When working with decapping equipment in drug development, genomics, precision medicine and more, sample integrity is of the utmost importance. Preventing cross-contamination of samples, ensuring debris is not introduced into uncapped tubes and preventing sample loss during storage all play a role in the process.

But for busy lab technicians, there is another critical component—time. A faster cycle time means increased throughput, more samples processed and more time working on something else (or more time at home!).

To this end, Thermo Fisher Scientific’s new Capit-All Flex Automated Decapper can complete a capping cycle in only 30 seconds. The device is also easy-to-use with no training required—a gamechanger for when new technicians start at the lab during seemingly the busiest week of the year.

Open platform

The decapper appeals to lab managers as it provides the flexibility to be used with a wide array of tubes across manufacturers, sizes and format. In fact, the Capit-All Flex Automated Decapper is the first on the market to offer the flexibility to use multiple formats on the same instrument, reducing capital expenditure, service/maintenance cost and benchtop space.

For example, the decapper can handle 0.2 mL to 5 mL tubes from Thermo Scientific Matrix and Nunc in 96 and 48 formats. The instrument’s universal cap driver allows switching between proprietary Matrix and Nunc tubes on-the-fly with no manual intervention.Essentially, the decapper has the functionality of four instruments in one.

The instrument’s flexibility also gives laboratory managers peace of mind that the decapper may address future needs—eliminating the need to spend capital just a few years down the line when technology and sample needs change.

Easy-to-use

One of the reasons the new decapper requires no training is due to its large, touchscreen user interface that makes it easy to navigate through menus and programs. The touchscreen is operable with or without gloves, further reducing hassle.

The instrument also comes with a built-in drip tray that acts as a barrier between caps and tubes to prevent cross-contamination. It also includes tube verification to minimize errors and supports both full and partial racks, adapting to specific needs.

The Capit-All Flex Automated Decapper can be used as a benchtop instrument or an integrated system—even fitting inside a standard biosafety cabinet.