SX PROBES
A number of Probe options and configurations are optimised for a variety of liquid handling tasks
Selecting the right Probe Type and Configuration
The Beeline sx can be configured with two independent Z Drives each one with its own probe. The probes may be either of a Fixed Tip or a Disposable Tip type.
The probes can be of the same type and therefore be used to increase the processing speed. Alternatively, they can be fitted with different probe types e.g. one Fixed and one Disposable tip. This can provide the “best of both worlds” as each type has its strengths and weaknesses.
Disposable tip probes provide zero carryover and completely avoid the possibility of mixing with the system fluid and becoming “diluted”.
On the otherhand, Fixed Probes have the advantage of lower running costs, reduced environmental impact, and greater processing speed when performing dilutions. The choice will be driven by the applications, the type of samples being processed and the tests being performed. For example, if performing a large screening program where the positivity rate is very low, an occasional instance of sample carryover can be managed by performing occasional retesting. This can potentially save the laboratory a significant amount of money but the
Fixed Probe Type Options
To cater for a variety of different liquid handling tasks requires different probe types and needles. Some of the available “fixed” options include:
Fixed Needle Sampling Probes (eg fluid filled)
Septum piercing and venting probes
Filling probes
Gel punching probes
Ceramic coated
PTFE coated
Single Nozzle or Dual Nozzle
Single nozzle sampling probe + aspiration needle
Disposable Tip Type Options
The Beeline sx may be fitted with either one or two disposable tip based probes. These probes incorporate a tip adapator which either seals on the inside or the outside of the probe tip depending on the type. In fact, one version incorporates a special profile which will accomodate up to three different sizes and types of tip. For most applications, “standard” natural (non-carbon) tips are used in conjunction with a pressure liquid level detector.
