Olympus AU-CONNECTOR stands up to the test

Olympus Life Science Europa GmbH today announced that external performance evaluation has confirmed that the newly launched AU-CONNECTOR has excellent operational capabilities. This compact, consolidated system which combines high workload Olympus analysers with Intelligent Sample Management was put to the test by scientists at a busy private laboratory in Munich, Germany.

The AU-CONNECTOR was evaluated with differing combinations of Olympus analysers. These included two AU2700 clinical chemistry systems together and the combination of an AU3000i immunoassay analyser with an AU2700. In particular, the external scientists noted that both AU-CONNECTOR hardware and software were extremely easy to operate, and that start up and shutdown times were superior to any other system to date. Furthermore, they were particularly impressed by the prioritised STAT sample handling, as well as the detailed results and sample information delivered by the software.

The evaluation also demonstrated that the impressive throughput target of over 600 tubes/hour can easily be met by the AU-CONNECTOR, and the analytical performance of connected analysers was completely unaffected. Intelligent Sample Management also ensured that both analysers were always running at the highest capacity ensuring the lowest possible turnaround times. For example, when one AU2700 had its reagents replenished, the system simply routed all the samples to the other instrument thus ensuring continuous operation and maximal processing capacity.

In addition to ensuring optimal sample transport to respective analysers and eliminating bottle necks, Intelligent Sample Management was also found to ensure 100% protection of sample integrity. It achieves this by always sending tests that may be contamination sensitive to the AU3000i first, as this employs disposable tips.

The ability to archive or sort samples into third party analyser racks after analysis is an additional feature allowing simple management of samples requiring testing elsewhere. Fully automated validation, including rerun and reflex testing without disrupting routine work was also possible due to Olympus dataWizard. Operator specific rules could also be executed through this advanced data management system and validation of all results of a sample was performed.

“The customer was very impressed by the performance of the AU-CONNECTOR”, said Dr. Harm Vitzthum, Commercial Marketing Manager for Olympus. “The system met all of the expectations of the evaluation and proved itself to be a worthy member of the Olympus family.”