The PersonalLAB is an automated microplate analyzer capable of fully automating immunoenzymatic techniques using a microplate format, per the reagent manufacturer's instruction for use and specifications.

The instrument's open architecture design allows easy access and effortless operation. The software is Microsoft Windows95 compatible. The system adapts to many manufacturers' assays, providing an alternative to traditional manual methods, as well as to current closed-system EIA analyzers.

The PersonalLAB consists of two main modules; the instrument and the management system. The instrument contains all the components for sample and reagent processing and the management system contains the instrument's controlling software and data management functions.

The following provides an overview of the system's capabilities:

Sample Identification:
The sample racks are located on the right side of the instrument. The racks have a maximum capacity of 96 tubes and are adaptable to various tube sizes.
If the sample tubes have bar-code labels affixed, the labels can be read by the bar-code reader.
There are two types of tube racks:
- 50 tube rack
- 96 tube rack

Microplate Processing
Robotics
The sample and reagent pipetting station incorporates an automated arm capable of moving on four axes (X, Y, Z1 and Z2) along the areas where the sample tubes, microplates and reagents are located.

To guarantee exceptional reliability and precision, the robotic arm is operated by stepper motors and monitored by optical and mechanical sensors. A separate microprocessor controls the four drive motors, the hydraulic interface, vacuum and dispense pumps, photometer interface and location sensors.

Depending on the application, the PersonalLAB can be programmed to dispense samples using either a metal needle or disposable plastic tips. A rack, holding up to 140 disposable tips, is located adjacent to the sample rack. The robotic arm picks up a tip from the rack and, after completing the dispense operation, disposes it into a waste container.

Incubators
The incubating station has two independent temperature controlled chambers (one for each rnicroplate) that are thermally insulated from the rest of the instrument. A dedicated microprocessor controls the temperature range from a minimum of 5ºC above room temperature to 45ºC, with stability controlled to ±1ºC. The microplates are transported to and from the chambers automatically, except for room temperature incubations which are performed outside the chambers, but covered inside the photometer housing.

Wash Mechanism
The wash station is equipped with a 16-channel wash head, eight channels for dispensing the wash solution and eight channels for wash solution aspiration. The robotic arm automatically lifts the wash head from the holding station, transports the wash head to the microplate and, when the wash process is completed, places the wash head back in its holding station.

There are three connections on the instrument for the wash solution. Two containers inside the instrument and a third connection for an external container. The liquid levels are automatically monitored by sensors.

Wash volumes (100 - 2,000 uL), number of wash cycles (1- 9), soak times (1 second-2 minutes), wash pressures (low or normal) for well style (flat or round bottom) are fully programmable to meet the requirements of the assay being run.

Reagent, Standard Control and Sample Dispense
The PersonalLAB is equipped with an automated arm for the processing of samples, standards, controls and reagents. This arm can be programmed to use a metal needle or disposable plastic tips for assays, as defined by the assay manufacturer.

The arm dispenses samples using a disposable plastic tip when processing selected assays. The tip is automatically picked up, collects sample from the tube and dispenses it into the well. The tip is then discarded before the next sample is processed. Since the tip is only used once all tip carry-over is eliminated.

The PersonalLAB uses a patented pneumatic fluid level control system for precise dispense volumes, even when mininmm volumes are used. Additionally, sample clot detection capability assures samples' integrity

The arm dispenses samples using the metal needle when processing selected assays. After each sample has been dispensed the arm positions the needle over a wash station for cleaning. The time required for cleaning the needle is programmable, reducing the possibility of carry-over. The system can either predilute the sample in the sample rack or perform the dilution in the sample well when an assay requires sample dilution.

The PersonalLAB is equipped with a removable reagent, standard and control rack. The rack holds up to nine reagents and 21 standards and controls. As with samples, controls can be diluted when necessary. There are three different vial volumes contained in the rack, 3.5 mL for standards and controls, 35 mL and 75 mL for reagents.

All reagents are dispensed above the well of the microplate with a disposable plastic tip. The system dispenses a programmed volume of reagent to the microplate wells and returns the unused reagent to the reagent container, then discards the tip before performing the next reagent dispense operation. These steps are repeated until the last programmed well has been filled.
Once the microplate is filled, the PersonalLAB agitates the microplate using one of two preprogrammed shaking parameters (low and high), if required by the assay's instruction for use.

Photometric Reading
The PersonalLAB has two separate reading stations (one for each microplate), each in a 1 X 8 array with a reading range of 0 - 3.0 optical density (OD). Reading is performed through the 16 lighting channels and eight interference filters. The station vertically reads the absorbance, which is either directly or, depending on the assay design, indirectly related to the sample analyte concentration. An internal microprocessor controls the lighting channels, the sensors, the interference filters and the movement of the microplates to and from the reading station.
The system measures the OD of each well and provides various interpretative reports based on the parameters programmed for the test conditions and corresponding data processing method selected.

PersonalLAB WorkBench
The WorkBench software handles all the programming of the management system.
Programming of protocols, profiles and worklists is performed in the WorkBench.

A profile is a combination of individual protocols used to make up a run and is accountable for the management of all non-specific parameters associated with a protocol such as location and selection within the management system.

PersonalLab Features

• Full automation, just load and leave.
• Open system capable of running many manufacturers' microplate assays.
• Stores over 500 assay protocols on the system.
• Stores kit and reagent lot information.
• Primary tube sampling and bar code reading.
• Patented level sensing with sample clot detection.
• Runs multiple microplate assays simultaneously.
• Programmable sample dilution capability.
• Sample processing using either a metal needle or disposable plastic tips.
• Closed incubation system. Microplates are protected from evaporation and light.
• Calculates both quantitative and qualitative results.
• Customizes result data and printouts.
• Remote diagnostic trouble-shooting via internal modem.
• ASTM Bi-directional Interface capability.