Rhinostics, a sample collection device provider, has introduced its ELEstic swab collection device along with the ELEbot Decapper to bring automated swab workflows to diagnostics systems.
The ELEstic device has a swab attached to a cap that screws into a 75mm by 13mm tube. The size of the tube is said to be the diagnostic industry standard that fits into almost any large closed molecular testing platform.
The ELEbot Decapper offers 24-tube automated decapping of swab samples, which can be placed upstream of the molecular testing platforms to perform sample elution and decapping before directly transferring the sample into the diagnostic testing system.
According to the US-based Rhinostics, the simple-to-use ELEbot Decapper automates the decapping and capping of the ELEstic in tubes of 75mm by 13mm in racks of 24 tubes.
This creates the first entirely hands-free swab workflow that speeds up sample processing and enables more samples to be processed in the same space with a lesser workforce while significantly reducing costs, said the company.
Rhinostics president and CEO Cheri Walker said: “We are excited to expand our platform to offer a solution for the closed diagnostic platforms after successfully launching our 96-well solutions for open platforms nearly three years ago.
“Each lab that adopts our technology quickly realises the benefits of stream-lined workflows, more reliable and repeatable testing through robotics, reducing labour dependency and costs, and dropping their reagent costs to make a significant impact on their cost of goods.
“Every laboratory is looking for ways to manage their costs more effectively as reimbursement payments continue to fall.”
Rhinostics said that the swab collection device joins its platform of proprietary collection devices that already includes the 96-well RHINOstic/RHINObot system. Both systems incorporate an automatable cap and polypropylene swab.
In order to reduce sample loss during transport and unintentional biohazard contact, a patient sample is taken, and the swab is then placed into a collecting tube for dry shipment.
The ELEstic and RHINOstic systems also significantly lower the cost of laboratory workflows by saving on manpower and reagent costs.
Furthermore, ELEstic uses the stacked-ring head, developed at the Wyss Institute, which has been used to test Covid-19 patients and medically collected samples.
