PathFinderTM 350D Decapper Sorter
The Brooks PathFinder™ 350D Decapper Sorter is a compact benchtop robotic workstation designed for the pre-analytical management of incoming sample collection tubes.
Pre-Analytical Decapping and Sorting of Specimen Tubes
The system is used for automating the decapping and sorting of sample tubes into different destination racks – either analyser racks (such as those used on various chemistry or immunochemistry analysers), PathFinder™ sample racks or third-party racks (including Hettich centrifuge inserts). The PathFinder™ 350D registers the receipt of incoming tubes and relays this information to the LIS.
Automates repetitive manual processing
Takes away tube processing decision making
Eliminates RSI injuries from manually decapping tubes
Reduces manual handling errors
Reduces biohazard exposure to lab staff
Automatically records and distributes incoming tubes
Practical Automation for Everyday Lab Workflows
A simple, affordable system that streamlines sample receipt, decapping, and analyzer preparation.
The PathFinder™ 350D is designed specifically to make automation accessible to small and medium laboratories. It provides a simple, space efficient and affordable solution for automating the receipt, decapping and loading of incoming sample tubes into analyzer racks, ready for analysis.
Wide range of tube types
The PathFinder™ 350D has the ability to decap primary tubes from all major tube manufacturers, be these screw type or plug type caps. Incoming primary tubes of varying sizes are presented in an input rack from where they are transferred to a processing carousel – first for identification and then, if required, for decapping. The tubes, whether decapped or not, are then sorted into various destination racks ready for testing or distribution.
Improved Safety
Automating the unloading and processing of tubes not only reduces handling of tubes but eliminates RSI injuries from manually removing caps from primary tubes.
Flexible Upgrade Path
The PathFinder™ 350D is a compact workstation with a sample throughput of 350 samples per hour. Both input and destination racks are accommodated on the deck of the sorter module. If workloads increase, it is possible to upgrade the system with an additional sorter module to increase both the rack capacity and the sample throughput.(see PathFinder™ 350D Plus)
Tube Barcode Alignment
The PathFinder™ 350D has the ability to not only place samples tubes into analyser racks but also to align the tube bar code label on the sample tube with the viewing window in the analyser rack if required.
PathFinder™ Racks
PathFinder™ sample racks have been designed to compliment PathFinder™ laboratory automation platforms for automating the processing of sample collection tubes in a pathology laboratory. The PathFinder™ rack design has been optimized for: High positional accuracy required for reliable, high-speed automation. Robust construction to give long operational life. High volume manufacturing to keep the cost affordable.
Independent Lab Validates PathFinderTM Performance
Independent assessment shows PathFinderTM systems demonstrate excellent reliability in 168 runs conducted over 21 days with 16,128 tubes per instrument.
Applications
Front end registration of incoming sample tubes
Decapping and sorting serum tubes into one or more analyzer racks
Decapping and sorting of urine tubes into one or more analyzer racks
Distribution and selective decapping of incoming tubes to different departments/analyzers
Automating the decapping, placement and barcode alignment of tubes into linear analyzer racks
With our PathFinder 350D Pluses, it’s reading the barcodes and sorting them from there. So, the sample’s never going to be put in the wrong place. And we’ve always got a track event to say where it’s actually been.
Daniel Head
Assistant Manager, Preanalytical SRA Department at Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology
PathFinderTM 350D
Smarter Sample Handling for Small and Medium Sized Labs
The PathFinder™ 350D makes pre‑analytical automation simple and accessible for small and medium laboratories. This compact, affordable system automates sample receipt, decapping, and loading tubes into analyzer racks with minimal footprint and operator effort. Watch how PathFinder 350D streamlines incoming sample workflows and delivers analyzer‑ready samples with consistency and ease.
Intuitive Software for Effortless Operation
Find the solution that fits your needs
PathFinder™ benchtop systems are designed to automate the receipt, handling, distribution and storage of incoming samples in the Pathology Laboratory. Connect with our team and discover how Brooks lab automation solutions can transform your sample and analytical management in your lab.