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Sample Oxidizers
Manual and Automatic Sample
Preparation for Liquid Scintillation
Counting
System 387 Sample Oxidizer
PerkinElmer’s System 387 – As Easy as ABC!
For many years the PerkinElmer Model 307 Sample
Oxidizer has been the gold standard for the
Researchers around the world have been impressed with the
performance of the System 387 and have commented:
“The System 387 is reliable, dependable and has
performed exceptionally well.”
preparation of many biological sample types, such
as animal and plant tissue and fluids, and for subse-
“The System 387 sample oxidizer provides a powerful
tool to process a diverse array of samples to a high
degree of precision and accuracy.”
quent measurement by liquid scintillation counting.
For high throughput application situations, the Oximate 80
Robot converts the Model 307 Oxidizer into a fully automatic
sample preparation station, known as the System 387, for
preparing as many as 80 samples completely unattended.
The two arm robotic system transports the sample-filled
Combusto-Cone™ to the ignition basket and positions the LSC
vials to collect the 14CO2 and 3H2O combustion products.
Seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. Now there is
a way to eliminate the tedious work, the counting errors
and the exposure to solvent fumes from your LSC sample
preparation methods.
PerkinElmer’s System 387 combines the Sample Oxidizer 307
with the OxiMate 80 robotic system to automatically prepare
single and dual label 3H and 14C samples for liquid scintillation counting.
“The System 387 has proven to be an excellent piece of
equipment and has saved considerable time and manpower for our department in just a few short months.”
If your work requires repetitive processing of multiple
samples by sample oxidation, the System 387 is the solution
you are looking for. It’s as easy as ABC!!!
A Load 80 samples & LSC vials into the System 387
B Press the start button and WALK AWAY!
C When you return, you’ll find all your samples in vials,
capped and ready for counting in your LSC.
What’s more, the System 387 prepares your samples by
flame combustion, the absolute best method for LSC sample
preparation:
•
•
•
•
•
2
No
No
No
No
No
color quenching
chemiluminescence
variable dual label ratios
chemical quench variations
sample self-absorption effects
OxiMate 80 Plus Oxidizer 307
Equals System 387
Exclusive Features and Benefits of the System 387
OxiMate 80
Plus… Oxidizer 307
•
80 sample capacity
•
Samples up to 1.5 grams
•
240 samples per day* throughput
•
Eliminates counting errors
•
Sensor controlled safety
•
•
Limited exposure to hazardous materials
Combusts dual label samples, collects single
label 3H/14C
•
Pays for itself in less than two years
•
Wet, dry or freeze-dried samples
•
Eliminates solubilization
•
No catalyst required
•
Automatically adds cocktail
•
High temperature flame combustion (up to 1300°C)
•
Unique splash-free filling system
•
OxiMate 80 will indicate when maintenance
is required
•
Upgrade Oxidizer 307 to a System 387
•
Caps and uncaps vials
•
Automated Combustaid addition
•
Multiple combustions collected in the same vial
Equals… System 387
*Based on an eight-hour work day.
3
Automate Your LSC Sample Preparation
Why Automate?
Expand Experimental Capabilities
Reduce Labor and Avoid Hazardous Work
• Processes sample weights up to 1.5 grams.*
• Automates tedious sample preparation
procedures.
• Works with a wide variety of sample materials.
• Separates 3H and
materials.
14
C for dual label sample
• Capable of combusting up to 15 grams of 3H
labeled material and collecting into one
counting vial.*
• Processes up to 80 samples in one run;
up to 240 samples per day.
• Hands-off system reduces exposure to
hazardous materials.
*Depending upon sample type.
1
4
2
Cut Costs and Eliminate Solubilization
Eliminate Counting and Preparation Errors
• Pays for itself in less than two years.
• Reduces the element of human error.
• Reduces costs of specimens and consumables.
• Eliminates errors caused by colored samples,
sample self-adsorption, chemiluminescence,
varying quench levels, and isotope spillover.
• Eliminates costly and error-prone solubilization
procedures.
3
4
5
The Oxidizer 307 Expands
Experimental Capabilities
From specimen to ready-to-count samples in vials,
the System 387 has been designed to enhance your
experimental results and to expand your experimental
horizons.
Larger Sample Size Improves Accuracy
Sample sizes up to 1.5 grams can be processed with the
System 387. This ten-fold increase over conventional sample preparation methods, such as solubilization, increases
the total sample activity per vial. The result is increased
counting accuracy, shorter counting times, and less
radioactive material to store.
Wider Variety of Specimens Extends Experimental
Capabilities
The System 387’s flame combustion technology allows
you to process a variety of samples that extend far beyond
the capabilities of any other liquid scintillation sample
preparation technique. Wet, dry or freeze-dried samples of
whole organs, soil, plant tissue, liver, spleen, skin, plasma,
bone, egg shell, muscle, feces, kidney, brain, bladder, hair,
whole blood, water, insects, lung, adipose, heart, fat,
intestines, urine, bacteria, gels, plastics, filters, membrane,
glands, crude oil, toluene, thin layer scrapes...
Typical LS counting of dual
label 3H/14C samples results in
large 3H errors when samples
are counted with excess 14C
activity. Oxidation eliminates
these because it physically
separates 3H from 14C.
6
...the list is endless. The System 387 clearly demonstrates
that flame combustion can be an easy, reliable and universal
sample preparation technique.
Higher Dual Label Activity Ratios Let You Perform
Two Experiments on One Sample
With the System 387, there are no limitations to the activity
ratio of 3H and 14C in dual label experiments. Minute
quantities of one label can now be obtained in the presence of high concentrations of the second label. The
System 387 physically separates both isotopes, thus
allowing you to perform dual label metabolic and tracer
studies with higher accuracy — i.e., you can do two
experiments with one specimen!
Low Level Tritium Counting of Solid Samples
You can collect tritium activity for 10-15 grams of solid
material in a single vial for environmental control, health
physics studies and other low level tritium measurements.
This increases the detection sensitivity for tritium in these
materials by a factor of 10-100.
The OxiMate 80 Reduces Labor and
Avoids Hazardous Work
The System 387 is the first commercial, stand-alone,
hands-off sample preparation system for liquid
scintillation counting. It features electronic sensor
controls to allow complete walk-away operation.
Reduces Labor By Automating Tedious
Sample Preparation Procedures
Are you tired of uncapping and recapping vials; manually
dispensing cocktails; mixing; adding solubilizers, bleaching agents and acidifiers; incubating at elevated temperatures; and dark adaptation? All of these laborious, tedious
and often hazardous procedures can be eliminated with
the System 387.
Just load samples and capped vials, and press the start
button. Up to 80 samples can be prepared in one run,
totally unattended, and are ready for counting after two
to three hours.
Simultaneous counting and automatic sample preparation
with the System 387 allows you to process up to 240
samples per day*, with minimal user intervention,
reducing labor up to 80%!
Avoid Hazardous Work and Clean-Up
Your Laboratory
The System 387 is a hands-off, stand-alone, and compact
system. Samples are processed automatically and
unattended.
Limit the amount of radiolabeled materials. Lessen the
exposure to fumes, mess and the hazards of solvents,
solubilizers and other toxic reagents.
Self-Monitoring Insures Error-Free Sample
Handling
The System 387 monitors several procedural steps and
will stop automatic processing when errors are detected.
Sensors will stop operation if oxidation is not detected.
Processing will be concluded if fluid delivery, sample
movement, vial movement, and oxidation pressures are
detected as abnormal.
*Based on an eight-hour work day.
Just load your samples, press the start button, and 80 samples are
prepared for counting in two to three hours.
7
System 387 Cuts Costs and Eliminates
Complicated Sample Preparation
Considering the time saved by the System 387,
The Solubilizer Case Study
it can pay for itself in less than two years.
The preparation of biological samples labeled with tritium
presents a difficult challenge to investigators using liquid
scintillation. While adding the sample to the cocktail may be
adequate for simple aqueous samples with neutral pH, direct
sampling is not recommended for biological samples.
Biological samples such as plant or animal tissues, TLC
scrappings, filter papers, protein precipitates, DNA/RNA blots
and electrophoresis gels must be completely dissolved in the
scintillation cocktail to prevent 3H self-adsorption.
Cuts Costs of Labor and Consumables
The System 387 enhances productivity by allowing more
experiments to be run at existing staff levels. It functions
overnight without supervision, and it doesn’t require any
special skills.
Another key benefit is that the System 387 allows increased
sample sizes. The larger sample size can reduce the number
of vials per experiment and reduce the radioisotope tracer
material required. The System 387 eliminates the use of
solubilizers, bleaching agents and chemiluminescence
inhibitors. By physically separating 3H and 14C labeled
material, the System 387 allows two experiments to be performed on a single specimen, reducing specimen costs!
Automated oxidation reduces costs of labor and consumables,
and eliminates interference from color quenching and
chemiluminescence.
AUTOMATED OXIDATION
Depending on the material, there are various ways of dissolving
the sample. The most common methodology is solubilization
which requires incubation to reduce the processing time. The
solubilization process often produces large errors in counting
data. The counting errors can be attributed to self-adsorption
and/or chemiluminescence.
Automatic flame combustion with the System 387 provides
a known technique that improves the sample preparation
efficiency and the quality of experimental results. Samples
are ready for counting in minutes instead of hours, and over
200 samples can be processed daily versus the 80 samples
that typically can be processed through manual solubilization
methods.
SOLUBILIZATION
SAMPLE
SAMPLE
COMBUSTO CONE
COUTING VIAL
AUTOMATIC
COMBUSTION
SOLUBILIZE
(30 min.
-
18 hours)
BLEACHING?
(color quenching)
NEUTRALIZE pH?
(chemiluminescence)
3
14
H
C
ADD COCKTAIL
COUNTING
(variable quench)
CAP
DARK ADAPT
3
14
H
C
(varying ratios)
COUNTING
8
Eliminates Counting and Preparation
Errors
People make mistakes - that’s human nature. Many
sample preparation methods may introduce interferences. The System 387 is the only automated sample
preparation system that can reduce counting errors
and human mistakes. Its automation technology
performs the sample preparation tasks identically,
without procedural mistakes. The oxidation technology
prepares samples — large or small, wet or dry —
without introducing counting interferences.
Automation Reduces Preparation Errors
Test results are only as accurate as the samples that are
prepared. Manual sample preparation is prone to errors.
Different samples require different procedures. A step
may be skipped, a reagent may be delivered incorrectly,
the wrong cocktail may be used.
Flame oxidized samples allow the same liquid scintillation
counting conditions for a variety of sample types. The only
variable is the counting time. Automation allows tasks to be
performed without procedural mistakes. The System 387
eliminates sample preparation errors.
Oxidation Reduces Counting Errors
Many errors, often unsuspected, have plagued LSC users for
over 30 years. Colored samples, self-adsorption, chemiluminescence, varying quench levels, and isotope spillover are all
well-known problems resulting from conventional sample
preparation procedures.
The flame oxidation principle yields samples that are uniform. The products of combustion are in the form of water
and/or carbon dioxide. The oxidation of the organic substance in the sample eliminates color quenching, chemiluminescence and self-adsorption. Oxidation is the only technique
that, prior to counting, physically separates 3H from 14C eliminating many errors associated with the counting of dual
labeled samples.
The System 387 reduces procedural mistakes. Sample combustion uses a field proven sample preparation methodology.
System 387 delivers capped, ready-to-count vials.
All procedural samples preparation mistakes are
eliminated by total automation.
9
OxiMate 80 Automation to Increase
Productivity
The System 387 doesn’t make mistakes, even when working in the dark.
OxiMate 80 Is Easy to Use
PerkinElmer designed the System 387 to simplify sample
preparation. Just load your samples and vials, press a button
and walk away. Return later to collect your capped, ready-tocount vials.
•
Nitrogen and oxygen pressure
•
The back pressure during combustion
•
The sample ignition
•
End of combustion
•
Presence of vials — capped and uncapped
Safety First With the OxiMate 80
•
Position of caps
The System 387 has been designed to avoid human mistakes.
The nitrogen and oxygen sources are continuously monitored
for potential system leaks. The integrity of the flame combustion system is insured by monitoring back pressure, the sample ignition, the presence of vials, and the liquid level in the
vials. The System 387 is capable of working around the clock.
•
Reagents in vials
•
Sample presence
•
System leak tightness
•
Positioning of vials in vial carriage
The pre-programmed System 387 requires no computer
expertise and no supervision. The sample flame combustion
system does not require the use of a catalyst.
10
The System 387 Automatically Monitors:
Oxidizer 307 Flame Combustion to
Improve Results
The insolubility, or quenching, of many samples in
Proven Oxidation Technology...30 Years Experience
liquid scintillation systems has stimulated the search
The flame combustion technology has proven to be a simple
and reliable means of sample preparation. The combustion
section, the trapping section, and the collection section are
integral parts of the combustion device.
for better techniques for sample preparation. The
flame oxidation of labeled organic materials producing
3
H2O and
14
CO2 provides solutions to many sample
preparation problems.
Automatic Flame Combustion
For over 25 years, PerkinElmer’s flame oxidation technology
has been used to accurately combust 3H and 14C labeled
samples which, otherwise, would be very difficult to assay.
The products of combustion are trapped at ambient
temperature, minimizing cross contamination. Only
simple maintenance and cleaning procedures are needed.
Up to 500 samples can be processed without refilling
reagent containers. Non-catalytic flame combustion
makes the Oxidizer 307 the best performing sample
preparation system ever. Automation makes the System
387 the most efficient.
The principle drawback of the oxidation technique was the
lack of automation. The PerkinElmer Oxidizers, prior to
System 387, manually processed one sample at a time. With
the System 387, the entire procedure can now be automated
to process up to 80 samples per run automatically, without
supervision.
Automating the flame combustion technique allows the
investigator to exploit superior sample preparation by
oxidation for a wide variety of samples.
The non-catalytic combustion of organic samples by flame oxidation to 3H2O and
14
CO2 provides solutions to many sample preparation problems.
11
Flame Oxidation: The Preferred Way to
Prepare Your Samples for LSC
The non-catalytic combustion technology eliminates
the use of a catalyst. A great variety of sample
material can be processed in the PerkinElmer Sample
Oxidizers. Examples of these materials are liver,
kidney, heart, skin, plasma, urine, whole blood, bone,
hair, fat, gels, whole insects, plants, soil, thin layer
scrappings, and small amounts of aromatic solvents.
“Open-Closed” Flame Combustion Technology
The combustion section, the trapping section, and the collection section are all an integral part of each other and are
“open” to the atmosphere, so combustion takes place in an
“open” system. This will prevent excessive build-up of
pressure during combustion. The system is “closed” to the
products of interest: the tritiated water vapor (3H2O) and/or
the radioactive carbon dioxide (14CO2).
Simple, Fast and Hands-off Operation
Once the program has started, the system initiates a highly
reproducible cycle, which includes automatic:
• Oxygen injection
Flame oxidation with PerkinElmer’s Model 307 provides the
following benefits.
• Complete combustion of the sample material eliminating
the need for time consuming, chemical solubilization.
• The recovery of the radionuclide for both 3H and
is >97% with close to zero cross contamination.
14
C
• No self-absorption; no optical or color quench; no
chemical quench due to solubilizers, bleaching agents, etc.
• Low initial start-up temperature to avoid loss of the
sample due to evaporation.
• No need for a recovery correction factor, such as is
necessary for a catalytic combustion device.
The Model 307 Oxidizer can accommodate sample material
in liquid, wet, dried, or freeze-dried form with a sample
weight up to 1.5 grams (up to 40 millimoles of CO2 and up to
85 millimoles of H2O). The products of the combustion are
trapped at ambient temperature and thus, minimize cross
contamination and reduce mechanical wear.
The Model 307 uses standard 20 mL glass or polyethylene
vials. It can process up to 500 samples without refilling
reagent reservoirs. And, maintenance and cleaning of the
Model 307 are simple.
• Sample ignition
• Vial positioning
• Dispensing of reagents
• Steam and water cleaning
Fast, Precise and Reliable Results
Isotopes in dual label mode are physically separated. There
is no spectrum overlap and counting times are reduced
drastically. Up to 60 samples can be processed per hour
for each isotope.
Results You Can Count On
With flame oxidation of sample material, there is:
• No self-absorption
• No color quench
• No optical quench
• No spectrum overlap
• No variable chemical quench
• No need for solubilization
• No need for replacement of catalyst
Flame combustion eliminates the use of a catalyst for sample
oxidation. This avoids loss of recovery with, for example, liquid
samples or after prolonged use of the system.
12
The Flame Oxidation Advantage
1
Operating Controls
6
“Program Start” initiates automatic loading of sample, ignition
of sample, programmed oxygen flow injection, dispensing of
reagents, cleaning of total system, and pneumatic positioning
of counting vials and ignition basket.
7
2
Distilled Water Reservoir
8
Combustion Flask Enclosure
9
Quick Remove Ignition Basket
Pressure Regulators
Factory set, built-in regulators with in-line filters improve
reliability. They are mounted in a convenient location for
easy and fast checking of pressure.
A specially designed, durable platinum/rhodium basket for
high recovery (and isotope separation) for dual labeled
samples. It accommodates a wide variety of biological
sample materials, independent of size or shape.
5
Reagent Storage Tanks
Each has a five liter capacity with built-in, automatic dispenser and multiple dial settings from 0-18 mL. The tanks
allow the user to optimize the amount of fluid dispensed.
This was designed for easy and rapid maintenance, and has a
built-in steam generator and temperature controlled heater for
low memory and high recovery.
4
Timer
Adjustable combustion time (zero to five minutes) allows
maximization of the number of samples processed in a
given time.
The reservoir has a five liter capacity. It is used for the steam
injection and cleaning cycle to achieve low memory and high
recovery, and to constrain back pressure.
3
Vial Carriage
Fits all standard counting vials (glass and/or plastic) with
neck openings of 22-24 mm. Automatic positioning provides
convenient and rapid loading and unloading of counting vials.
10
Override Button
By pushing this button, the user can override the remaining
combustion time. This allows maximum sample throughput.
Trapping and Collection Section
Isotope separation and trapping occur in this section at
ambient temperature (there are no moving parts).
11
Reset Button
Allows the user to reset the timer so that the sample can be
completely combusted without restarting the system before
preset time runs out.
9
5
3
7
1
4
10
11
8
8
8
2
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PerkinElmer — The Only Complete
LSC Systems Supplier
PerkinElmer offers solutions to the most demanding problems
in environmental, toxicological, and metabolic studies:
• Sample preparation chemicals and consumables
• Automatic sample preparation robotics
• Liquid scintillation counters, flow scintillation analyzers,
and direct imaging quantifiers
• Worldwide applications support
The times have changed. Maybe your sample
analysis should, too. Call on PerkinElmer —
you can expect more from us.
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Americas: PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences, 710 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton, CT 06484-4794 USA (800) 762-4000
Europe: PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences, Imperiastraat 8, B-1930 Zaventem Belgium
Technical Support: in Europe: techsupport.europe@perkinelmer.com in US and Rest of World: techsupport@perkinelmer.com
Belgium: Tel: 0800 94 540 • France: Tel: 0800 90 77 62 • Netherlands: Tel: 0800 02 23 042 • Germany: Tel: 0800 1 81 00 32 • United Kingdom: Tel: 0800 89 60 46
Switzerland: Tel: 0800 55 50 27 • Italy: Tel: 800 79 03 10 • Sweden: Tel: 020 79 07 35 • Norway: Tel: 800 11 947 • Denmark: Tel: 80 88 3477 • Spain: Tel: 900 973 255
All trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of PerkinElmer, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.
006853_01
© 2003 PerkinElmer, Inc.
www.perkinelmer.com