Registration, sorting and centrifugation

With high-throughput technology, we reduce this manual work.

Technology partnerT&O LabSystems· T&O LabSystems GmbH & Co. KG · Kaltenkirchen, Germany

Where you stand – the why

What registering, sorting & centrifuging ties up in your laboratory.

~60 % of all laboratory capacity at sample reception is tied up in registering and sorting by hand – time that is missing for special cases, queries and quality assurance, and that lengthens the turnaround time for no good reason.

Source: Manufacturer's figure, T&O LabSystems · analysis of European laboratories 2024 · checked against your own data in the discovery workshop

3.8 sper sample

Registering and sorting by hand (T&O field measurement 2026), validated.

792 hper year with your figures

fully automatic with ATRAS R4

7 minper wrongly sorted sample

Searching, reassigning, documenting at 0.5% sorting errors (experience from lab projects), assumption.

438 hper year with your figures

rules in the system with ATRAS + LabFlow

17 minper sample

Waiting until the centrifuge bucket is full (experience and literature), plausible.

The sample’s time, not staff time. It counts towards the time to result, not towards euros.

no waiting with CSpin

Worked out per sample from the source. The projection uses your figures from the quick check: here 3,000 samples a day and 250 operating days a year.

Registering and sorting

Handwork does not scale at peak times: how much gets through depends on how many places are staffed that day, and matching errors only show up during the analysis.

ATRAS matches every sample against the LIS; the purpose-built CapIdent spectrometer recognises the cap colour – first-in, first-out registration and a status update in seconds.

Wrongly sorted samples

At a shift change, during leave or sickness, that knowledge is not available, and every wrongly sorted sample blocks the analysis downstream.

STIWA LabFlow supplies the sorting rules centrally: STAT prioritisation, analyser allocation, SIQ routing for faulty samples. The knowledge sits in the system instead of in someone's head.

Waiting for the bucket

The waiting samples back up all the way to sample reception, and the turnaround time of every single sample rises. Worst in the morning, when ward rounds and requester collections arrive together.

CSpin loads by itself, centrifuges and hands over straight to the next step. Up to 4 modules can be combined for maximum throughput.

T&O LabSystems · product solutions

ATRAS R4. RS2. CSpin. ATRAS TS. InTrac.

Can be used independently of the laboratory automation you have or plan (TLA). LabSentinels helps with selection and introductions; T&O remains the manufacturer, contract partner and service partner.

Why LabSentinels recommends T&O LabSystems

Screenshot of the room view: scale model of the ATRAS R4 with add-on modules in a real space

Space needed

Does the device fit your space?

On your phone, the camera places the device true to scale where you plan to put it, at real size, with add-ons if you choose any. This does not work on a desktop screen.

Scan with your phone

The code takes you straight into the room view – one tap and the device stands in your space. Nothing is installed and nothing is recorded.

ATRAS R4

Modular, scalable fourth-generation high-throughput bulk sorter

The ATRAS R4 separates, registers and sorts loose samples at up to 3,000 samples an hour, using the barcode and the CapIdent spectrometer for cap colour recognition.

Manufacturer infoPDF · DE · 3.7 MB

tubes an hour: 3,000
tubes in the hopper: 700
modules, 75–155 cm wide: 1–5
footprint: 0.45–0.93 m²

Modular and extendable, first-in first-out, a separate STAT input and an SIQ compartment for faulty samples. Steered by STIWA LabFlow in real time: LabFlow decides, ATRAS carries it out. Only together does the sorting become adaptive.

Functions

Continuous loading of loose tubes without batch operation
Sensor-based recognition independent of manufacturer, from the tube dimensions plus cap colour
Archiving of closed samples

Additional functions

STAT input: urgent samples join while the system is running, flagged digitally as STAT
CapIdent: a purpose-built spectrometer for cap colour recognition
Plunger detection: aspiration samples that were not drawn far enough are set aside
Centrifugation status: detects whether a sample has already been centrifuged
Barcode alignment: turns the tubes so the analyser can read them
SIQ compartment: faulty samples are diverted out straight away

Extension modules

RS2: places the tubes straight into your own racks and centrifuge buckets
CSpin: centrifuges in the flow, with the system loading and unloading
InTrac: connects the ATRAS with work areas and analysers (the inlet loads, the outlet passes on)
Bulk output modules: additional output compartments for bulk sorting

Technical specification

Bulk throughput: 3,000 tubes/hour
Hopper capacity: 700 tubes
Dimensions: 75–155 × 60 × 115 cm (W × D × H), 1 to 5 modules, castors included
Width as built: 55 cm base unit plus 20 cm per bulk module (2 compartments) · SIQ compartment plus 15 cm
Footprint: 0.45 m² (1 module) to 0.93 m² (5 modules) · up to 1.02 m² with the SIQ compartment
Tube diameter: 10–18 mm without cap · cap max. 20 mm
Tube length: 75–120 mm
Sorting basis: Barcode + CapIdent + tube length + plunger detection + centrifugation status
Laboratory automation (TLA): Usable independently · can be integrated

RS2

Rack sorter module for output racks and centrifuge buckets straight from sorting

The RS2 module places the registered tubes straight into your own racks or into centrifuge buckets in the smallest of spaces, so transferring them by hand after sorting disappears. RS2 is a module of the ATRAS and requires an ATRAS base unit.

tubes an hour into the rack: 1,300
bulk compartments in the module: 3
footprint of the module: 0.41 m²
base unit required: ATRAS

Three bulk compartments in the module take the remaining tubes.

Functions

Barcode alignment in the rack so the analyser reads it best
Its own display on the module for operation and a status overview

Configured for your laboratory

Original racks from common analyser and TLA platforms, set up per platform

Technical specification

Rack throughput: 1,300 tubes/hour
Destinations: Your own racks or centrifuge buckets
Bulk compartments: 3 in the module
Rack access: Drawer, whatever the position
Dimensions: 60 × 67,5 × 139 cm (B × T × H)
Footprint: 0,41 m²
Requirement: ATRAS base unit

CSpin

Continuous, automated and modular high-throughput centrifuge

CSpin closes the gap between manual standalone centrifuges and fully automated large systems. CSpin is a module of the ATRAS and requires an ATRAS base unit.

Manufacturer infoPDF · DE · 0.9 MB

samples an hour per module: 500
centrifugation time, adjustable: 8 min
modules can be combined: 1–4
footprint per module: 0.72 m²

500 samples an hour per module, automated loading and unloading, first-in first-out with STAT prioritisation. Up to 4 modules can be combined. Together with the ATRAS R4 and InTrac, the process runs from bulk loading to handover at the analyser without manual intervention for samples with a gel barrier.

Functions

Continuous centrifugation without waiting for full racks
Consistent sample quality by holding them at room temperature
Automated transfer into your laboratory's own output racks
Less walking, because it connects directly to the ATRAS

Extension modules

Up to 4 modules can be combined, either for more throughput or for different centrifugation profiles

Technical specification

Throughput: 500 samples/hour per module (at 8 min)
Centrifugation time: Selectable modes (e.g. 8 min)
Dimensions: 90.3–361.2 × 80 × 176 cm (W × D × H), 1 to 4 modules, cooling unit included
Footprint: 0.72 m² (1 module) to 2.89 m² (4 modules)
Tube diameter: 10–18 mm without cap · cap max. 20 mm
Tube length: 75–120 mm
Loading & unloading: Automated, without manual intervention
Prioritisation: First-in first-out · STAT samples brought forward
Interface: Ethernet (RJ45)
Requirement: ATRAS base unit

ATRAS TS

Benchtop sorter as compact sample reception for small and mid-sized laboratories

The ATRAS TS automates sample reception in a footprint of just 0.5 m², ideal for smaller hospital laboratories.

samples an hour, up to: 1,300
destination compartments + SIQ: 6 + 1
footprint, incl. check compartment: 0.5 m²
or mobile base frame: benchtop

Up to 1,300 samples an hour, 6 destination compartments plus an SIQ compartment, barcode and cap colour recognition. It can stand on the customer's own bench or as a standalone unit.

Functions

A compact benchtop device that stands on the bench at the workplace
SIQ compartment: faulty samples that are detected do not end up in a destination compartment
Barcode registration and cap colour recognition

Additional functions

A mobile stand with two shelves turns the benchtop device into a mobile one; 122 cm tall together, the width stays the same

Connects to

InTrac as a feed only: an unpacking bench with InTrac built in feeds the samples continuously into the TS (InTrac does not carry them out of the TS)

Where it fits best

Hospital laboratories up to around 500 beds
Laboratories with limited space at sample reception
Sites with a mid-sized daily sample volume

Technical specification

Throughput: up to 1,300 samples/hour
Destination compartments: 6 + 1 SIQ compartment
Dimensions: 97 × 50 × 50 cm (W × D × H), including the external check compartment
Footprint: 0,5 m²
Tube diameter: 10–18 mm without cap · cap max. 20 mm
Tube length: 75–120 mm
Sorting basis: Barcode + cap colour recognition

InTrac

Intelligent internal transport system that connects every ATRAS station

InTrac connects ATRAS devices, neighbouring work areas and analysers in the laboratory: a continuous sample flow with no walking, step-free distribution and differences in height overcome.

Manufacturer infoPDF · DE · 0.4 MB

destinations per track (routing module): up to 3
mounting points: bench · ceiling · door
track layout, no catalogue size: to your floor plan

InTrac Inlet loads the ATRAS continuously, InTrac Outlet passes sorted samples on. Every route is planned individually from your laboratory floor plan and within the technical constraints.

Functions

Inlet: put samples straight onto InTrac after unpacking
Inlet: continuous loading of the ATRAS for an early timestamp
Outlet: onward transport to the next work area or ATRAS

Extension modules

Further ATRAS systems can join the same route
A routing module for up to 3 destinations

Technical specification

Route design: Individual, from your floor plan (no catalogue dimension, different track modules)
Mounting places: On the bench, on the ATRAS, under the ceiling, above doors

Your savings in figures

What this means for your lab.

04 · Sample Registration & Sorting– savings per year

€52,369

22 % of €235,685−0.5 min per sample

Example figuresPrivate lab3,000 samples/day€21 per hour

Start the Quick-Check (2 min)

This is not a sample calculation. It uses the values you have set above. Change a slider, and the calculation changes with it. A dot next to each figure shows where it comes from, and a mark shows where it can be changed. The explanation and the source are behind the.

Behind these items there are 20 figures. 2 of them are your own inputs from the Quick-Check. 18 are set to your lab in the Discovery meeting. The calculation path stays the same – only the factors become yours.

Where the figure comes from

Your inputStudy / evidenceFigure from experienceIntermediate result

Where it can be changed

underlinedby you, in the Quick-Checkin the Discovery meeting

Automatic registration & sortingT&O ATRASassumption

The ATRAS registers and sorts arriving samples, instead of staff scanning in and sorting every tube by hand.

€15,794 per year

samples per day×3.8 s/sampleregistration + sorting time per sample×250 daysworking days per year×staff cost per hour×95%machine-readable labels=€15,794

Fewer sorting errorsT&O ATRASassumption

Automatic sorting avoids missorted samples that today cause searching and rework.

€8,728 per year

samples per day×0.5%sorting error rate×7 min/errorrework per error×staff cost per hour×250 daysworking days per year×95%machine-readable labels=€8,728

Save internal handover tripsT&O InTracassumption

InTrac takes over the short internal transport routes between the stations.

€6,562 per year

25 walks/dayinternal walks per day×3 min/handovertime per handover×staff cost per hour×250 daysworking days per year=€6,562

Two clocks: The same saved walking time also appears under time saved (TAT). There the sample’s waiting time is valued, here the staff’s working time. Two different things, so no double counting.

No second sorting after the centrifugeT&O ATRAS + RS2 + CSpinassumption

After spinning, someone today takes each tube out of the centrifuge insert again and puts it into the analyser’s rack. With a continuous chain, the sample comes out there directly.

€5,206 per year

2,100 samples/daysamples requiring centrifugation per day×1.7 s/sampletransfer saved per sample×250 daysworking days per year×staff cost per hour=€5,206

No more putting tubes into the centrifugeT&O RS2assumption

Every sample that needs to be spun is put into the centrifuge insert by hand today. RS2 does this as the samples pass through.

€4,471 per year

2,100 samples/daysamples requiring centrifugation per day×1.46 s/samplerack time per sample×250 daysworking days per year×staff cost per hour=€4,471

Pick instead of search in the archiveT&O ATRAS + STIWA LabFlowassumption

The sorter places each sample after measurement in a fixed position in the archive rack, and the system remembers which one. For an add-on request, staff reach straight for it instead of going through the fridge rack by rack. We count only the time that the storage-position hint alone does NOT yet save, and only for the tubes that were analysed closed, because the sorter cannot feed open ones.

€3,898 per year

99 add-on requests/daysamples with add-on requests per day×30%of which analysed closed×1.5 min/sampleadditional search time saved×staff cost per hour×250 daysworking days per year=€3,898

Storing by tipping inT&O ATRASassumption

Nobody has to sort tubes that were analysed closed into the archive rack any more. They are only tipped into the sorter’s feeder, which places them itself and remembers the position.

€3,675 per year

3,000 samples stored/daysamples stored per day×30%of which analysed closed×2.8 s/tubestorage time saved×staff cost per hour×250 daysworking days per year=€3,675

Centrifuge continuouslyT&O CSpinassumption

CSpin spins continuously instead of in batches, so loading and unloading the centrifuge per sample drops out.

€3,461 per year

2,100 samples/daysamples requiring centrifugation per day×1.13 s/samplebucket handling per sample×250 daysworking days per year×staff cost per hour=€3,461

Put urgent samples first automaticallyT&O ATRASassumption

The ATRAS takes over recognising and pulling forward every urgent sample in the stack, instead of a visual check by hand.

€416 per year

60 STAT samples/dayurgent samples per day×5 s/sampledetecting + moving forward per sample×staff cost per hour×250 daysworking days per year×95%machine-readable labels=€416

Avoid double centrifugationT&O ATRASassumption

Samples that the referrer has already sent centrifuged do not need to be spun again in the lab.

€158 per year

159.6 detected samples/daydetected properly pre-centrifuged samples per day×60%of which from swing-out centrifuges×1.13 s/samplebucket handling per sample×staff cost per hour×250 daysworking days per year=€158

Time saved (TAT) · −0.5 min per sample

Short spin instead of full spinSTIWA LabFlow + T&O ATRASassumption

Because the order data show which referrer pre-centrifuges properly, that referrer’s samples go through the centrifuge only briefly or not at all.

−0.4 min

Swing-out (no spin at all):95.8 samples/daydetected samples from swing-out centrifuges per day×8 minspin time dropped+Fixed-angle (short spin):63.8 samples/daydetected samples from fixed-angle centrifuges per day×7 minspin time shortened÷averaged over all samples=0.4 min per sample

Two clocks: The € item “Avoid double centrifugation” counts something else: there the saved handling step at the centrifuge bucket (staff time, only if the spin drops out completely), here the time the sample no longer spends in the centrifuge. Different minutes on different clocks. The spin time itself is deliberately NOT converted into money – while the centrifuge runs, nobody is working on the sample.

No batch waiting timeT&O CSpinassumption

Continuous centrifugation spares the sample the wait until a full batch has come together.

−0.1 min

8 batches/daybatch centrifugations per day×17 minwaiting time per batch÷averaged over all samples×100%centrifuged share ÷ reference share=0.1 min per sample

The time saved is an average across all samples (not per affected sample) and is deliberately NOT converted into money (money and time are kept separate).

Sources & methodology →

Where the savings come from: straight to the calculatorAll savings on the home page

01Identification€44,634−0.1 min

02Transport€16,888−55.1 min

03Orders€121,794−10.6 min

04Sorting€52,369−0.5 min

Ecosystem€235,685Σ all areas

From an estimate to your own figure.

Real value for you – or an honest no.

Questions and answers How a project runs

cr@labsentinels.com Save your result

Integration & IT

What your IT needs to know before the sorter stands in the room.

A sorter registers in the LIS and reports back, which makes it a data node and not just a device. What that means for interfaces, control and keeping it running is gathered here rather than spread across five product cards.

Connection

Registration into the LIS, the sorting destination from the control layer.

The ATRAS registers every sample in the LIS and reports its status back. Where it is sorted to is not decided by the device but by the sample flow control: LabFlow decides, ATRAS carries it out.

Two-way LIS connection on the ATRAS R4 and ATRAS TS, usually over ASTM
Sorting destinations from STIWA LabFlow in real time, calculated from order data and laboratory master data
RS2 fills original racks from common analyser and TLA platforms, configured per platform
InTrac connects ATRAS stations, with a routing module for up to three destinations
A log entry per rack and per bulk output, and a result log after the last tube
InTrac runs on 24 V DC and detects blockages itself

In the project

What is coming your IT's way.

Commissioning an ATRAS is planned at 3 to 5 days. How much of that ties up your own IT we quantify in the discovery workshop against your system landscape rather than estimating it here. From your side the sorter needs two things: an LIS interface it can register and report back through, and the handover configuration of your analyser or TLA platform – racks and connection points are set up per platform, not promised across the board. We look at both together with the people responsible for your IT before any decisions are made.

The ATRAS LIS connection (an extract, separated by status)

Connected

NEXUS · SWISSLABDedalusMOLIS (CompuGroup)MEDATMELOSGLIMSLXLabeneLabuniq

Not yet connected

Bartelt

An extract, not a closing list. The connection usually runs over ASTM; whether your site runs it directly or through STIWA LabFlow or LabConnect depends on your system landscape and is settled with your IT in the discovery workshop.

Bring your IT to the discovery workshop, and we settle interface questions in the same meeting.

Impact & trust

Projects that show what is possible.

Automated sample reception in the Munich leukaemia laboratory

MLL München

Fully automated sample logistics in a leukaemia lab

0manual interventions

3systems integrated

Europe & international

View all projects →

16Labs