CTC Analytics HTS-Pal Liquid Chromatography / LC-MS Multi-Function Autosampler (Refurbished)

Overview

The CTC Analytics HTS-Pal is a high-precision, modular autosampling platform engineered for seamless integration with liquid chromatography (LC) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) systems. Built upon a rigid XYZ stepper-motor-driven robotic architecture with 0.10 mm positional resolution per step, the HTS-Pal delivers exceptional mechanical repeatability and long-term stability—critical attributes for unattended, high-throughput analytical workflows. Unlike belt- or servo-driven alternatives, its direct-drive stepper system eliminates backlash and cumulative positional drift, ensuring consistent vial access, syringe needle alignment, and injection volume accuracy across thousands of cycles. The system operates under deterministic motion control firmware, enabling deterministic timing and traceable execution logs—foundational requirements for regulated environments governed by GLP, GMP, or FDA 21 CFR Part 11.

Key Features

• Triple-axis (X/Y/Z) stepper-motor positioning with 0.10 mm step resolution and sub-microliter volumetric reproducibility
• Collision-avoidance logic and real-time bottle presence verification to prevent vial drop or needle crash events
• Modular design supporting optional add-ons: solid-phase extraction (SPE) modules, derivatization reactors, dilution units, and temperature-controlled sample storage (4–40 °C)
• Full compatibility with major LC and LC-MS platforms—including Thermo Fisher, Waters, Agilent, and Shimadzu—via standardized hardware interfaces and vendor-neutral command protocols (e.g., ASCII-based PAL commands)
• Factory-refurbished unit validated per SpectraLab Scientific’s ISO/IEC 17025-aligned refurbishment protocol, including functional testing, calibration verification, and full diagnostic log review
• Includes complete IQ/OQ documentation package compliant with pharmaceutical and contract laboratory validation requirements

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HTS-Pal accommodates standard 2 mL, 4 mL, and 10 mL vials (including crimp-top, screw-cap, and snap-cap formats), 96-well and 384-well microplates, and custom tube racks up to 50 mm height. Its open-access tray architecture supports heterogeneous sample sets—enabling true random-access sampling without reordering or batch pre-sorting. All refurbished units undergo full compliance verification against ASTM E2656 (Standard Practice for Validation of Automated Liquid Handling Systems) and align with ICH Q2(R2) guidance on method validation parameters including precision, robustness, and intermediate precision. The system meets essential criteria for use in USP Analytical Instrument Qualification and supports audit-ready electronic records when paired with compliant LIMS or CDS software.

Software & Data Management

Control is executed via CTC’s PAL CombiPAL software (v3.5+), which provides scriptable, event-driven workflow automation—including conditional branching, error recovery routines, and dynamic sample list loading via CSV or database query. Raw execution logs—including timestamped motor position data, syringe pressure feedback, and valve actuation sequences—are retained locally and exportable in .csv or .xml format. When integrated with chromatography data systems (CDS) such as Chromeleon, Empower, or MassLynx, the HTS-Pal supports bidirectional status reporting and injection confirmation messaging. All software licenses are transferable; SpectraLab provides post-delivery activation support and firmware update history documentation.

Applications

The HTS-Pal is routinely deployed in regulated bioanalytical laboratories for PK/PD studies, clinical toxicology screening, and impurity profiling—where injection-to-injection variability must remain ≤1.5% RSD over 24-hour unattended runs. Its modularity supports complex sample preparation workflows: automated protein precipitation followed by centrifugation-triggered transfer, online SPE-LC-MS coupling for plasma steroid analysis, or sequential derivatization-injection for amino acid quantitation. Academic core facilities leverage its random-access capability for multi-project scheduling across shared LC-MS resources, minimizing instrument idle time and maximizing throughput efficiency. Environmental labs utilize its plate-handling flexibility for EPA Method 1694 compliance testing across wastewater influent/effluent matrices.

FAQ

Is this unit certified for GxP-regulated environments?
Yes—each refurbished HTS-Pal includes full IQ/OQ documentation, calibration certificates traceable to NIST standards, and operational logs covering all functional tests performed at SpectraLab Scientific.
What is included in the 6-month warranty?
Coverage includes parts and labor for defects in materials or workmanship related to core mechanics, electronics, and firmware operation—excluding consumables (syringes, septa, valves) and damage from improper installation or environmental misuse.
Can the system be upgraded with new modules post-purchase?
Absolutely—the HTS-Pal’s backplane architecture supports field-installable modules including cooled sample storage (4 °C), SPE cartridges, and reaction blocks; SpectraLab provides technical consultation and integration validation support.
Do you provide installation and on-site qualification support?
Yes—SpectraLab offers optional remote commissioning assistance and on-site IQ/OQ execution by certified field application engineers, billed separately per project scope.
Is firmware and software version information available prior to purchase?
Yes—full revision history, including PAL OS version, CombiPAL build number, and all applied hotfixes, is provided in the pre-sale technical datasheet.