Fully Automated Sample Preparation Module for LC-MS

Shimadzu has released a new and unique fully automated sample preparation module (RUO) connected online for LC-MS to the four major clinical research markets in Europe. The CLAM-2000 (Clinical Laboratory Automated sample preparation Module) automates the pretreatment of blood or other biological samples before LCMS analysis. It is designed for customers handling blood samples in pharmaceutical departments, medical departments or biological analysis laboratories dealing with issues of variability in analytical results or infection risk.

By simply placing blood collection tubes in the system, the CLAM-2000 performs all processes through to LC-MS analysis automatically. Unlike dispensing systems  based on batch processing 96-well plates, the CLAM-2000 is completely automatic from pretreatment to analysis and processes individual sample successively in parallel. Consequently, it results in uniform pretreatment times between samples without slowing processing speed, while improving data reproducibility and accuracy.

Pretreatment processes available include dispensing samples, dispensing reagents, stirring, suction filtration, incubation and automatic transfer of sample vials to an SIL-30AC autosampler after pretreatment.

Consequently, the new CLAM-2000 is the first system in the world able to perform all steps fully automated from pretreatment of the sample to LC-MS analysis, requiring only the simple task of placing the blood or biological fluid collection tubes, reagents, internal standards and specialised pretreatment vials in the system. It also features excellent management functions providing a dramatically improved workflow with better safety for clinical research and higher reproducibility. It is compatible with the LC-MS TQ systems LCMS-8040, LCMS-8050 and LCMS-8060, giving a large choice to adapt to sensitivity needs.

Web link: www.shimadzu.eu/clam-2000