Study Presented at CACMID 2024 Highlights Copan’s UniVerse® as a Game-Changer in Clinical Molecular Specimen Preparation
July 22, 2024
Key Insights:
- Innovative Automation: The presentation at CACMID 2024 highlighted Copan’s UniVerse® as a revolutionary automated instrument for pre-analytical processing of clinical samples.
- Significant Efficiency Gains: Research from the BCCDC Public Health Laboratory demonstrated that the UniVerse® instrument reduced hands-on time by 50%, enhancing workflow and potentially reducing human error in clinical laboratories.
- Proven Performance: The study confirmed the UniVerse® instrument’s reliability, achieving 100% accuracy in sample aliquoting with no observed cross-contamination, and highlighted its advanced functionalities like barcode scanning and precise volume control.
Estimated Reading Time: 5-7 Minutes
Introduction
At the CACMID 2024 conference held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, a new study took center stage as researchers from the BCCDC Public Health Laboratory in Vancouver presented their findings on the capabilities of Copan’s UniVerse® automated instrument for pre-analytical processing of clinical samples. The poster presentation showcased how this innovative instrument is revolutionizing the way laboratories handle molecular specimen preparation, offering a more efficient and accurate alternative to traditional manual methods.
Study Objectives and Methods
The study, led by M. Chan and colleagues, aimed to evaluate the performance of the Copan UniVerse® instrument and assess its potential for workflow improvements.
The research team compared the UniVerse® method with the current manual method for processing Copan UTM® kits with nasopharyngeal swabs and oral saline gargle tubes, both of which were transferred to Hologic Fusion lysis tubes.
![](https://www.copanusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Universe_72.jpg)
Results
The UniVerse® instrument demonstrated 100% accuracy in aliquoting samples from primary to secondary containers.
Moreover, no cross-contamination was observed during the checkerboard experiment, highlighting the instrument’s reliability and precision.
With its ability to streamline workflows, reduce hands-on time, and maintain high levels of accuracy, the UniVerse® instrument shows significant added benefits in the field.
![](https://www.copanusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CACMID-Poster-Figure-22.png)
Workflow Enhancements
One of the most notable benefits of the UniVerse® automated method, as presented in the CACMID poster, is the significant reduction in hands-on time. The study revealed that the UniVerse® instrument reduced hands-on time by an impressive 50% compared to the manual method. This streamlines the pre-analytical workflow, helps to minimize potential human errors, and alleviates staff’s ergonomic issues associated with repetitive manual procedures.
The CACMID poster also emphasized the importance of standardizing collection kits to optimize the UniVerse® instrument’s performance. By ensuring compatibility and consistency across sample containers, laboratories can maximize the benefits of automation and achieve optimal results.
![](https://www.copanusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CACMID-Poster-Wrokflow-comparison-2.png)
Verified Functionalities
The UniVerse® instrument’s functionalities were verified during the study and highlighted in the poster presentation.
These include barcode scanning, labeling of secondary containers, accurate volume aliquoting, and the ability to decap and recap sample containers.
These features contribute to the instrument’s overall efficiency and make it a valuable asset for clinical laboratories.
![](https://www.copanusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/UniVerse-Instrmnt-18-1-1.jpg)
Ongoing Clinical Validation
The BCCDC Public Health Laboratory research team is currently conducting further clinical validation on the performance of the UniVerse® instrument to explore broader applications.
As the healthcare industry seeks ways to improve efficiency and accuracy in clinical testing, Copan’s UniVerse® automated instrument, as presented at CACMID 2024, emerges as a game-changer in sample preparation.
![](https://www.copanusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/UniVerse-Clsups-04-scaledsquare.jpg)
Conclusion
The CACMID 2024 poster presentation by M. Chan and colleagues from BCCDC Public Health Laboratory showcased the capabilities of Copan’s UniVerse® automated instrument, highlighting its potential to transform the way clinical laboratories handle sample preparation.
With its ability to streamline workflows, reduce hands-on time, and maintain high levels of accuracy, the UniVerse® instrument shows significant added benefits in the field. As more facilities adopt this innovative technology, improvements in efficiency, precision, and overall quality of clinical testing can be expected.
References:
- Chan, A. Tran, C. Howarth, S. Ye, F. Tsang, A. Jassem. Workflow Comparison and Evaluation of an Automated Instrument for Handling Sample Preparation in Clinical Laboratory. Poster presented at: CACMID 2024; April 18, 2024; Vancouver, BC, Canada.
About Copan Diagnostics
Copan is dedicated to advancing pre-analytical processes through innovation. We specialize in developing automation solutions and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tailored for Microbiology, Molecular, Pharmaceutical, and Food Safety laboratories.
At Copan, we believe in harnessing the combined strengths of automation, human intelligence and AI to enhance laboratory workflows and improve patient outcomes.