TECAN EVO150 Liquid Handling Workstation for Mass Spectrometry Sample Preparation (OEM)
| Brand | TECAN |
|---|---|
| Origin | Switzerland |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | EVO150 |
| Deck Positions | 28 |
| Pipetting Range | 0.5–5000 µL |
| Sample Throughput | 72–144 samples per run |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1450 × 875 × 870 mm |
Overview
The TECAN EVO150 Liquid Handling Workstation is an OEM-integrated, modular automation platform engineered for high-precision, walk-away sample preparation in mass spectrometry (MS) workflows. Designed around the principle of flexible deck architecture and standardized liquid handling robotics, the system executes reproducible pipetting, solid-phase extraction (SPE), liquid–liquid extraction (LLE), and ancillary conditioning steps—including heating, shaking, centrifugation, and barcode-based sample tracking. Its core functionality centers on minimizing manual intervention while maintaining strict adherence to analytical pre-analytical requirements: consistent recovery, low carryover (<0.005%), and traceable process control—critical for quantitative bioanalysis, clinical toxicology, and regulated biomarker studies.
Key Features
- Modular deck configuration with 28 standardized positions accommodating interchangeable tools: multi-channel pipetting arms (with 8- or 16-channel heads), SPE vacuum manifolds, thermoshakers (30–95 °C), refrigerated centrifuges (up to 4,000 × g), and integrated barcode readers compliant with GS1 and DataMatrix standards.
- Wide dynamic pipetting range (0.5–5000 µL) achieved via dual-volume syringe technology and disposable tips with low-retention surface treatment—optimized for viscous biological matrices including whole blood, plasma, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and tissue homogenates.
- OEM-ready architecture supporting seamless integration into larger laboratory ecosystems: compatible with LIMS via ASTM E1578-compliant instrument drivers, and configurable for bidirectional data exchange using HL7 v2.x or RESTful API endpoints.
- Robust mechanical design featuring vibration-dampened baseplate, precision linear encoders for Z-axis positioning (±10 µm repeatability), and HEPA-filtered laminar airflow enclosure option (ISO Class 5 compliant) for sensitive analyte handling.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The EVO150 supports a broad spectrum of MS-compatible sample formats and extraction chemistries. Standardized SPE plate configurations include 72-well (1 mL), 40-well (3 mL), and 32-well (6 mL) formats—enabling method scalability from discovery screening to validated clinical assays. It fully accommodates reversed-phase, mixed-mode, and ion-exchange sorbents (e.g., C18, MCX, MAX), as well as LLE protocols requiring phase separation and organic solvent tolerance (e.g., ethyl acetate, MTBE). The platform meets key regulatory expectations for analytical method validation: full audit trail generation (per FDA 21 CFR Part 11), electronic signature support, and GLP/GMP-aligned operation logs. All hardware modules are CE-marked and conform to IEC 61000-6-2/6-4 electromagnetic compatibility standards.
Software & Data Management
Controlled by Freedom EVOware v3.x software, the system provides graphical protocol building, real-time monitoring, and version-controlled method archiving. Method files embed metadata such as tip type, aspiration/dispense parameters, wash cycles, and error-handling logic—ensuring inter-laboratory transferability. Raw execution logs include timestamps, positional coordinates, volume dispensed, and sensor-triggered events (e.g., liquid level detection, clog alert). Data export supports CSV, XML, and PDF report generation; optional integration with Waters MassLynx, Thermo Compound Discoverer, or Sciex OS enables automated sample list propagation and post-run metadata tagging.
Applications
- High-throughput quantification of small-molecule drugs and metabolites in human plasma for pharmacokinetic studies (PK/PD).
- Endogenous steroid profiling in serum using mixed-mode SPE coupled to LC-MS/MS.
- Multi-analyte panels for clinical toxicology (e.g., opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants) with parallel 72-sample processing and internal standard co-pipetting.
- Preparative fractionation of peptide digests prior to MALDI-TOF analysis—leveraging pH-controlled LLE and evaporation modules.
- Automated calibration curve and QC sample preparation across multiple concentration levels, ensuring linearity (r² ≥ 0.999) and precision (CV ≤ 5% within-run).
FAQ
Is the EVO150 compatible with third-party SPE cartridges beyond TECAN-branded consumables?
Yes—the system supports universal cartridge holders and custom adapter plates for brands including Waters, Agilent, Phenomenex, and Thermo Fisher, provided mechanical footprint and height specifications are met.
Can the workstation be validated for use in a GCP-regulated clinical trial environment?
Yes—Freedom EVOware includes IQ/OQ documentation templates, electronic signature workflows, and full audit trail capture required for GCP and ISO 15189 compliance.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for the pipetting system?
Syringe calibration and tip cone inspection are recommended every 3 months; full robotic arm lubrication and vacuum manifold seal replacement every 12 months—per TECAN’s Preventive Maintenance Schedule PM-SOP-EVO150.
Does the system support unattended overnight runs?
Yes—integrated power management, temperature-stabilized reagent storage (4–25 °C), and end-of-run notification via email/SNMP ensure reliable 24-hour operation without operator presence.
