Solution
Automated Tube Decapping Built for Real Laboratory Workflows
Tube decapping is a routine, but critical step in laboratory operations—and one that introduces repeated manual handling, opportunities for error, and unnecessary delays. Brooks Laboratory Automation Solutions help laboratories automate tube decapping and downstream handling to improve consistency, traceability, and overall workflow efficiency.
Why Manual Tube Decapping Creates Risk and Inefficiency
From receipt through analysis and storage, each manual touchpoint adds time, cost, and potential for error.
Every additional step compounds these risks—especially in high‑volume environments.
Repetitive manual decapping tasks that consume staff time
Inconsistent handling that increases error rates
Misaligned tubes and inefficient re-racking
Limited visibility into sample location and status
Rework caused by missed or incomplete test requests
Decap. Rerack. Repeat.
Brooks PathFinder™ solutions automate the tube decapping process while intelligently managing what happens next. Samples are scanned, selectively decapped, aligned, re‑racked, and tracked—without unnecessary manual intervention.
With automated tube decapping, laboratories can:
- Reduce manual handling and repetitive tasks
- Improve consistency across shifts and operators
- Automatically align and re‑rack tubes for analyzers or storage
- Track sample location and status with or without LIS connectivity
- Eliminate rework caused by missed requests or routing errors
Brooks PathFinder™ Solutions for Tube Decapping
PathFinderTM does your repetitive tasks…consistently, so you can be where you are needed most.
Brooks PathFinderTM 350D
Designed to automate the decapping of incoming sample tubes, the PathFinder 350D reduces operator touch time while ensuring reliable, consistent decapping and downstream handling.
Best suited for:
- Pre‑analytical decapping workflows
- Laboratories seeking a compact, purpose‑built decapping solution
Brooks PathFinderTM 350D Plus
The PathFinder 350D Plus combines automated decapping with intelligent sorting, allowing tubes to be routed directly into analyzer‑specific or generic racks in a single workflow.
Best suited for:
- Labs needing decapping plus automated re‑racking
- Multi‑analyzer environments with mixed sample types
Brooks PathFinderTM Flex 350D
The PathFinder Flex 350D extends decapping automation with flexible configuration options, supporting inbound and outbound rack handling and multi‑destination routing.
Best suited for:
- Labs with evolving or complex workflows
- Facilities requiring flexible routing and scalability
Ready to simplify tube decapping in your lab?
Whether you’re addressing manual bottlenecks or designing a more efficient automation strategy, Brooks has a PathFinder™ solution to support your tube decapping workflow. Connect with our expert team to explore the right system for your laboratory.
See Brooks Tube Decapper Get in touch with our experts