Unlocking High-Throughput Potential in Liquid Chromatography With Vanquish Systems

In modern analytical laboratories, productivity is no longer just about speed—it is about maximizing data output, minimizing downtime, and extracting more information from every sample. Thermo Scientific’s Vanquish platform represents a major step forward in high-throughput liquid chromatography (LC), combining advanced hardware, intelligent automation, and flexible workflows.

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Unlocking High-Throughput Potential in Liquid Chromatography With Vanquish Systems

This article explores how high-throughput capabilities are achieved across the Vanquish ecosystem, with a focus on the Vanquish Duo UHPLC, autosampler capacity, Vanquish Sample Hub (Charger module), and Transcend systems.

The evolution of high-throughput LC

Traditional LC systems often face bottlenecks in sample handling, equilibration time, and instrument utilization. The Vanquish platform addresses these limitations through:

• Parallelization of workflows
• Automation of sample handling
• Expansion of unattended operation
• Integration with LC-MS and multiplexing strategies

Together, these innovations allow laboratories to significantly increase throughput without compromising data quality or robustness.

Vanquish Duo UHPLC: parallelization for maximum productivity

At the heart of high-throughput innovation is the Vanquish Duo UHPLC system, designed to effectively double productivity within a single instrument footprint.

Key high-throughput features:

• Dual independent flow paths: Two LC channels operate simultaneously, enabling parallel analysis
• Simultaneous workflows: Run identical methods for higher throughput or different methods for deeper sample insights
• Dual split sampler: Two injection devices allow independent control of each channel
• Reduced cost per sample: Increased output without additional bench space or instrumentation

This dual-channel capability is particularly powerful in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical environments, where both speed and comprehensive characterization are critical. Watch this recent short webinar for a more detailed overview of the Vanquish Duo.

Autosampler capacity: scaling sample throughput

High-throughput LC is only as effective as its sample handling system. Vanquish autosamplers are engineered to ensure both precision and capacity.

Highlights:

• High sample capacity: Standard configurations can accommodate hundreds of vials (e.g., ~200+ samples depending on setup)
• Exceptional injection precision: Ensures reproducibility even in large batch analyses
• Wide format compatibility: Supports vials, well plates, and various volumes for diverse workflows

For high-throughput labs, this means fewer interruptions, consistent performance, and confidence in large-scale studies.

Vanquish sample hub (charger module): automation for unattended operation

To further extend throughput, the Vanquish Sample Hub (also known as the Charger module) introduces robotic automation into the LC workflow.

Key advantages:

• Automated sample loading: Reduces manual intervention and operator workload
• Expanded capacity: Supports up to 20 additional well plates, dramatically increasing sample volume
• Extended unattended runs: Ideal for overnight or weekend operation

This capability transforms LC systems into continuous productivity platforms, enabling labs to process thousands of samples with minimal supervision.

Transcend Systems: Online Sample Preparation for True Throughput Gains

While Vanquish Duo and autosamplers enhance analytical throughput, Transcend systems take it further by integrating online sample preparation with LC-MS.

Throughput benefits of Transcend:

• Online SPE (Solid Phase Extraction) reduces manual prep time
• Parallel sample cleanup and analysis improves instrument utilization
• Reduced cycle times by eliminating offline preparation steps

In high-throughput bioanalysis and clinical research, Transcend systems enable end-to-end workflow acceleration, from raw sample to final data.

Bringing it all together: a holistic high-throughput workflow

The real power of the Vanquish platform lies in combining these technologies:

Component  /  Contribution to throughput

• Vanquish Duo UHPLC: Parallel LC analysis (2x throughput)
• Autosampler: High-capacity, precise sample injection
• Sample Hub (Charger): Automated, extended unattended operation
• Transcend Systems: Integrated online sample preparation

Together, they create a fully optimized LC ecosystem where:

• Sample queues are larger
• Downtime is minimized
• Data output per unit time is maximized

Conclusion: Redefining Productivity in LC

High-throughput liquid chromatography is no longer just about faster runs—it is about smarter system design. The Vanquish platform achieves this through:

• Parallel processing (Vanquish Duo)
• Scalable sample handling (autosamplers and Sample Hub)
• Workflow automation (Transcend systems)

By integrating these elements, laboratories can achieve unprecedented efficiency, flexibility, and analytical depth, positioning themselves to meet the growing demands of modern science.

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