COBAS INTEGRA Manufactured by Roche Diagnostics, COBAS INTEGRA 400 plus is the perfect chemistry analyzer for laboratories with a throughput of 25,000 to 250,000 tests per year or 50 to 250 samples per day. A compact benchtop system for labs with limited floor space, this unit is designed to consolidate testing and increase efficiency while reducing total running costs of the laboratory. It is the right choice for consolidation in the low workload laboratory and special chemistry testing in medium volume sites.

The system’s broad test menu comprises over 120 assays and applications that consolidate clinical chemistry with specific proteins, therapeutic drug monitoring and drug of abuse testing. It uses convenient cobas c pack reagent format which standardizes patient results across integrated laboratory networks.

This analyzer’s extensive assay menu and innovation of the cobas c pack are combined with four proven measurement technologies and sophisticated, easy-to-use software. Each cobas c pack holds all necessary reagents for up to 800 determinations, maximizing on-board capacity and reducing the need for operator intervention and frequent reloading. The bar-coded cobas c packs are automatically handled by the system, reducing the possibility of errors and saving staff time. The system has up to 36 different on-board assays. For quick access to additional tests, cobas c packs can be exchanged while the system is running. Off-board storage of pre-calibrated packs allows full flexibility.

Serum, plasma, urine, hemolysate, whole blood and CSF can be used in barcoded primary or secondary tubes. Microcups can be used for low volume samples. This analyzer also features:

• Comprehensive testing capabilities on a compact footprint
• Throughput of up to 400 tests/hour
• Highly sensitive pressure sensors detect incorrect pipetting, even at 2 µL sample volume
• Long on-board reagent stability and fewer calibrations mean less waste and lower cost per reportable result
• Configurable start-up options ensure that the system is ready whenever needed
• System wash pressures have been optimized to fully remove the clot from the sample probe, avoiding maintenance actions and interruptions to workflow
• Onboard capacity of 8 racks with 4 cobas c packs each
• 6 sample racks for various primary and secondary cups
• Positive sample identification via barcode
• Object-oriented system software based on Windows XP, for standardized ease-of use

The system’s processing time can be reduced by up to 50% compared with dedicated chemistry analyzers. Its on-screen inventory management tracks reagents available on board and forecasts if additional reagent packs are required based on daily workload statistics.

Its intelligent processing automatically schedules each sample’s tests to minimize analyzer turnaround time and increase throughput, while allowing immediate STAT testing 24 hours a day. Refurbished models of this analyzer are available at online stores of professional lab equipment suppliers.