In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Arizona State University (ASU) established the ASU Biodesign Clinical Testing Lab (ABCTL) to help curb the transmission of the virus across the state. The lab faced an urgent need to scale testing rapidly while maintaining accuracy, efficiency, and traceability in sample handling. Selecting the right collection tube was critical to ensure compatibility with semi-automated workflows, liquid handling systems, and barcode scanning.
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Arizona State University
Scaling COVID-19 Testing with Precision
Solution
After evaluating their options, the ABCTL team chose Micronic 6 ml 2D Data-Matrix coded tubes, which fit seamlessly into existing racks and automated systems. The tubes were pre-labeled in-house to ensure dual identification, and then distributed to collection sites statewide. Samples were scanned, transported back to the lab, inactivated, and processed via fully automated liquid handling workflows, minimizing manual handling and ensuring consistent, traceable results.
Results
The implementation of Micronic tubes transformed ABCTL’s operations:
- Testing capacity skyrocketed from 500 to over 33,000 tests per week at the height of the COVID-19 winter wave in 2020.
- Efficient, automated sample processing streamlined workflows and reduced bottlenecks.
- Reliable sample tracking through 2D barcodes ensured accuracy and traceability throughout the testing pipeline.
Testimonial
Joseph Miceli, Lab Manager at ABCTL, explained:
“NBS Scientific provided excellent communication and shipment timelines, which were crucial for planning and executing a testing strategy of this scale. They’ve been a great partner, and we’re very pleased with the collaboration.”
Conclusion
By integrating Micronic 6 ml 2D-coded tubes into their workflows, ABCTL rapidly scaled COVID-19 testing while maintaining efficiency, traceability, and reliability, thereby demonstrating the critical role of robust sample handling solutions in high-demand testing scenarios.
