Press release – Ringmer, East Sussex, April 2006. Advances in the cryogenic management of biofluids

Labtech International is pleased to launch the new 3S safe sampling system®.

We are proud to introduce the new Safe Sampling System ®.

3S ® is a comprehensive, one-stop system for the intelligent handling, management and cryogenic storage of biofluids. It ensures full sample safety, integrity and traceability.

• Safe automated sampling is carried out by the Safe Sampling Robot SSA®. Compact and affordable, the SSA ® processes up to 300 samples per hour. Positive ID from primary tubes to secondary tubes and through to plate storage. Single-use disposable tips, real-time ongoing database updating, as well as aliquoting capabilities ensure full sample integrity and traceability.

• Samples and their associated data are comprehensively monitored and tracked from filling through to frozen storage and end use, by means of the SSTS ® Safe Sampling Tracking Software. Quickly and easily create to-do lists and retrieve samples from storage using the freezer management utility. The system accommodates two-way communication with lab management & information software. Access rights are fully customizable allowing compliance within a 21cfr11 environment.

• Safe Sampling Plates ® : standard storage media. 48 detachable sampling wells individually pre-ID'd by means of a unique 10-digit laser-etched data-matrix code, resulting in the highest possible level of both safety and confidentiality. Proprietary tamper-evident stick-on foils are available to ensure sample integrity. The unique Safe Sampling Plates® feature individually detachable wells so only the sample of interest is thawed.

• The Safe Sampling Reader ® reads in and confirms the release of any one well , updates the database and prints out a (customizable) barcode to be affixed to the Safe Sampling Carrying Tube ®. Borne within the SSTT ®, the sample can now be securely shipped to another location or alternatively it may be now further processed.

The Real Sample : 3S ® : The one-stop solution to all your sample filling, management and storage requirements.