Separate your science from the status quo - Get more from your UHPLC with the addition of the Sample Hub

Importance of the topic

The efficient, reliable handling and environmental control of samples are essential in high-throughput UHPLC workflows. Automated sample management reduces human error, increases laboratory throughput, and protects sample integrity for demanding applications such as pharmaceutical QC, bioanalysis, metabolomics, and regulated testing. Integrating an intelligent sample-handling module directly with an UHPLC system enables extended unattended operation and better traceability while preserving chromatographic performance.

Objectives and overview of the product

This product brief describes the Thermo Scientific Vanquish Sample Hub — an integrated, robotic sample-management module designed exclusively for the Vanquish UHPLC platform. The module aims to increase walk-away time and ensure controlled storage and automated introduction of plates and racks to the UHPLC system without compromising performance. Key goals are environmental control of samples, automated inventory and barcode-based traceability, and seamless integration with Chromeleon CDS to support GLP-compliant workflows.

Methodology and implemented features

The Sample Hub combines mechanical automation, environmental control, and software integration to deliver automated sample handling. Primary functional elements include:

• Robotic loading/unloading of sample racks and microplates into the Vanquish UHPLC.
• Active sample-compartment temperature control offering setpoints from 4 °C to 40 °C with quoted cooling capability of at least 22 K below ambient under specified humidity conditions.
• Barcode-based inventory management with automatic plate/rack identification whenever the door is closed, plus empty-shelf detection and rack/plate verification.
• Full integration with Chromeleon Chromatography Data System to log system parameters in the audit trail, enabling GLP-compliant recordkeeping.
• Safety and reliability features such as magnetic door lock, door-status detection, and rack/plate presence sensors.

Operational performance specifications are summarized from the product information: typical cycle time for handling is 30 seconds; sample temperature accuracy is within ±2 °C at nominal ambient conditions; temperature stability is ±0.5 °C; environmental operating range is 5–35 °C and 20–80% non-condensing RH. Physical footprint, electrical, and capacity constraints are also defined by the manufacturer.

Instrumentation used

The module is designed as an accessory to the Thermo Scientific Vanquish UHPLC platform and integrates with Thermo Scientific Chromeleon CDS for control and audit logging. The Sample Hub accepts SBS-format racks and plates (deep and shallow well) and specific sample racks for a variety of vial outer diameters. Accessories and shelves are available to configure either up to 9 mixed racks/plates (including vials and deep well plates) or up to 20 shallow well plates (15 mm height). Hardware safety and connectivity include USB 2.0 for PC connection and standard mains power (100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz).

Main technical specifications summary

• Sample capacity: configurable shelf with 9 positions (mixed vials, deep/shallow plates) or 20 positions for shallow plates (SBS footprint).
• Supported consumables: 54 × 12 mm OD vials, 96 × 6/7/8 mm OD vials, 96/384 deep well plates, 96/384 shallow well plates (shallow plates limited to 15 mm height when using 20-level shelf).
• Temperature control: 4–40 °C (performance specified as ≥22 K below ambient at <80% RH), accuracy ±2 °C, stability ±0.5 °C.
• Automation: barcode reading, inventory management, empty shelf detection, rack/plate verification.
• Cycle time: approximately 30 seconds per operation.
• Integration: Chromeleon CDS with GLP audit-trail logging.
• Dimensions and weight: 804 × 339 × 620 mm (H×W×D), 38.5 kg.
• Power: 100–240 VAC, max. 350 W/352 VA; operational environment 5–35 °C, 20–80% RH (non-condensing).

Main benefits and practical applications

• Extended unattended operation: large plate/vial capacity and automated loading reduce operator interventions, increasing throughput and analyst productivity.
• Sample integrity and reproducibility: active cooling and stable temperature control protect labile analytes and reduce variability caused by temperature fluctuations.
• Traceability and compliance: barcode-enabled inventory and Chromeleon audit-trail integration support GLP and regulated workflows.
• Flexible sample formats: compatibility with common SBS-format plates and multiple vial sizes simplifies adoption across laboratories with diverse sample types.
• Concurrent operation: ability to add samples while the UHPLC is running improves workflow flexibility and reduces downtime.

Key limitations and considerations

• Cooling performance depends on ambient humidity and temperature; specified delta (≥22 K) is valid under <80% RH — users in extreme environments should validate real-world performance.
• Physical constraints: shallow-plate configuration limits plate height (15 mm) when using the 20-level shelf; larger formats require the 9-level shelf configuration.
• Integration dependency: full benefits require Chromeleon CDS for inventory logging and automation; laboratories using different CDS or LIMS may need additional interfacing work.

Future trends and potential applications

The Sample Hub reflects broader trends in laboratory automation and sample-centred quality control. Likely near-term and mid-term developments include:

• Tighter integration with LIMS and enterprise scheduling systems for automated sample prioritization and routing.
• Smarter scheduling algorithms and AI-driven workload balancing to maximize throughput and minimize sample wait times.
• Improved remote monitoring and predictive maintenance via IoT-enabled diagnostics to reduce downtime.
• Expanded cooled capacity and modular add-ons to serve even higher-throughput facilities or to support chilled reagents and consumables.
• Enhanced support for single-use and pre-barcoded consumables to streamline chain-of-custody in regulated environments.

Conclusion

The Vanquish Sample Hub is a purpose-built sample-management module that increases automation, traceability, and sample protection for Vanquish UHPLC systems. With controlled-temperature storage, barcode-driven inventory, and direct Chromeleon CDS integration, it is targeted at laboratories that require robust, GLP-capable high-throughput chromatography workflows. Prospective users should evaluate shelving configurations and environmental conditions to match capacity and cooling performance to their analytical needs.

Ordering information and accessories

The product is supplied as the Vanquish Sample Hub (module only) with optional shelves and racks. Typical accessory items include a 20-level shelf for shallow well plates, a 9-level shelf for deep wells and racks, and multiple sample racks for 54 × 12 mm vials or 96‑position vials with different outer diameters. Specific part numbers are provided by the manufacturer for ordering and configuration details.

Reference

Product specification sheet: Thermo Fisher Scientific — Vanquish Sample Hub (product brief/PS71199-EN), manufacturer technical and ordering documentation (2025).