Streamlining Sample Preparation

New solid phase extraction (SPE) formats are designed to deliver improved performance and a faster, more streamlined sample preparation process during bioanalytic research.

Two Omix micro-extraction formats were developed by Varian, Inc. (Palo Alto, CA, USA). One enables vacuum-free SPE processing of biofluid samples directly in the tip of a liquid-handling device, while the other is a micro-volume 96-well plate specifically designed to process small sample volumes. The Omix technology features monolithic sorbent technology that allows for highly efficient extractions performed with low elution volumes, which improves sample throughput and analytic quality.

The Omix micro-extraction pipette tips for the Quadra instruments of Tomtec (Hamden, CT, USA) eliminates the need for vacuum processing and allows the instruments to be used in a fully automated capacity. For the first time, SPE can be performed directly in the Quadra compatible pipette tips, due to the bi-directional, clog-free flow properties of the Omix monolithic media. This means clean-up is simplified and reproducibility is improved.

The Omix 96-well plates feature the same small-bed micro-processing capabilities in a device that interfaces with standard 96-well liquid-handling equipment. Analysts can reduce elution volumes by a factor of up to 10 and still maintain or equal superior recoveries and reproducibility.

"The expansion of our Omix tips for pharmaceutical applications further delivers on our strategy to focus on consumable products in the high-growth life sciences area,” noted Stephen Schultheis, vice president and general manager, consumable products, Varian, Inc.