GE Healthcare and Hamilton Robotics have entered into a licensing and collaboration agreement to develop a fully automated workflow for sample handling and processing from FTA substrates. Financial terms are not being disclosed.
“This agreement will focus on addressing recognized challenges in high throughput dried sample processing for applications such as drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK), and human identification (HID),” said Richard Dool, General Manager, Consumables, GE Healthcare. “By combining GE Healthcare’s expertise and technologies in the field of ambient temperature sample collection, transportation and storage with Hamilton’s proficiency in laboratory automation and liquid handling, we seek to remove process bottlenecks and establish a new standard in efficiency and reliability.”
“Forensic FTA-paper applications are rapidly becoming the method of choice for forensic sample collection, processing and storage. Incorporating this technology into an automated workflow will afford higher throughput and efficiencies within forensics as well as in new areas of application, including DMPK studies,” said Radi Hofstetter, Vice President, Hamilton Bonaduz. “We are pleased to be partnering with GE Healthcare to develop and market this technology. With proven expertise in liquid handling robotics and imaging, Hamilton will ensure fully automated and secure handling of samples throughout the entire process. Together with GE Healthcare we are setting the new standard for this technology - not only in ease of use, but also in process control and safety.”
Realizing the time-saving and cost benefits of high throughput screening for applications such as drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic (DMPK) studies and human identification (HID) through DNA profiling requires the development of truly ‘walk-away’ systems. Automating the process of sample loading, spot punching and pre-analytical sample preparation allows for a more robust, streamlined workflow where operator input is minimized and consistent sample tracking is ensured. Throughout this partnership, GE Healthcare and Hamilton will be consulting with leading laboratories to inform the development process.
GE Healthcare
Hamilton Robotics
