New Benchtop Devices Provide Automated Sample Decapping, Recapping, and Identification

A new line of benchtop devices provides flexible solutions for sample processing, tracking, and security for automated and manual liquid handling workflows.

The LabElite line from Hamilton Storage Technologies (Franklin, MA, USA) offers laboratories an easy and efficient way to automatically process and track samples while ensuring sample integrity. LabElite devices quickly process all common labware types, providing a flexible solution for optimizing workflows. Three models are available to meet a user’s application, throughput, and sample tracking needs.


The all-in-one LabElite I.D. Capper enables labs to combine decapping/recapping and high-speed barcode reading within one device without additional user interaction. The I.D. Capper is specifically designed to reduce sample contamination and assist with sample tracking during end-to-end automated liquid-handling processing. The I.D. Capper includes all the new features and benefits standard to the other LabElite devices.

“This newest innovation from Hamilton provides the market with the first product where the user has the ability to positively identify the tube chosen for decapping/recapping and track it throughout the workflow,” said Peter Hoffmann, project leader, storage technologies, Hamilton Bonaduz AG.

When sample tracking is not required, the next-generation LabElite DeCapper is available for decapping and recapping tubes in 48-cryovial or 96-microtube racks. A new feature can automatically move the racks from portrait to landscape formats for processing. Additionally, an innovative “secure mode” provides sample security by decapping and recapping only one row at a time, minimizing the time a tube is open and eliminating the risk of cross contamination. This feature also enables the rows to be paused for “point-of-use” pipetting between capping and recapping, which is very useful for manual workflows. The DeCapper can process all common tubes, including Matrix, FluidX, Greiner Bio-One, Micronic, Nunc, and Corning, with internal and external thread caps.

For labs with manual workflows that need an efficient, high-speed 2D barcode reader for tube racks, the LabElite I.D. Reader is an ideal choice. This device decodes multiple types of labware including 2D barcoded tubes in all common 12-, 24-, 48-, 96- and 384-tube racks including honeycomb-shaped racks, providing complete sample tracking during processing. In addition, the reader can identify racks that are labeled with a 2D barcode on the bottom. The technology uses high-speed decoding algorithms and parallel processing, which provides the fastest run times currently available. A 96-tube rack runs in less than 3 seconds and a 384-tube rack in less than 5 seconds. Optional 1D barcode reading of the rack label is also available. The I.D. Reader supports all common tubes, including Matrix, FluidX, Greiner Bio-One, Micronic, Nunc, Corning, Matrical, WHEATON, ABgene, and REMP.

The LabElite I.D. Capper, DeCapper and I.D. Reader are for research only, not for use in clinical diagnostic procedures.

Related Links:
Hamilton Storage Technologies
LabElite Line