Emergency Response Chemical Lab Conference

1
Emergency Response Chemical Lab Conference

• Automated Prep and Load Applications with
  Integrated Sample Tracking using a PAL
  Autosampler with Barcode Reading
• Joe Wiegel
• Novidea Lab Automation
• March 14, 2007

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Overview

• Example prep and load applications
• The importance of sequence validation
• Developing and ideal standard for sequence
  validation
• Current PAL functionality
• Improved functionality available with LEAP Shell
• The future of sample tracking in the lab

3
Advantages of Automation

• Improved throughput (resource management)
• Improved reproducibility
• Error reduction

4
Example Prep and Load Applications (fully
automated)

• Reagent addition and inject
• Derivative and inject
• Filter and inject
• Extract and inject

5
Example Prep and Load Applications
(Semi-automated)

• 96-well SPE and inject

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Prep and Load Process Analysis
Add Reagent
Inject
Check Method Performance
Report Generation
Mix and Incubate
Acquire Data
Check Sample Performance
Certify Report
Process Rework
Extract
Validate Sample Sequence
Filter
Authorize Data
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Why Validate Sample Sequences?

• Verify that the intended sample was the actual
  sample injected
• Document the verification process

Hmm, is that really my sample?
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QA Review Process for Checking Instrument
Sequence Logs

• Can this process by streamlined?

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Ideal Barcode Application
Step 1 Scan Sample ID to Sequence Log
Step 2a Run Sequence Step 2bValidate Sample
Just-In-Time with on-board scanner
Step 3 Sample ID imparted to Instrument Data
File Step 3b Provide validation log
Sample ID Scan Sample ID S001 S001 S002 S00
2 S003 QC001
Sample-centric sequencing eliminates error
potential
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Current PAL Barcode Functionality (using Cycle
Composer software)
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How Good Is a PAL w/ Barcodes?
Success Factors

• Barcode font
• Larger is better
• Barcode label size
• Larger is better
• Barcode position
• Must be vertical
• Vial position
• Barcode must face the reader

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LEAP Shell Alternative

• What is LEAP Shell?
• Control software that coordinates PAL methods
  with instrument methods and other devices (e.g.
  balances or barcode scanners)
• Manages many devices from a single sample list
• Is barcode functional and offers more flexibility
  that Cycle Composer

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LEAP Shell Alternative

• How Does it Work?
• Shell Application

PAL Method(s) PAL driver Instrument
Acquisition Method Instrument driver Other
Device Method(s) Device driver(s)
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LEAP Shell Alternative

• Barcode Example
• RS232 scanner device driver (to scan sample IDs
  to sequence during set-up)
• PAL autosampler w/ barcode reader PAL driver
• ABI LC/MS/MS Analyst driver
• HPLC pump(s) driver (could be controlled via
  Analyst)

15
PAL Barcode Functionality (using LEAP Shell
software)
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Sequence Validation in Semi-Automated Processes

• Sample list import routine allows for sharing of
  sample lists between devices
• but results in two sequences to validate

Shared Sample List
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Sequence Validation in Semi-Automated Processes

• Single sample list with robotic sample transfer
  between devices would reduce sample list
  validation requirements

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The Future of Sample Tracking

• RFID (radio frequency identification)

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The Future of Sample Tracking

• RFID (radio frequency identification)

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The Future of Sample Tracking

• RFID (radio frequency identification)
• Read/write functionality has practical
  applications in automation (e.g., tracking next
  available location a 96 well plate of filters or
  SPE cartridges)
• RFID tags have greater data capacity than
  barcodes and more information can be imparted to
  the sample list from the tag (e.g., analysis
  method)

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Conclusions

• Automated analysis does not necessarily increase
  confidence in the result if sequence integrity is
  at risk
• Confidence can only be maintained through
  validation of sequence integrity (either
  automated with barcodes or manual)
• Current PAL control software offers some barcode
  functionality, but not ideal
• Expanded functionality is available through LEAP
  Shell software

22
Acknowledgements

• David Chambers and David McElphrang, Centers for
  Disease Control
• Werner Martin, LEAP Technologies
• Carl Horn, Navy Drug Screening Lab
• Benny Lum, Broward County Sheriffs Office