Copan Redefines Automated Specimen Processing with New Features

Copan unveiled new groundbreaking features of its Walk- Away Specimen Processor (WASP®) while attending the 110th General Meeting for the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) in San Diego, California this past May. Copan's line of automation was introduced to the market in 2008 with the launch of the WASP®, a revolutionary system for automatic planting and streaking of all microbiology samples. While attending the 110th ASM meeting, Copan unveiled truly revolutionary new features of its automation line, such as automatic Gram slide preparation, ability to place two different patient samples on one plate, inoculation and labeling of enrichment broths, and higher throughput capability.

Depending on the type of specimen, specimen processing of bacteriology samples consists of three different steps:
(a) planting and streaking of the sample;
(b) Gram slide preparation for doing Gram stains; and
(c) inoculation of enrichment broths for sub-culturing.

All three steps are important routine tasks that need to be done properly to ensure a reliable and accurate diagnosis, but are also very manual and require a lot of the technologists' time and effort. Until recently, in the field of automated specimen processing for bacteriology samples, processing had been defined and limited to planting and streaking. Automating planting and streaking was a much needed solution in a time of increasing workloads and diminishing resources. However, planting and streaking instruments currently in the market solved only one step of specimen processing.

Reducing repetitive stress injuries was one of the main factors sparking interest in automation in the front end of Microbiology. 'After launching the WASP®, Copan was constantly asked about the other two steps of specimen processing, Gram slide preparation and inoculation of pre-enrichment broths, because, while specimen processors manage the laborious task of planting and streaking diverse sample types, technologists still had to return to the specimen to open, sample and close to perform the two tasks that complete the specimen processing cycle,' stated Norman Sharples, Copan Diagnostics' Executive Vice President.

In addition to the Gram SlidePrep™ module, Copan's new generation WASP® can also inoculate enrichment broths, like LIM and Selenite, and automatically place a barcode on tubed media, while processing plated media at the same time. These exciting new features were well received by customers in the worldwide market launch because they truly complete the specimen processing circle in the pre-analytical phase of microbiology and provide a comprehensive, modular, and customizable solution to the arduous process of specimen setup. 'Microbiology needs a comprehensive specimen processor. The WASP®, now with its expanded capabilities, is not just a planting and streaking instrument, it truly automates all routine tasks in specimen processing,' said Dr. Paul Bourbeau, Director of Microbiology Laboratories at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA.

To watch a short video showcasing the new features, go to: www.copanusa.com/info/waspsilentmovie