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Case Study | Broadband Infrared Diagnostics

Accelerating workflow efficiency with advanced thawing technology

Broadband Infrared Diagnostics

Broadband Infrared Diagnostics, a leader in advanced biomedical research, focuses on early cancer detection using cutting-edge femtosecond and attosecond metrology. Based near München, the company specializes in cancer biology, genetics, and molecular pathology, working with a variety of biological samples such as plasma, serum, and urine stored at -80°C.

Recently, Broadband Infrared Diagnostics transformed its sample handling by adopting the SPL GUARD Arizona thawing station. This innovative device significantly accelerates the thawing process and improves consistency across sample batches, streamlining workflows and ensuring more accurate results in their critical cancer research.

Challenges before implementation

Dr. Fleischmann, Biorepository Manager at Broadband Infrared Diagnostics, faced several challenges in the lab’s thawing process. Handling human plasma, serum, and other biological samples stored at -80℃, the team relied on water baths set to 4℃, which took 1 to 1.5 hours to thaw a full rack of 96 tubes (0.5ml aliquots). Even then, uneven thawing was common—samples on the edges thawed faster, while those in the center remained frozen. This inefficiency slowed down the research process and introduced variability in the sample quality.

Since adopting the SPL GUARD Arizona, the lab has seen remarkable improvements. The thawing time for a full rack of 96 tubes has been reduced to just 5-6 minutes, with consistent temperature control across all samples. This rapid and uniform thawing has eliminated the previous issue of uneven sample thawing and enhanced the reliability of their experimental results.

Laser Spectroscopy Application

In addition to general sample handling, the SPL GUARD Arizona significantly improved thawing times for laser spectroscopy experiments. Previously, thawing 25 measurement samples and 8 quality control samples in 0.6ml tubes took 45 minutes. With the Arizona, this process now only takes 2-2.5 minutes, allowing the team to prepare samples quickly and more efficiently between measurements.

 

Enhanced workflow and productivity

The Arizona’s automatic stop feature at +4℃ further streamlined operations. With previous thawing methods, Dr. Fleischmann and his team had to decide mid-experiment whether to thaw another batch or postpone it. The Arizona now gives them the flexibility to wait until their laser system is ready, with just enough time to thaw samples during the 20-minute cleaning procedure between batches. This has allowed for smoother transitions and better use of lab time, greatly improving productivity.

Results and Recommendations

 

  • Thawing time reduced by up to 18x, from 1-1.5 hours to 5-6 minutes for large sample racks.
  • Increased consistency in thawing, eliminating temperature variations between samples.
  • Improved workflow efficiency, allowing teams to manage batches seamlessly between laser spectroscopy measurements.
  • Time-saving of up to 43 minutes in smaller experiments, accelerating research timelines.

Conclusion

The SPL GUARD Arizona has proven to be an essential tool in modernizing and streamlining sample processing at Broadband Infrared Diagnostics. By reducing thawing times, increasing consistency, and providing greater flexibility in managing experiments, the Arizona has enabled the team to work more efficiently and effectively. Dr. Fleischmann highlights that the device has improved decision-making during experiments, as the rapid thawing allows researchers to adjust their schedules based on real-time conditions, rather than waiting for extended thawing periods.

With its robust performance and user-friendly design, the SPL GUARD Arizona has become an indispensable part of the lab’s operations. Dr. Fleischmann strongly recommends this device to other laboratories aiming to enhance their workflow, particularly those handling sensitive biological samples where speed and precision are critical. The Arizona is not just a thawing station; it is a key driver in improving research timelines, accuracy, and overall productivity.

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