The Sample Management SIG for 2014 will focus on (3) group discussions. These discussion topics were chosen based on the feedback from our SLAS2013 SIG. Each discussion topic will be an open forum to allow participants to contribute their ideas and personal insights. See the slides for more.
2. Repair and Maintenance
Service contracts. Are there creative models that would benefit and
minimize risk for both (vendor and customer) ? What are people doing?
Buying a backup unit vs. service contract (Paul’s example)
The complexity and robustness of the equipment
How much use will it get? Usually covering critical equipment (workhorse)
Downtime:
What is acceptable?
Back up machines available?
Service contract = faster turnaround on service?
Does Gain exceed Pain? Service contract should bring more value than
paying out of pocket
Tangible: Cost of travel, labor and parts
Intangible: downtime, service priority, relationship with vendor
Maintenance Best practices:
PM vs. in-house service
Ties in with complexity and usage of unit.
3. Sample Storage
Storage Hardware options available. Less players out there (TTP, Brooks,
Hamilton)
Manual vs. automated compare and contrast. Processing and efficiency
Sample types (DMSO solutions, solids, biological samples, etc)
Storage conditions
Hydration? Freeze thaws cycles? Solubility?
Any new literature examples (Water content was indicated as most detrimental with
past papers)
How cold is cold enough?
Substandard Sample removal
Precipitate detection
QC based? How often is library checked?
Single use vs. multiple use?
Integrated with sample transfer discussion: next slide
4. Sample Handling
Moving containers vs. moving contents
Single use vs. multi-use tubes/vials
Handoff of tubes/vials vs. assay ready plates
Dilutions within CM/SM or within end user groups
Liquid handling
Non-contact or contact, room for all?
Use within ADME/MAP
Powder handling manual and automated solutions
Sufficient material for automated transfers?
New Technology?
Powder as “gold” standard vs. 10mM (other??) stock concentrations.
Closed loop and Parallel processing set-ups (Jose’s example)
Sample Tracking. Chain of custody, usage and inventory