Zuofei ZF8 Automated Liquid Handling Workstation for Coagulation and Anticoagulation Assays

Overview

The Zuofei ZF8 Automated Liquid Handling Workstation is an integrated, benchtop platform engineered for precision liquid handling in clinical coagulation and anticoagulation assay workflows—specifically designed to support veterinary diagnostic laboratories engaged in national priority animal disease surveillance. It operates on a dual-axis robotic deck architecture with motorized 8-channel adjustable-spacing pipettors, enabling true SBS-compliant plate-to-plate, tube-to-plate, and multi-source-to-single-destination transfers. Its core functionality aligns with standardized hemostasis testing protocols—including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen quantification, and inhibitor screening—where volumetric fidelity at sub-microliter levels directly impacts assay reproducibility and clinical decision thresholds. The system adheres to fundamental principles of gravimetric and photometric verification traceable to ISO 8655-6 and CLSI EP10-A3 guidelines, ensuring compliance-ready operation in GLP-aligned veterinary reference labs.

Key Features

• Eight independent deck positions optimized for simultaneous placement of tip racks, sample plates (24/48/96/384-well), reagent reservoirs, waste containers, and disposable tip ejectors—without consuming deck slots for auxiliary modules.
• Modular 8-channel pipettor with electronically controlled spacing adjustment (2.25–45 mm), supporting seamless transitions between SBS-standard microplates and non-standard tube formats via interchangeable adapters.
• Five interchangeable pipette modules (ZF8-12.5, ZF8-50, ZF8-125, ZF8-300, ZF8-1250) offering calibrated volume ranges from 0.5 µL to 1250 µL, with minimum increment resolution down to 0.01 µL (ZF8-12.5).
• Integrated UV-C germicidal lamp (254 nm) and optional HEPA filtration (ISO Class 5 compliant airflow) within the enclosed workspace, mitigating aerosol-mediated cross-contamination during high-sensitivity coagulation assays.
• Click-driven method editor with zero-code workflow configuration—predefined templates for PT/aPTT calibration curves, serial dilution matrices, qPCR master mix preparation, ELISA plate replication, and pooling strategies.
• User-access tiering (Operator, Technician, Administrator) with audit-trail logging enabled by default, satisfying foundational requirements for 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 data integrity expectations in regulated environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZF8 accommodates standard SBS-format consumables including flat-bottom, V-bottom, and round-bottom 96- and 384-well plates; 1.5 mL and 2.0 mL microcentrifuge tubes (with adapter); and custom-labeled sample vials meeting ANSI/SLAS footprint specifications. All pipetting operations are validated per ISO 8655-6 using certified reference liquids (water, glycerol/water mixtures) across the full dynamic range. For veterinary diagnostic use, the system supports assay validation per OIE Terrestrial Manual Chapter 2.1.1 (Validation of Diagnostic Assays) and aligns with CNAS-CL01:2018 (equivalent to ISO/IEC 17025:2017) requirements for automated instrumentation in accredited testing laboratories.

Software & Data Management

The embedded ZF8 Control Suite runs on a Windows 10 IoT Enterprise OS with deterministic real-time scheduling. Method files (.zfm) store complete hardware configurations, pipetting sequences, and positional metadata in encrypted XML format. Raw execution logs—including timestamped step completion, error codes, tip usage counters, and environmental sensor readings (temperature/humidity)—are exported as CSV or PDF reports. Audit trails retain operator ID, timestamp, action type, and pre-/post-value states for all parameter modifications. Data export paths support network share mounting and direct integration with LIMS via HL7 v2.5 or ASTM E1384-compliant interfaces.

Applications

• High-throughput coagulation panel setup: simultaneous PT, aPTT, TT, and fibrinogen assays across 8 parallel samples using single-step or multi-reagent dispensing.
• Anticoagulant titration studies: precise gradient dilution of heparin, warfarin, or DOACs into citrated plasma for dose-response curve generation.
• Molecular diagnostic prep: qPCR master mix assembly with ≤1 µL enzyme addition; cDNA normalization across 96-well arrays; NGS library pooling with volume-balanced input ratios.
• ELISA automation: coating buffer dispensing, antigen capture, conjugate addition, and substrate delivery with inter-plate CV <2.5% at 50 µL.
• Veterinary pathogen serology: automated serum dilution series for ASFV, FMDV, AIV-H5N1, and Brucella spp. antibody titer determination per OIE-recommended protocols.

FAQ

Does the ZF8 support regulatory compliance for veterinary diagnostic laboratories?

Yes—the system includes configurable audit trails, electronic signatures, and role-based access control aligned with CNAS-CL01:2018 and OIE diagnostic validation frameworks.
Can the ZF8 perform temperature-controlled incubation during assays?

An optional single-zone Peltier-based thermal module (4–45°C ±0.5°C) can be installed on one deck position for on-deck incubation of coagulation reactions or enzymatic steps.
What maintenance is required for long-term pipetting accuracy?

Annual recalibration against gravimetric standards is recommended; the system self-diagnoses tip seal integrity and motor torque deviation during startup diagnostics.
Is remote monitoring or troubleshooting supported?

Remote desktop access (via TLS-encrypted RDP) is available for authorized service engineers; no cloud connectivity is enabled by default to preserve data sovereignty.
How does the ZF8 handle viscous or volatile liquids commonly used in coagulation testing?

Air-displacement pipetting is optimized for aqueous buffers and citrated plasma; reverse pipetting mode and adjustable aspiration/dispense speeds are programmable per liquid class.