The random access analyser Alegria, based on SMC Technology developed by ORGENTEC Diagnostika, represents a new dimension in the field of autoimmune diagnostics. It provides a fully automated process for the detection of autoantibodies with a degree of flexibility never before available.
With this system the user is able to conduct special diagnostic procedures tailored to the requirements of his facility. Each patient sample may be handled as an individual test and requires only minimal effort. This frees up new resources to benefit the patient.
This latest development, produced in close cooperation with specialists both in Germany and abroad, is another milestone in the long history of successes by ORGENTEC Diagnostika, and its high quality allows it to fit seamlessly into the existing product line.
Overview of the system’s most important advantages:
automatic analytical system
unrestricted sample selection, individual test parameters
stable and reproducible test conditions guaranteed by a temperature-controlled incubation unit
over 100 test systems available
each test run may include up to 30 patients with individual results delivered in only 90 minutes
each result is validated by its own standard
SMC Technology
Each Monotest strip with SMC Technology (Sensotronic Memorized Calibration) includes a complete set of reagents for testing the individual sample.
By means of SMC Technology, all test data are transferred to the system through individual barcodes.
The SMC coding comprises information about the respective product names, a lot-specific and complete standard curve, limit values for the internal cut-off control and its expiry date.
This information technology guarantees that only tests meeting most challenging quality requirements are implemented.
Expired test strips are refused by the system.
Sample and reagent management
Each of the three system trays (SysTray A, B, C) can be loaded with up to ten patient/sample strips.
Within one single analytical step up to 30 different samples can be tested for individual parameters.
Each test strip includes two wells for sample handling, two incubation wells for the patient sample and the cut-off control, and a complete set of reagents, including sample buffer, conjugate, substrate and internal cut-off control.
All reagents are stored in airtight containers and are opened immediately before use in the test. External influence and contamination are thus excluded.
Incubation unit
Inside the temperature-controlled incubation unit, all processes take place under strictly standardised conditions.
System start-up is only initiated when the predetermined climate conditions are reached so that the overall efficiency of the system and test results cannot be influenced by external climatic conditions.
Preparations for reloading the system can be made on separate system trays (SysTray A, B, C) while the system is still running a previous test, which makes the system enormously flexible and maximises sample throughput.
Within the incubation unit, when the system settings have been reached, the test-specific parameters for each reagent strip are read off based on SMC Technology and assigned to the corresponding sample.
Software, automation in autoimmune diagnostics
An external barcode reader is used to assign the individual patient samples to the positions in the system. In conjunction with the test information tracked by the SMC Technology, specific analyses are produced for each patient, making mix-ups of results impossible.
The integrated printer
At the end of every test cycle, all patient data and corresponding test information is sent to the integrated printer.
Software connection and data management
Both the overall performance and data management are Windows -supported, making it fast and easy to establish a bidirectional connection to external LIS (Laboratory Information Systems) via the existing LIS standard protocol.
The analyser is additionally programmable and adaptable by technicians by means of external Windows -based maintenance and system software.
The integrated modem makes it possible to access the entire system at any time.
Touchscreen
All functions of the system can be controlled by means of easy-to-use software and the user-friendly, integrated touchscreen.
System fluids supply
The instrument contains four reagent containers (2 × 1 litre wash buffer, 1 × 2.5 litres System Fluid, 1 × 5 litres liquid disposal).
When in use, all containers are connected to strictly separated precision pump systems.
