HengAo HTS-966 High-Throughput Nucleic Acid Sample Transfer System (Tube-to-Plate Dispenser)

Overview

The HengAo HTS-966 is a fully automated, high-throughput nucleic acid sample transfer system engineered for clinical diagnostics, public health laboratories, and centralized testing facilities requiring robust, contamination-controlled tube-to-plate dispensing. It operates on a magnetic bead-based liquid handling architecture optimized for compatibility with mainstream commercial nucleic acid extraction kits—enabling seamless integration into existing PCR, RT-qPCR, and NGS sample preparation workflows. Unlike conventional robotic workstations, the HTS-966 eliminates large-scale translational motion, minimizing airflow disruption in biosafety cabinets (BSCs) and maintaining ISO Class 5 (or equivalent) laminar flow integrity during operation. Its core function is precise, traceable transfer of raw clinical specimens—including nasopharyngeal swabs, saliva, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid—from primary collection tubes (2 mL, 5 mL, and 10 mL formats) to 96-well nucleic acid extraction plates, with full support for both individual (single-tube) and pooled (multiplexed) sampling protocols per CLIA, CAP, and ISO 15189-compliant laboratory practices.

Key Features

• Automated cap actuation: Integrated motorized gripper performs in-situ opening and resealing of sample tubes—eliminating manual intervention and reducing aerosol generation risk.
• Dual operational modes: “Elevator” mode for batch-processed racks; “Escalator” mode for continuous, on-demand single-rack loading—supporting true walk-away operation in high-volume screening environments.
• Multi-swab avoidance algorithm: Vision-assisted pipetting path optimization detects and navigates around swab shafts and heads inside pooled collection tubes, ensuring reliable aspiration without clogging or tip collision—validated for 5-in-1 and 10-in-1 pooling configurations.
• Pre-loaded plate capacity: Accommodates up to six standard 96-well nucleic acid extraction plates simultaneously, enabling uninterrupted processing across extended shifts.
• Dynamic volume calibration: Pipette depth is auto-adjusted per tube based on real-time liquid level detection, ensuring consistent aspiration accuracy across variable fill volumes (5–1000 µL).
• Integrated barcode validation: Dual high-speed scanners read tube and destination plate barcodes; misreads trigger audible/visual alerts and log entries without halting workflow—ensuring full chain-of-custody traceability.
• Modular negative-pressure enclosure option: Optional BSC-integrated cabinet with UV-C sterilization, interlocked access door, and HEPA-filtered exhaust—designed to meet local biosafety Level 2+ requirements and support GLP/GMP-aligned audit readiness.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HTS-966 accepts standardized conical-bottom and round-bottom collection tubes compliant with ANSI/SLAS 1-2020 dimensions—including widely used brands such as BD, Sarstedt, Thermo Fisher, and Qiagen—without mechanical adaptation. It supports all common nucleic acid extraction plate formats (16-, 24-, 32-, 48-, and 96-well), with configurable well mapping for custom kit layouts. The system meets ISO 13485 design control requirements and incorporates hardware-level safeguards aligned with IEC 61000-6-2/6-3 (EMC immunity/emission). All firmware logs include timestamped, immutable records of cap status, aspiration events, error conditions, and operator actions—facilitating compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record/electronic signature (ER/ES) criteria when paired with validated LIMS interfaces.

Software & Data Management

The embedded Linux-based control interface provides intuitive touchscreen navigation with role-based access control (admin/operator/user). Method parameters—including pipetting depth, mixing cycles (pre- or post-cap-opening), blow-out volume, and pause points—are configurable without scripting. All run data—including scanned barcodes, start/end timestamps, processed volume per well, and QC flag status—is exported natively to CSV or Excel via USB 3.0 port. Optional API integration enables bidirectional communication with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) using RESTful endpoints over Ethernet, supporting HL7 v2.x and ASTM E1384 message structures for automated result routing and audit trail synchronization.

Applications

• High-volume SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory panel testing in reference labs and regional CDC hubs
• Population-scale genomic surveillance programs requiring pooled sample preprocessing
• Translational research cohorts where longitudinal sample integrity and metadata fidelity are critical
• IVD kit performance verification studies under ISO 20914 and CLSI EP12-A2 guidelines
• Biobank accessioning workflows integrating pre-analytical automation with cryo-storage tracking

FAQ

Does the HTS-966 require dedicated software installation on external PCs?
No—it operates as a standalone instrument with an integrated industrial-grade touchscreen controller. No external PC or driver installation is needed for routine operation.
Can the system be validated for use in GMP-regulated environments?
Yes. Full IQ/OQ documentation packages—including test protocols, acceptance criteria, and raw execution records—are available upon request. The system supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant user authentication and electronic audit trails when deployed with optional LIMS linkage.
Is maintenance limited to authorized service engineers?
Routine cleaning and tip waste bag replacement are operator-performed. Preventive maintenance (e.g., pipette calibration, gripper torque verification) must be conducted annually by certified HengAo field service personnel to maintain warranty coverage.
What safety certifications does the base unit hold?
The HTS-966 complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and carries CE marking under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.
How is cross-contamination prevented between samples?
Each transfer uses a fresh disposable tip; the system includes positive pressure air purge between aspirates and implements strict tip ejection sequencing into sealed waste containers. No shared fluid paths exist between channels.