Features
The BSD LaserCutter (V2) is a computer-controlled and fully automated swab cutting instrument which automatically cuts swabs to varying lengths without the need for operator involvement.
The instrument provides an innovative and cost effective approach to high volume swab processing, while at the same time, minimizing the risk of cross contamination.
Some other features include:
- A magazine-based swab loading system, with a capacity to handle up to 96 swabs.
- An automated swab detection system, including an optical sensor for automatic pinpointing of the sample tip (endpoint) location.
- An X/Y/Z robotic system for automatic positioning of the swab in the laser cutting area.
- An XY table for automatic positioning of a target well or individual tube to receive the cut sample.
- A tray table with capacity for two x 96 well SBS-footprint plates, or an equivalent number of tubes.
- A laser and galvanometer system for flexible beam control and cutting pattern selection.
- A fume extraction system.
- Flexible software, which interacts with laser and galvanometer for control of all of the hardware systems, while at the same time defining sample cutting specifications, user input, plate numbering, plate mapping, plate setup, sample identification and sample cutting.
- A real time color imaging system for continuous monitoring of the sample, table positioning and sample cutting.
Operation
Automated Processing
BioSpot SwabGrips are preloaded into magazines which are placed in the magazine holder.
Specially designed grippers extract each swab from the magazine and transports that swab to the laser cutting module for cutting of swab samples into multi-well plates or individual tubes. Varying/multiple lengths of swab samples from the swab can be cut and placed in the plates. A video imaging system captures and records the cutting of each swab. These images are visible in real time on the computer screen of the operating computer, and given suitable capacity in the operating computer supplied by the laboratory, can be replayed if required.
The swab is then returned to its original position in the swab magazine for storage.
When the process is complete, the plate platform will move automatically to a position where a liquid handling platform robot will pick up the plates for downstream processing. Barcode scanners are incorporated in the instrument to scan magazine barcodes, swab barcodes and plate barcodes. This provides positive identification.
As each swab is processed, information is recorded in the LaserCutter’s software database, and can be transferred after the end of each run to a LIMS for later reference, and use.
Semi-Automated Processing
The BSD LaserCutter can be used as a
semi-automated instrument to cut
varying/multiple lengths of conventional
swabs without the use of the BioSpot
SwabGrip.
The BSD LaserCutter is able to process
various designs of conventional swabs:
• Plastic handle with woven cotton,
rayon, Dacron or sponge (“lollipop”
swabs not accepted)
• Wooden handle with woven cotton,
rayon, Dacron or sponge (“lollipop”
swabs not accepted)
The conventional swab is placed manually in specially designed Grippers. Upon activating of the footswitch, the Grippers will transport the swab to the Swab Detection System to precisely locate the tip of the swab.
The Grippers will then transport the conventional swab to the laser cutting module for cutting of swab samples into multi-well plates or individual tubes.
Varying/multiple lengths of swab samples from the conventional swab can be cut and placed into the plates.
A video imaging system captures and records the cutting of each conventional swab. These images are visible in real time on the computer screen of the operating computer. Given suitable capacity in the operating computer supplied by the laboratory, the images can be replayed if required.
The conventional swab is then returned to its loading/unloading position ready for removal and placement by the next swab to be processed.
For semi-automated processing of conventional swabs, barcode scanning is available for conventional swab envelope barcodes and plate barcodes to provide positive identification.
Information is recorded in the software’s database, and can be transferred to a LIMS for later reference/use.