Thermo Fisher AutoTrace 280 Automated Solid Phase Extraction System

Overview

The Thermo Fisher AutoTrace 280 Automated Solid Phase Extraction System is an engineered platform for high-throughput, reproducible sample preparation in environmental, clinical, food, and regulatory laboratories. Built upon positive-pressure fluid delivery—rather than vacuum-based or peristaltic approaches—the system ensures precise, consistent flow rates across diverse matrix types, including turbid groundwater, wastewater, surface water, fruit juices, and other challenging liquid samples containing suspended solids. Its core architecture eliminates reliance on check valves or fragile diaphragms, thereby enhancing robustness during prolonged operation with particulate-laden extracts. The AutoTrace 280 implements standardized SPE protocols—including cartridge conditioning, sample loading, washing, and analyte elution—with fully automated solvent sequencing across five independently controlled reagent lines. This eliminates manual intervention and inter-operator variability, directly supporting method traceability and compliance with U.S. EPA, ISO, and ASTM guidelines for extractive sample preparation.

Key Features

• Positive-pressure fluid delivery system delivering stable, programmable flow rates without single-use valves or pump occlusions—ideal for samples with suspended solids.
• Six independent extraction channels enabling parallel processing of up to six samples simultaneously, maximizing throughput without cross-contamination.
• Flexible format compatibility: supports 1 mL, 3 mL, and 6 mL SPE cartridges as well as 47 mm SPE disks—allowing method optimization for analyte recovery and matrix complexity.
• Dual-cartridge configuration capability—the only commercially available SPE platform permitting sequential or tandem column use for enhanced selectivity or cleanup of complex matrices.
• Chemically resistant fluid path: PEEK 12-port rotary valve, stainless steel tubing, TFE, Kynar®, and ceramic piston components ensure long-term compatibility with acidic, basic, and organic solvents (excluding acetic acid and acetone).
• Dedicated aqueous and organic waste routing prevents cross-phase contamination and reduces operator exposure to volatile organic vapors.
• Integrated diagnostics: 10 preloaded system calibration routines verify pressure integrity, solvent delivery accuracy, and valve positioning prior to method execution.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AutoTrace 280 is validated for direct application in EPA-approved methodologies—including Methods 508.1 (halogenated hydrocarbons), 525.3 (pesticides), 549.2 (microcystins), and 625.1 (priority pollutants)—making it a reference-grade instrument for certified environmental testing labs. Its ability to process volumes from 20 mL to 20 L enables efficient preconcentration of trace-level contaminants (e.g., ng/L–pg/L analytes) while maintaining quantitative recovery and low procedural blanks. The system operates under Windows XP or Windows 2000 environments, allowing integration into laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and enabling electronic record retention compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with appropriate IT governance controls. All hardware and software functions adhere to ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for method validation and equipment qualification.

Software & Data Management

The AutoTrace 280 Control Software provides intuitive method development, real-time status monitoring, and comprehensive audit logging. Up to 24 extraction methods can be stored directly on the instrument controller; additional protocols reside on the host PC with full version control and timestamped modification history. Each run logs pressure profiles, solvent consumption, valve actuation events, and error codes—facilitating root-cause analysis during troubleshooting or regulatory review. The software supports export of raw data in CSV and XML formats for downstream statistical analysis or reporting in third-party platforms. When deployed within a validated IT infrastructure, the system meets GLP and GMP documentation requirements—including user access control, electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails.

Applications

• Environmental analysis: extraction of semi-volatile and non-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs, PAHs, PCBs, pesticides, pharmaceuticals) from drinking water, wastewater, and sediment pore water.
• Clinical toxicology: isolation of drugs of abuse, metabolites, and endogenous biomarkers from urine and plasma prior to LC-MS/MS analysis.
• Food safety: cleanup of pesticide residues, mycotoxins, and veterinary drug residues in juice, dairy, and beverage matrices.
• Forensic chemistry: selective enrichment of target analytes from complex biological fluids with minimal co-extraction of interfering lipids or proteins.
• Method development labs: rapid screening of SPE sorbents, solvents, and elution gradients due to its flexible, programmable architecture.

FAQ

What sample volume ranges does the AutoTrace 280 support?
The system accommodates sample volumes from 20 mL to 20 L, enabling trace analyte preconcentration in environmental and regulatory applications.
Can the AutoTrace 280 handle samples with suspended solids?
Yes—the positive-pressure delivery mechanism avoids clogging issues associated with vacuum manifolds or peristaltic pumps, making it suitable for turbid groundwater, wastewater, and juice samples.
Is dual-column SPE supported?
Yes—AutoTrace 280 is the only fully automated SPE platform offering true dual-cartridge configuration for sequential or orthogonal extraction strategies.
Which regulatory methods are validated for use with this system?
EPA Methods 508.1, 525.3, 549.2, and 625.1 are explicitly supported; additional method adaptation is possible via software-defined protocols.
Does the system comply with 21 CFR Part 11 requirements?
When operated within a validated Windows environment with appropriate administrative controls (e.g., role-based access, electronic signatures), the AutoTrace 280 supports Part 11 compliance for electronic records and signatures.