Männedorf, Switzerland,  13 August 2004: - Tecan has introduced Columbus Pro, a new microplate washer with excellent wash performance and unique process control options. The washer sets new standards of reliability for a wide range of applications ranging from diagnostic tests to cell based research. Columbus Pro achieves its high wash performance by having very low residual volumes (less than 2 μl) and multiple aspiration points for each well. In addition, the Columbus Pro for Enzyme Immuno Assays (EIA) in 96-well format complies with EU Directive 98/79/EC for in-vitro diagnostic products.

The new Columbus Pro is the first microplate washer which uses a 100% leak proof high-end aspiration pump with magnetic drive technology. This technology provides static seals that considerably enhance the lifetime of the pump and provide unrivalled reliability of the whole washer system. In the Columbus Pro, overflow washing replaces tedious sequential aspiration and dispense steps with a single procedure. This guarantees best wash-efficiency without compromising throughput.

The unique fill verification option of the Columbus Pro permanently monitors the wash procedure and automatically detects clogged needles. Additionally, another option controls the liquid levels of the wash buffer, rinse and waste bottles. The washer allows easy operation via a built-in keypad or the new WinWash Clinical software that fulfils the requirements for electronic records and electronic signatures in clinical applications.  

“The performance of the microplate washer used, is one of the critical parameters to minimize background signals and to achieve a high level of sensitivity in microplate based assays like EIAs. Tecan’s new microplate washer, Columbus Pro, stands for highest performance and excellent reliability for a broad range of applications ”, says Siegfried Sasshofer, Product Group Manager Detection, at Tecan. “Building on two decades of Tecan’s experience in liquid handling, Columbus Pro sets new standards in microplate washing and offers full regulatory compliance, delivering optimal value to our customers.”

For additional information, please contact:

Product information:

Cornelia Kegele
Manager Marketing Communications and Branding
Tel.: +41 (0)44 922 81 11
Fax: +41 (0)44 922 82 81
e-mail: cornelia.kegele@tecan.com
Internet:www.tecan.com

Editorial contact:

Dr Marc Egelhofer
Northbank Communications Ltd
Tel: +44 (0)44 260 296505
e-mail: m.egelhofer@northbankcommunications.com