Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assays (ELISA) remain an important and effective tool for detecting and quantifying antigens, specific proteins, antibodies, etc from biological fluids. ELISA protocols require the user’s attention and skill if conducted manually. Minor pipetting errors can affect the accuracy of results.
Automation in performing ELISAs has served the purpose of avoiding user interference as well as providing increased confidence through increased accuracy and precision. The diagnostic wing of Siemens AG has introduced a fully automated microtitration plate analyzer, the BEP 2000 Advance® for mid and high volume laboratories to carry out automated sample processing and detection as well as the reporting of test results. The BEP 2000 Advance analyzer is a walk away analyzer designed for reference labs, hospital labs, and blood banks and offers fully automated processing of Enzygnost and Novagnost assays. The system can handle up to four microtitration plates plus one microtitration plate by reloading and up to 100 patient samples at the same time.
The well known and proven BEP concepts for GMP/GLP (good manufacturing practice/good laboratory practice) were integrated into the BEP 2000 Advance analyzer. The system maintains an audit trail for all events during the assay. Up to 200 primary tubes can be handled by the system by using the reloading option. Pre-dilution of samples with Enzygnost® and Novagnost® reagents is performed automatically. Designed for integration into laboratory workflow, the system offers a sample-in/result-out process with an on-line connection to your host computer. The specially designed front cover allows easy access to the individual components. The analyzer uses two different sizes of disposable tips (300 µL and 1100 µL) for single and multi-shot dispensing. Hardware and software components eliminate the possibility of cross contamination of samples.
Dedicated reagents/kits from Siemens can be used for the detection of various retroviruses, hepatitis virus, bacterial infections, fungi, parasites, worms and others. An assay menu for all applications is pre-programmed into the instrument. The open programming menu of the software makes the system compatible to adopt new application for the laboratory.
We, at our organization, have adapted this system to carryout serological testing of human volunteers’ biological samples for HIV, HBsAg and HCV over the last four years. The system has proven its reliability by continuous uninterrupted performance without significant breakdown. Post sales parts and service back-up is available from the vendor; also, we are getting troubleshooting services for various adaptations as a part of a continuous upgrade due to the regulatory environment of our organization.
As with any instrument, this system has its limitations. We use more than two types of wash solution and the system may not keep up with the application, hence it requires splitting of such type of assays into different batches. Also, third party reagents/kits need careful programming and stringent monitoring to avoid accuracy/precision problems.
We have found this system to be very good and reliable. It is suitable for all mid and high volume diagnostic and research laboratories, blood banks and hospitals.
Scientist
Pharmako Kinetic Unit
Torrent Research Center