Biotage Introduces RapidTrace+ Automated SPE Workstation

Biotage has introduced the new RapidTrace®+ SPE Workstation for pharmaceutical, clinical and forensic laboratories. The RapidTrace®+ (based on the RapidTrace platform), and is a robust, automated system for quickly developing rugged, reliable Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) methods.

The RapidTrace®+ is a high throughput system which is fully compatible with 1, 3 and 6mL SPE columns. It offers the greatest flexibility to laboratory SPE formats, including all Biotage ISOLUTE® and EVOLUTE® products. The modular design of the RapidTrace®+ allows for as many as 10 workstations to be linked and controlled by one central computer. In its full modular configuration, these units can process up to 100 samples per hour.

RapidTrace®+ customers have reported a 92% reduction in analyst time and a 72% reduction in extraction time for a 75 sample extraction, compared to a manual vacuum manifold. Modules within a group can process different methods independently, allowing a user to interrupt operation of one module while the remaining units continue to process.

Easy-to-use and intuitive software dramatically increases the speed and reduces the effort involved in method development. Methods are developed in minutes and recalled in seconds; with the ability to insert, delete or modify steps and easily adjust parameters. The methods stored in a RapidTrace®+ may also be transferred to other workstations. Additionally, methods can be saved and run concurrently for true, unattended, “multi-method” sample processing.

“We continue to show our leadership in many areas, including sample preparation.” says Toshiyuki Yachi, Vice President of Biotage Marketing. “Over the past several months, Biotage has introduced more tools, more products and more solutions than many of our competitors combined. With the capabilities of the new RapidTrace+, our ability to support customers in their endeavors is substantially improved and we will continue to bring innovative, useful and intelligent tools to support them in the future.”

While advanced analytical techniques like LC/MS/MS and GC/MS are meeting the increasing demand for greater speed and specificity in toxicological screening, conventional sample preparation methods have not kept pace. SPE in particular is an essential step in the analysis of many biomolecules, and has become a throughput limiting factor in many laboratories. The new RapidTrace+ is a result of the collaboration with professionals trying to address this situation.