Shimadzu presents the CLAM-2030

COLUMBIA, Md.—Shimadzu Scientific Instruments (SSI), the American subsidiary of Shimadzu Corp., has announced the release of the Clinical Laboratory Automation Module (CLAM-2030), a fully integrated sample pretreatment module for LCMS biological analysis. This innovation in automation is said to improve laboratory efficiency, enable fast and precise results, and maintain low operating costs.

By automating operations such as dispensing, stirring, filtering, heating and sample transfer, the system reportedly improves data accuracy and achieves the reproducibility needed for clinical research and forensic toxicology. Steps can be combined to perform tasks such as deproteination, internal standard addition, derivatization and glucuronidase digestion.

The CLAM-2030 facilitates users to reproducibly prepare samples and operate an LCMS, regardless of their skill level. With a streamlined workflow that interfaces with the laboratory information system (LIS), users can create and run sample batches with minimal effort. The STAT or Emergency Sample functionality allows users to prioritize urgent samples for quick results, with minimal interruption.

According to Shimadzu’s website, the CLAM-2030 fully automates processes from pretreatment to LCMS analysis; reduces variability in internal standard substance concentration, using vials with septa installed; is equipped with improved and expanded accuracy control functionality; and automates processes from searching toxicological drug libraries to generating reports. Automation also means that samples can be analyzed automatically, either at night or on days off.

The system also offers a variety of functions that elevate research and business efficiency, as it automates processes including searching toxicological drug libraries, providing the optimal analytical method, facilitating data review and generating reports. The CLAM-2030 can measure hundreds of compounds in a single analysis; the system makes it easy to change between different methods. Its flexible HPLC and MS configuration allows the unit to meet specific application needs.

Dedicated control software can enable analysis using SSI’s Triple Quad LCMS-8060/8050/8045/8040 systems. Optional LC/MS/MS rapid toxicology screening software includes methods for simultaneously or individually analyzing 161 components — including abused drugs, psychiatric and neurological drugs, hypnotics and sedatives, pharmaceuticals, pesticides and natural toxins.

Through automation, the CLAM-2030 can help to facilitate a safe working environment for laboratory personnel by minimizing human contact with potentially hazardous biological samples. Following pretreatment, solid and liquid waste are contained within the body of the CLAM-2030 and collected. The CLAM-20300 is intended for research use only, and is not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Shimadzu Corp. also recently announced the release of the Nexera Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph series, which incorporates artificial intelligence as Analytical Intelligence, allowing systems to detect and resolve issues automatically. The Nexera series integrates IoT and device networking, enabling users to easily review instrument status, optimize resource allocation and achieve higher throughput.

The Nexera UHPLC series is said to maximize reliability and uptime with fully unattended workflows that span from startup to shut-down. Operators can set the Nexera to start up at a pre-specified time, so that it can complete auto-purge, equilibration, baseline checks and system suitability in advance, and be ready for analysis before researchers arrive at the lab. The Nexera also has auto-diagnostics and auto-recovery capabilities that allow it to monitor pressure fluctuations to check for anomalies. Nexera tracks consumable usage and sends alerts when parts need replacing, allowing users to keep the system running at peak performance.

Real-time monitoring of mobile phase levels can allow lab personnel to run batches and respond accordingly if there isn’t enough mobile phase before starting a run. The Nexera automatically blends mobile phases at any set ratio, which speeds up the preparation of buffer solutions and the dilution of solvents. Because it prepares the exact amounts required for analysis, the Nexera can reduce waste and labor. The Nexera UHPLC series also allows analysts to confirm parameters and monitor chromatograms in real time directly from a web browser on their smart device.