steps such as decapping and recapping, minimizing human manipulations, and optimizing sample traceability. The cobas p 480 manages various vial types, including liquid-based cytology specimens such as PreservCyt® and SurePath™, as well as cobas PCR Media and cobas PCR Cell Collection Media vials. This compatibility ensures adaptability to the diverse needs of molecular biology laboratories.
The instrument employs a precise pipetting system with CO-RE (Compressed O-Ring Expansion) technology, combined with monitoring of the total aspirated and dispensed volume, to ensure optimal sample integrity. It also includes anti-droplet control to prevent cross-contamination. All vials are centrifuged before opening, reducing the risk of accidental liquid spillage, a key factor in preventing contamination.
The cobas p 480 integrates a barcode matching system between primary and secondary vials, ensuring rigorous sample traceability throughout the preparation process. This system allows laboratories to accurately track each sample and avoid identification errors. The instrument also captures all relevant data, such as sample identification numbers, potential errors, and reagent information, facilitating data management and archiving.
By automating pre-processing, the cobas p 480 enables laboratories to reduce time spent on tedious tasks while ensuring a high level of safety and reproducibility. The user interface is designed to be intuitive, minimizing the training required for its use.
Its integration with up to two cobas 4800 systems optimizes laboratory throughput, allowing for the generation of 470 results in a standard 8.5-hour workday. This significant time savings improves productivity while ensuring the reliability of results. By limiting human interactions with samples, the cobas p 480 contributes to better standardization of procedures and a reduction in errors, thereby enhancing the overall quality of analyses.
