29 LIMS & Lab Automation Barcodes
Each destination plate or tube is labelled with a unique barcode and human-readable order details, ensuring full traceability. The liquid transfer instrument transmits operational results to ARCON and the GSK LIMS, generating reports on tube locations, order progress, total compound inventory, and fl agged errors.
Functions The HVLH cell can perform the following sample transfer processes:
• Tube-to-plate transfer with plate sealing to create new sample plates. • Tube-to-tube transfer to generate copy tubes for expansion.
• Optional dilution by adding a specifi ed volume of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to each plate well or destination tube.
The SampleArc Flex System is equipped with three multi-tube selectors (MTS), ensuring uninterrupted operation even if one tube picker is unavailable. If either the input/output module or the imager fails, the system continues functioning via redundancy.
Figure 3: Example of 10 orders performed on the SampleArc Flex System on the same day (top) and a request for preparing a set of samples for serial dilution (bottom).
Results
At the GSK site, the SampleArc Flex System supports global operations, dispensing one million samples annually and fulfi lling 3,000 orders - resulting in over three million pick, place, and reshuffl ing operations per year. This is double the throughput achieved before its installation.
For example, during a week-long holiday period, 170,000 handlings were executed entirely unattended. The system enables 24/7 operation with minimal labour requirements, facilitating out-of-hours picking and maximising effi ciency.
Future-proofi ng and fl exibility
In 2019, an upgrade was done that activated the Acoustic Tube Selector (ATS), enabling acoustic tube workfl ows alongside the existing AbGene workfl ow. This enhancement supports the Azenta FluidX Acoustic Sample Tube, an Echo-qualifi ed consumable featuring 2D4 Quad Codes. These tubes are stored in ultra-high-density trays, maximising sample density and enabling conservation of compound compared to conventional storage methods. The system integrates with acoustic liquid handling, operating with a working volume of 85 μL and a dead volume of 15 μL.
The system’s capacity can be further expanded by adding additional selector modules and attaching a second HVLH Cell to the spare AIM location. Additionally, modifi cations can be made to accommodate workfl ows using capped tubes instead of split septa, ensuring continued adaptability to evolving operational needs.
In summary Figure 2: The High-Volume Liquid Handling (HVLH) Cell
Results Order grouping
The GSK site receives about 8-10 orders daily, averaging between 2 and several thousand tubes per order. The requests for orders are managed by 3-4 operators based at the GSK Harlow facility (1FTE equivalent to manage the store). Below is an example of 10 orders performed on the same day.
Throughput optimisation
To maximise throughput, the SampleArc Flex System offers the option to allocate sample locations based on groups. For example, aliquoting liquid from 1,408 source tubes scattered across a compound set of 3.5 million tubes could take 15 hours.
However, if the same order is processed from a designated group of 100,000 tubes, the task is completed in under 2 hours due to a higher hit rate per tray entering the selector.
Additionally, the system supports prioritisation, allowing urgent orders to interrupt ongoing tasks. Priority levels can be assigned during order placement, enabling high- priority requests to be processed ahead of normal orders. For example, at the GSK site, a 40,000-tube standard-priority order can be paused mid-process to accommodate a smaller, urgent request.
GSK reported exceptional support and engagement from Azenta, highlighting the ease of use and intuitive design of the SampleArc Flex -20°C Automated Storage System with Liquid Handling. Minimal training was required, enabling seamless adoption and immediate operational effi ciency. This success underscores Azenta’s commitment to delivering scalable, user-friendly solutions that support the evolving needs of biopharma and research organisations.
Increased throughput – Streamlined processes drive faster sample retrieval and storage effi ciency.
Accelerated therapeutic discovery, development, and delivery – Optimised workfl ows reduce bottlenecks, expediting scientifi c breakthroughs.
Cost savings – Lower operating expenses through automation and improved resource utilisation.
Increased scientifi c productivity – Reduced time spent on inventory management allows researchers to focus on innovation.
A GSK Team Leader said: “Azenta has been a strong partner to GSK over many years. The interactions to understand and design the system to our precise requirements was key to building an automation platform that meets our needs for today and the future.”
The Authors
Cristiana Bercea PhD is an Associate Product Manager at Azenta Life Sciences. She may be contacted on
christiana.berces@
azenta.com
Andy Wright and Darren Rimmer work within the Sample Management group at GlaxoSmithKline (Harlow, UK).
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