Modular tube/plate-based sample management: a business model optimized for scalable storage and processing

Modular approaches to sample management allow staged implementation and progressive expansion of libraries within existing laboratory space. A completely integrated, inert atmosphere system for the storage and processing of a variety of microplate and microtube formats is currently available as an integrated series of individual modules. Liquid handling for reformatting and replication into microplates, plus high-capacity cherry picking, can be performed within the inert environmental envelope to maximize compound integrity. Complete process automation provides ondemand access to samples and improved process control. Expansion of such a system provides a low-risk tactic for implementing a large-scale storage and processing system.