PathFinderTM 900 Plus
High speed robotic workstation designed for the busy pathology laboratory which automatically processes and manages the distribution of sample tubes ready for analysis or storage.
Flexibility
The PathFinder™ 900 Plus has been developed with flexibility as an essential design criteria. Sample racks can be loaded or unloaded from the front or either side of the instrument onto easily configurable specimen trays. Any rack position (and there can be up to 40 in total) can be set up as either an input or output position giving ultimate flexibility in the layout. As a result, the instrument can be configured specifically to optimize the workflow based on both the workload and layout of your laboratory. Several operators can access the system at the same time without getting in each other’s way.
User-centric Design
The flexibility also characterizes the way the system processes samples. Tubes can be directly picked from or placed into different analyzer racks or low cost PathFinder™ automation racks. PathFinder™ racks are conveniently available in different capacities and colors and make ideal destination or storage racks. Operators are alerted to empty input racks or full output racks as soon as they need replacement. Even partially filled racks can be replaced at any time without stopping the instrument and impacting throughput. The system layout can be changed in a matter of minutes as the workload changes throughout the day.
Compact Size
With a footprint of only 2.5m x 1.4m (8.2’ x 4.6’) and a working area that allows operator access from both the front and the sides, the PathFinder™ 900 Plus is compact in size for the functionality and flexibility it offers. The component modules fit through a standard doorway so the system can be subsequently assembled on site with minimal disruption to existing infrastructure or the laboratory layout.
Parallel Processing
The dual track design allows parallel sample processing to improve overall efficiency. Samples that require only sorting will bypass sample queues for aliquoting and capping. The PathFinder™ 900 Plus workcell controller monitors the input workload to automatically optimize the work directed to each module. This workload balancing capability ensures maximum throughput performance of each module is maintained under varying workloads.
End-to-End Automation for High-Volume Laboratories
The PathFinder™ 900 Plus is a high‑speed, fully automated tube management system designed for busy pathology and clinical laboratories. By automating decapping, aliquoting, secondary tube preparation, sorting, and tracking within a single modular platform, it helps laboratories reduce manual handling, increase throughput, and maintain complete sample traceability across the workflow.
High-Speed, Fully Automated Tube Management
High‑throughput robotic workstation designed for busy, high‑volume laboratories. Automates critical sample handling steps from receipt through analysis and storage. Reduces manual intervention while improving consistency, traceability, and turnaround time.
End-to-End Automation in a Single System
Automated loading and unloading of tubes in generic or analyzer‑specific racks. Positive barcode identification to determine patient ID and sample type. Automated decapping, aliquoting, secondary tube preparation, labeling, and capping Intelligent sorting of primary and secondary tubes into destination racks. Seamless bi‑directional LIS connectivity for instructions and confirmation.
Modern, Configurable Design Built to Scale
Unique modular architecture with dedicated function modules arranged around a dual‑lane conveyor. Configurable modules for decapping, capping, aliquoting, and secondary tube preparation. Customize the system layout to match current workload—and reconfigure as needs evolve Supports expansion without replacing the core system.
Parallel Processing for Maximum Throughput
Dual‑track conveyor enables simultaneous sample processing. Samples that only require sorting bypass aliquoting and capping queues. Intelligent workload balancing optimizes module utilization under varying demand. Delivers consistently high performance across mixed workflows.
Intuitive Software with Real-Time Visibility
Dynamic user interface updates system status in real time. Full workflow reporting with productivity graphs and statistics. Ability to track, search, and locate tubes on demand. Web‑based interface allows multiple PCs to access the system simultaneously. Built‑in diagnostics with pop‑up help screens and multi‑language support.
Flexible Rack Handling and Operator Access
Up to 40 configurable rack positions with no fixed input or output locations. Load or unload racks from the front or either side—without stopping the system. Supports PathFinder™ racks and third‑party analyzer racks. Multiple operators can work at the system at the same time without interference.
Designed for Safety, Accuracy, and Staff Efficiency
Minimizes manual handling to reduce errors and biohazard exposure. Helps prevent lost or misplaced tubes through continuous tracking. Supports STAT samples and priority workflows. Frees skilled staff to focus on higher‑value tasks while improving overall lab efficiency.
Compact Footprint with Enterprise-Level Capability
Space‑efficient design with access from the front and sides. Modular components fit through a standard doorway for easier installation. Delivers enterprise‑scale automation without major lab redesign.
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
Automated aliquoting and distribution of secondary tubes
Automated decapping and distribution of primary tubes
Foil sealing and sorting of prepared “send out” tubes ready for transport
Recursive distribution of samples based on test priority
Auditing test panel completeness
Capping and archiving of samples into low cost storage racks
High Sample Throughput
| Function | Maximum Total Tubes per hour | Configuration |
| Sorting | Up to 1,200 | 4 sorter modules |
| Decapping | Up to 500 Up to 1,000 |
1 DCP or ALQ module 2 DCP or ALQ modules |
| Capping | Up to 600 Up to 1,100 |
1 CAP module 2 CAP modules |
| Aliquoting | Up to 410 Up to 560 |
1 secondary tube per primary (1:1) 3 secondary tubes per primary (3:1) |
Example of Mixed Workloads |
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| Function | % Tubes Aliquoted | Max. Total tubes per hour | Aliquot ratio |
| Aliquot: Sort | 20% | Up to 1,100 | 1 secondary : 1 primary |
| Aliquot: Sort | 30% | Up to 900 | 1 secondary : 1 primary |
| Aliquot: Sort | 30% | Up to 850 | 3 secondary : 1 primary |
*Note: sample throughput depends on a range of different variables including workload mix, aliquot volume, tube error rate, operator attentiveness and availability.
PathFinderTM 900 Plus Unique Modular Design
The PathFinder™ 900 Plus is a truly modular system with a number of modules arranged around a two lane conveyor track. Each module is dedicated to a specific function and sample tubes are transported around the system between modules in pucks. The basic system includes four sorter modules and a sample tube ID module with the facility to accommodate up to four function modules.
PathFinderTM 900 Plus Key Features
- Full clot detection.
- Processing capped or uncapped primary tubes.
- Capping a primary tube with its original cap or a foil cap.
- Foil capping of secondary tubes to IATA* requirements for air transport.
- Multiple aliquots per primary tube.
- Ability to manage multiple tubes of the same type with the same barcode.
- Optional alignment of tube bar codes in analyzer destination racks.
- Optional liquid volume detection.
* IATA packing standard p650
Easy to Use Software
- Dynamic interface that updates system status in real time
- Full management and workflow reporting
- Workflow productivity graphs and statistics
- Ability to track, search and locate tubes on request
- Complete customization of work area and tube types
- Web based technology which allows multiple PCs to use the same interface
- In-built user diagnostics with pop up help screens
- Available in different languages
Find the solution that fits your needs
The PathFinder™ 900 Plus is designed to take the complexity and stress out of high‑volume pathology workflows—automating critical sample handling steps while improving efficiency, safety, and traceability. Connect with our expert team to discuss your laboratory’s needs and discover how PathFinder 900 Plus can be configured to support your workflow today and scale for tomorrow.