Assist is an
automated microplate handling device to help today's laboratories
meet the increasing demands for greater microplate handling
capacity. The compact-sized unit individually moves microplates from
an input rack to an instrument's plate carrier to facilitate
high-throughput performance.
Assist software initiates instrument
operation. After completion, Assist retrieves the plate and places
it into an output rack. This repeated process allows unattended runs
and extra time for scientists to concentrate on more valuable tasks.
Assist is designed to be used with many microplate readers and
dispensers, offering a perfect match for high-throughput
environments.
Handles 96- and
384-well plates and Deep Well Plates, also with lids
Assist handles most 96- and 384-well
plates as well as Deep Well plates and other common microplates.
Depending on plate dimensions, the basic model is capable of
sequentially loading up to 20 96-well plates or 27 384 well plates
into instruments. Removable racks of up to 20 plates allow easy
plate transportation. Assist also handles plates with lids. It
removes the lid prior to operation and then replaces it upon
completion. This feature is important for preventing contamination
and evaporation.
Additional
capacity of 3 racks for up to 80 plates
With optional added capacity, up to
80 96-well plates or 108 384 well plates can be handled.
Easy plate
configuration
Assist has been designed to allow
easy configuration for different plate types. Several plate type
configurations can be stored and recalled. This allows runs to be
defined easily with different plates.
The Assist gripper can be equipped
with portrait fingers or extended landscape fingers. The fingers are
most suitable for microplates with straight side walls.
User-friendly
software for versatile instrument use
The intuitive, easy-to-use Windows
software allows Assist to be interfaced with various instruments.
The software provides a simple interface that enables users to
configure runs quickly. Runs can be saved and loaded for easy
programming.
The Multidrop 384 interface allows
complete control of the dispenser, plus features only available
through computer control. This includes dispensing different volumes
into each plate column or skipping some columns. With all Ascent
readers, a predefined Ascent session can easily be run and the data
or report sheet saved automatically. The Ascent Software's append
function allows data from several plates to be saved in one file. In
addition, each plate's data can be saved using a plate name and
running number.
Bar code option
To minimize human error, optional bar
code reader can be utilized. Each plate results can be saved using
the bar code as the file name and a log file can be created which
includes a list of all plate codes and time when the plate was
processed. The Assist gripper can be equipped with portrait fingers
or extended landscape fingers. The fingers are most suitable for
microplates with straight side walls. As an option, bar codes can be
utilized for plate tracking and file naming.
Autoloader for
many instruments
Assist serves as an autoloader for
the following MTX Lab Systems instruments:
