Case Study: Future-Proofing Investments for Public Research Laboratories

Background

Public research labs contribute significantly to scientific innovation, often working with limited and variable funding. Equipment budgets are frequently directed toward analyzers, the backbone of the lab’s work, while cost-effective, durable peripherals are essential to maximize the use of available resources. Labs must manage these assets efficiently to allow future upgrades without needing costly replacements of compatible equipment. Public research labs typically invest in analyzer-specific autosamplers, which can lead to several obstacles:

• High Obsolescence Risk: When analyzers are updated or replaced, autosamplers often need to be replaced as well, even if still in working order.
• Limited Compatibility: New analyzers may require new peripherals, leading to extra costs that could otherwise be allocated to more impactful research resources, such as upgrading the analyzer itself.
• Budget Constraints: With restricted and irregular funding, labs must prioritize budget allocation toward high-impact equipment, avoiding recurrent costs on peripheral replacements.

Solution

The solution is choosing HTA’s Independent Autosamplers for budget and compatibility optimization. HTA offers universally compatible autosamplers that provide broad compatibility with a range of chromatographs and spectrometers. This unique design helps labs avoid locking autosamplers to specific analyzers, allowing for an adaptable and cost-efficient solution as analyzers are upgraded or reallocated.

Key Features of HTA Autosamplers:

• Extended Compatibility: HTA’s autosamplers are designed to work with multiple chromatographs and spectrometers, providing a flexible solution that adapts to lab upgrades.
• Reduced Replacement Costs: Labs can continue using the same autosampler even when analyzers are updated, eliminating the need for frequent peripheral replacements.
• Minimal Training Required: HTA autosamplers are user-friendly and require no significant retraining, allowing labs to implement them without interrupting workflow.

Implementation

Three years ago, a Food & Lifestock Control Agency equipped its existing 7890 GC with HTA’s all-in-one GC autosampler, replacing its basic automatic liquid sampler model, the 7683. Recently, the agency secured new funding to upgrade its analytical capabilities, purchasing a state-of-the-art Intuvo GCMS. Thanks to HTA’s universal design, the organization easily transferred the HTA autosampler from the 7890 GC to the new Intuvo GCMS without the need for an additional autosampler purchase.

Implementation Process:

• Seamless Transition: The HTA autosampler was moved from the older 7890 GC to the new Intuvo GCMS without compatibility issues, providing immediate functionality.
• Zero Retraining Required: HTA’s autosamplers are user-friendly, requiring no additional training when moved to the new analyzer, helping the lab maintain productivity through the transition.
• Cost Savings: The lab avoided the cost of purchasing a new autosampler, allowing them to allocate those funds toward high-impact research applications on the upgraded GCMS.

Results

The organization reported significant benefits within months of the Intuvo GCMS implementation:

• Reduced Equipment Costs: By moving the HTA autosampler to the new analyzer, the organization avoided redundant spending, saving thousands of dollars on new equipment.
• Enhanced Budget Efficiency: The lab was able to use funds saved on peripheral costs to support the purchase of a higher-grade analyzer, improving research capabilities without sacrificing budget.
• Improved Flexibility and Operational Efficiency: HTA’s autosampler design enabled a smooth transition between analyzers with minimal setup time, enhancing lab productivity without interruption.

Conclusion

HTA’s universal autosamplers provide public research organizations with a durable, adaptable solution to maximize budget efficiency. By choosing HTA, labs can move autosamplers seamlessly between analyzers, allowing them to allocate funds toward essential upgrades rather than redundant equipment purchases. HTA’s flexible autosamplers support today’s research while anticipating tomorrow’s needs, offering labs a sustainable, future-proof investment.

Contact us to learn more about how HTA’s autosamplers can support efficient lab upgrades and budget optimization.