Solar Suite
Lab Automation

The Solar Suite is a lab automation software platform that can be integrated with any IVD instrument. It comprises powerful modules that, either combined or stand alone, can transform routine procedures and create an effective workflow.

Its development is in strict alignment with ISO 13485 guidelines.

OEMs can opt for any module combination, adapting an innovative & cost-effective solution to their own specific needs.

Key features

  • Flexibility and scalability for maximal lab efficiency
  • Customizable, consistent and intuitive GUIs
  • Integration with any Liquid Handling instrument
  • Integration with multiple channel instruments and plate formats
  • Accurate connection between modules for increased workflow
  • Barcode-driven and worklist support
  • Data tracking and processing as well as interfacing with internal and external databases - including LIMS
  • Customizable reports

Modules

  • PCR Setup

    The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique, as means of DNA amplification, is a basic component of modern research labs. Its applications are widespread over many scientific disciplines, including molecular biology, genetics, clinical diagnostics, forensics and environmental science, among others.

    The sensitivity of the method requires precise handling in order to minimize its unique deficiency: susceptibility to contamination.

    The Solar PCR Setup is a powerful module able to perform multiple mastermix preparations for multiple assays. It is a flexible and user-friendly system designed for a wide range of PCR types and protocols.

    Key benefits:

    • Automated procedure which reduces error risk during multiple pipetting steps and prevents reagent wastage
    • Barcode sample identification and tracking
    • Customizable and consistent touch-screen operational software
    • Data tracking and processing, as well as interfacing with internal and external databases - including LIMS
    • Flexible output files for follow up instruments
    • Full reagent and labware flexibility
  • Nucleic Acid Extraction

    The extraction and purification of Nucleic Acids are commonly used techniques for analytical, diagnostic and preparative biotechnology processes.

    Different methods are developed to extract both genomic and viral Nucleic Acid from diverse sample matrices and result in different yields and purity of DNA.

    The Solar Nucleic Acid Extraction module involves a range of automation procedures that support various kits and customized purification protocols in order to transform a sample to fit the requirements of the analytical technique selected to be used.

  • Sample Preparation

    As the number of samples increases, clinical laboratories aim at maximizing the throughput while ensuring highest quality of results. For this reason, there is a significant need for automated sample preparation.

    This Solar module achieves full automation on all sample preparation steps. It can be customized to provide the sample preparation technique which fits user needs.

    Solar Sample Preparation offers data driven support and optimizes procedures to maximum sample throughput.

  • Serial Dilution

    Serial Dilution involves reducing concentration of an active source substance. It is performed by serially diluting the source from higher to lower concentration in order to make it practicable for ingredient preparation or experiments. This is useful in medical applications where compounds/ samples are stored in higher concentrations.

    The Solar Serial Dilution module enables the user to define individual concentration ratios per dilution step.

    Key benefits:

    • Automated procedure which reduces error risk during calculations
    • Different kind of tips and plate sizes are supported
    • Open to accommodate different diluent parameters
    • Several input formats are available for configuration of connected devices (e.g. qPCR Systems) as well as LIMS interaction
    • Single/ Multi tip options
  • Hit-Picking

    Hit-Picking (or cherry-picking) enables laboratories to quickly carry out a great number of tests e.g. biochemical, pharmacological, genetic tests etc. This procedure aliquots or rearranges sources from different labware. When performed manually, hit-picking is time-consuming and very intensive.

    The Solar Hit Picking module offers a fully automated user-friendly solution, guiding the user through setup preparation in few simple steps.

    Key benefits:

    • Worklist support
    • Barcode sample identification
    • Automated procedure which reduces error risk during pipetting steps
    • Different plate sizes and types are supported
  • Normalization

    In certain automated processes, source substance amounts must be equalized among wells to optimize test accuracy. Normalization involves calculating the amount of diluent to be diluted in each individual sample/compound as to achieve identical final concentration across samples.

    The Solar Normalization module will offer accurate and consistent concentrations throughout the sample group.

    Key benefits:

    • Automated procedure which reduces error risk during calculations
    • Different kind of tips and plate sizes are supported
    • Open to accommodate different diluent parameters
    • Several input formats are available for configuration of connected devices (e.g. qPCR Systems) as well as LIMS interaction
    • Single/ Multi tip options
  • Reformatting

    Reformatting is commonly used to transfer samples from tubes to microplates or to reformat sample/compound plates making them suitable for applications in medical diagnostics industry.

    Solar Reformatting offers a flexible user interface with several formatting possibilities, such as replication, custom mapping, plate compression or expansion from 96-, 384-, and 1.536-well microplates, sample pooling etc.

    Key benefits:

    • Barcode sample identification
    • Automated procedure which reduces error risk during pipetting steps
    • Different plate sizes and types are supported
    • Worklist support
  • Assay Reading

    The Assay Reading module is a tailor-made software solution designed to perform automatic reading, analysis and interpretation of fluorescent and colorimetric MicroArray diagnostic tests.

    Through this module it is possible to integrate diverse types of analysis software & obtain detailed reports, while workflow integration and interaction with Laboratory Information Management Systems is available according to user specifications.