EuroLabAutomation '98

EuroLabAutomation '98

SPONSORS

Abbott Diagnostics

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Beckman Coulter

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Bayer Diagnostics

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Roche Diagnostics Boehringer Mannheim

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Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics

Scientific Committee

Robin Felder, Chairman, University of Virginia, USA

Pierangelo Bonini, Istituto Scientifico — Milano, Italy

Richard Gray, The Technology Partnership plc, United Kingdom

John Harris, BioFocus plc, United Kingdom

Georg Hoffmann, Trillium GmbH, Germany

Richard Jones, University of Leeds, United Kingdom

John McVittie, John Radcliffe Hospital, United Kingdom

John Souverijn, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands

Alain Truchaud, Institut de Biologie — Nantes, France

Michael Wheeler, St. Thomas' Hospital, United Kingdom

Mark Whittaker, British Bio-technology Ltd., United Kingdom

Association for Laboratory Automation Board Of Directors

Robin Felder, University of Virginia, USA

David Herold, VA Medical Center — San Diego, USA

Tony Beugelsdijk, Los Alamos National Laboratory, USA

Short Course Programme

The EuroLabAutomation '98 Short Course Programme allows delegates the opportunity for intensive exploration of selected topics in the field of laboratory automation. Formats vary from interactive tutorials to small classroom setting to hands-on computer courses. The Short Course Faculty represent the most distinguished automation practitioners in their respective field. They are here to pass on the latest concepts and experience in today's automated laboratories.

Descriptions of the Short Courses are posted on the conference Web page at http://eurolabautomation.org

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26* 8:45 AM – 12:30 PM

1. Overview of Clinical Laboratory Automation (Instructor: Robin Felder, University of Virginia, USA)

2. New Synthesis and Screening Technologies (Instructor: Richard Gray The Technology Partnership, UK)

3. Preparation to Total Laboratory Automation (Instructor: John Souverijn, University Hospital Leiden, The Netherlands and Georg Hoffmann, Trillium GmbH, Germany)

4. Introduction to Laboratory Robotics (Jason Armstrong, HTS Consulting, USA)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 • 8:45 AM – 12:30 PM

1. Exploiting Informatics in Clinical Decision Support (Instructor: Richard Jones University of Leeds, UK)

2. The Science of Combinatorial Chemistry (Instructors: Mark Whittaker, British Biotech, UK and Mark Bradley, Univ. of Southampton, UK)

3. Methods and Technologies for TQM in the Automated Clinical Laboratory (Instructor: Alain Truchaud, Institut de Biologie — Nantes, France)

4. Internet Functionality on Clinical Computer Systems (Instructor: John McVittie John Radcliffe Hospital, UK)

Monday, September 28

SESSION	TRACK 1 • CLINICAL
830–1000 1st Morning Slot	Felder: Clinical Laboratory Robotics: A Worldwide Status Report 1. T. Kawai, Jichi Medical School, Japan, “Can the Economies Resulting from Automation in Japanese Laboratories be Achieved in Europe?” 2. L. Crolla, Loyola University Medical Center, USA, “Automation Financial Metrics: Considerations and Case Histories” 3. D. Mitchell, Bayer Diagnostics, USA, “A Modular Approach to Automation”
1000–1030 Coffee Break
1030–1200 2nd Morning Slot	Wheeler: Total Laboratory Automation1. M. Gannon, Beckman Coulter, “Planning an Automated Laboratory a Manufacturer's Perspective”2. D. Guthrie, St. Thomas' Hospital, UK, “Planning an Automated Laboratory: a User's Perspective”3. P. Sinha, Humboldt University Berlin, Germany, “Systemization of the Clinical Laboratory”
1200–1400 Lunch Break
1400–1530 1st Afternoon Slot	McVittie: Laboratory Information Systems1. L. Sharman, Datalog International Ltd., UK, “Understanding the Importance of Interdependency in the Hospital Environment”2. T. Quainton, ACT Medisys Ltd., UK, “The Economics and Reality of Laboratory System Development”3. J. Kay, Oxford Radcliffe Hospital, UK, “How to get There from Here: Communicating with Legacy Systems”
1530–1630 Afternoon Slot
1630–1800 2nd Afternoon Slot	Souverijn: Clinical Case Histories1. A. Hagen, Roche Diagnostics Boehringer Mannheim, Germany, “Case Studies of Laboratory Reorganization Projects”2. J. Souverijn, University Hospital Leiden, The Netherlands, “Experiences with the Clinical Laboratory Automation System (CLAS)”3. M. Wheeler, St. Thomas' Hospital, UK, “All the Eggs in One Basket: Good or Bad?”

SESSION	TRACK 2 • BIOANALYTICAL/PHARMACEUTICAL
830–1000 1st Morning Slot	Gray: Automation in Drug Discovery1. P. Coffey, Biotage, USA, “Optimisation for High Throughput Screening”2. M. McDowall et al, Micromass, UK, “High Throughput Drug Discovery Applications”3. A. Organ, SmithKline Beecham, UK, “Mass Spectrometry: Meeting the Ever Changing Needs of the Combinatorial Chemist”
1000–1030 Coffee Break
1030–1200 2nd Morning Slot	Whittaker: Automation of High Throughput Organic Synthesis1. N. Hird, SmithKline Beecham, UK, “High Throughput Automated Array Synthesis in Practice”2. D. Rudge, Zeneca, UK, “Experiences in Developing an Automated Synthesis Laboratory Using Zymate Robotic Systems to Undertake Solution Phase Chemistry”3. D. Cheshire, Astra Charnwood, UK, “Selling Automation to the Medicinal Chemist”
1200–1400 Lunch Break
1400–1530 1st Afternoon Slot	Harris: High Throughput Screening1. S. Holland, Glaxo Wellcome, UK, “Breaking a Bottleneck in the Lead Discovery Process: the Development of Automated Liquid Store (ALS) at Glaxo Wellcome”2. T. Jessen, Evotec, Germany, “EVOscreen: a Miniaturized High Throughput Screening System for Primary and Secondary Testing”3. H. Kessmann, Discovery Technologies Ltd. Switzerland, “Industrialization of Discovery: the HTS-Factory”
1530–1630 Afternoon Tea
1630–1800 2nd Afternoon Slot	Guest Chairman: J. Armstrong: Advanced Technologies in High Throughput Screening1. J. Armstrong, HTS Consulting, USA, “The Automation of High Throughput Screening and Ultra-High Throughput Screening for Drug Discovery”2. J. Elands, Zymark, USA, “The Allegro Architecture: a New Paradigm in Ultra High Throughput Screening”3. A. Watt, Merck Sharp and Dohme, UK, “High Throughput Pharmacokinetics using Automated Sample Preparation with LC-MS/MS Analysis”

Tuesday, September 29

SESSION	TRACK 1 • CLINICAL
830–1000 1st Morning Slot	Jones: Process Control Software1. D. Harding, Thurnall, UK, “Thurnall's Approach to Complex Automation Projects using Core Software Modules”2. G. Auchinleck, and N. Willis Neoteric Technology, Canada “Beyond the Wall:….”3. A.P. Kumar and T. Kaufmann, Fraunhofer Institut, Germany “Object-Oriented Framework: Future Solution for Automated Laboratory Production Control”
1000–1030 Coffee Break
1030–1200 2nd Morning Slot	Bonini: Automation and Integration to Improve Health Care Delivery1. P. Bonini et al, H. San Raffaele, Italy “Smart Raf: a San Raffaele Project for the Smart Hospital of the 2000s: the Role of the Clinical Laboratory”2. J. Hoelper, Hewlett-Packard, Germany, “The I-STAT Technology: Improving Analytical Quality and Communication between Central Laboratory and Point of Care Stations”3. E. Allyn, Welch Allyn, UK, “The Office of the Future: a Welch Allyn Project for an Integrated Vision of the Healthcare System”
1200–1400 Lunch Break
1400–1530 1st Afternoon Slot	Hoffmann: Computer Simulation and Laboratory Automation1. G. Hoffmann, Trillium GmbH, Germany, “Principles and Applications of Computer Simulation in the Clinical Laboratory”2. S. Braun, German Heart Centre Munich, Germany, “Computer Simulation: a Practical Approach to Automation Planning and Cost Control”3. J. Altmeppen, Sysmex GmgH, Germany, “Application of Computer Simulation Models (CoSiMo) for Optimizing Productivity and Efficiency in Medical Laboratories: the Sysmex Gallery”
1530–1630 Afternoon Tea
1630–1800 2nd Afternoon Slot	Truchaud: Designing and Managing the Automated Laboratory1. K Mortland, Karlsberger Lab and Technology Group, USA, “Trends in Laboratory Design: Incorporating Robotics”2. D. Vallens, Hopital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France, “Project Management Towards an Integrated Clinical Laboratory in a New French Public Hospital”3. A. Truchaud, Institut de Biologie, “Quality Assurance in Laboratory Automation”

SESSION	TRACK 2 • BIOANALYTICAL/PHARMACEUTICAL
830–1000 1st Morning Slot	Guest Chair: A. Kopf-Sill: Microfabrication, Microfluidics and Nanotechnology1. A. Kopf-Sill, Caliper Technologies, USA, “Lab-On-A-Chip”2. R. Pethig, University of Wales, UK, “Development of Bioprocessor Chips using A.C. Electrokinetic Phenomena”3. A. De Mello, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, “Chemical Intergrated Circuits: The Future for Chemical Synthesis”
1000–1030 Coffee Break
1030–1200 2nd Morning Slot	Guest Chair: M. Lebl: Microfabrication, Microfluidics and Nanotechnology1. M. Lebl, Trega Biosciences and Spyder Instruments, USA, “(Semi) Automated Synthesis of Large Arrays of Organic Molecules”2. D. Vetter, Graffinity Pharmacutical Design, Germany, “Managing Sample Traffic on a Square”3. H. Gausepohl, ABIMED, Germany, “Automated Array Type Synthesis of Peptides, PNA and Oligonucleotides”
1200–1400 Lunch Break
1400–1530 1st Afternoon Slot	Guest Chair: R. Pethig: Biotechnology1. G. Knebel, Greiner, Germany, “The New Era in Microplate Technology: High Throughput Screening with 1536 Wells”2. H Becker, Jenoptik Mikrotechnik GmbH, Germany, “Planar Polymer Chips with Microfluidic Channel Systems for Applications in Chemistry and Life Sciences3. P. Merel, Unite de Surveillance Biologique (USB), France, “Automation of a Reverse Dot-Blot Procedure on the Biomek 2000 for PCR Products Detection”
1530–1630 Afternoon Tea
1630–1800 2nd Afternoon Slot	Guest Chair: J. Jett: Advances in Detection and Separation Technologies1. J. Jett, Los Alamos National Laboratory, USA, “DNA Fragment Size Analysis by Flow Cytometry: Measurements and Applications”2. C. Frey, Gilson, USA, “8X Parallel HPLC”3. M. Vavra, Gensym, USA “Intelligent HPLC Method Development using Gensym's Lab Expert System”

Course descriptions and schedule are subject to change

Social Programme

Guided walking tours of Oxford Past and Present — An introductory tour of the ancient heart of the city of Oxford will highlight the numerous medieval to pre-Victorian colleges as well as the great gothic and Restoration buildings of the University and Bodleian Library. The guide, a member of the Oxford Guild of Guides, will describe their history and architecture and how the University operates today. As a special feature for EuroLabAutomation delegates, sites around Oxford with special significance for the history of science will be included. The tour lasts approximately two hours and will begin at the Porter's Lodge at Keble College.

Blenheim Palace — Delegates will travel by coach to Blenheim Palace (right), 8 miles north of Oxford at the town of Woodstock. Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was built for John Churchill, first Duke of Marlborough, in recognition of his victory at the battle of Blenheim in 1704. Sir Winston Churchill was born here. The Palace is set in 2,100 acres of parkland landscaped by “Capability” Brown and is one of the finest examples of English Baroque. The collection comprises tapestries, paintings, sculpture and fine furniture set in magnificent gilded state rooms. Blenheim's Gardens are renowned for their beauty and range from the formal Water Terraces, Italian Garden and Rose Garden to the natural charm of the Arboretum, Pleasure Grounds and Cascade.

Open-top bus tour of Oxford — Delegates will receive a one-day pass for the Guide Friday open-top bus tour of Oxford, to be used at the delegate's convenience during Saturday or Sunday, 26–27 September. The view from the top of the bus gives a different perspective on Oxford, and the live commentary by a well-informed guide makes this a pleasant and entertaining introduction to the sights of the city. The entire tour takes about one hour, but delegates may also get off and on at any stop along the tour.

See schedule for details on times and dates.

Agenda at a Glance

Note 1: Delegates registered for Options 1 and 3.2 attend Short Courses on both Saturday and Sunday.

Delegates registered for Option 3.1 attend a single Short Course on either Saturday or Sunday.

Note 2: Admission to dinners at Keble College during EuroLabAutomation '98 is included with delegate Option 1 (Friday through Monday dinners) and Option 2 (Saturday through Monday dinners). Options 3.x (Day Delegate Options) DO NOT include dinner.

The Exhibition Area will be open to the invited public on Monday and Tuesday, September 28 and 29, from 1400 to 1730

Course descriptions and schedule are subject to change.

EuroLabAutomation '98 would like to recognize and thank the corporate sponsors of the premier edition of the EuroLabAutomation meeting.

Through their generous support, these companies have demonstrated their leadership in the field of laboratory automation and their commitment to advancing in the quality and efficiency of laboratory science.

Exhibitors

Advanced Biotechnologies, a privately owned UK company, has rapidly established itself as a major manufacturer of consumables, kits and reagents for molecular biology research. The main office is in Epsom, Surrey, with a manufacturing site in Kent and an office in Hamburg, Germany. Recently, the company has developed an automated PCR plate sealer for high throughput screening. Units B1-B2 Longmead Business Park, Blenheim Road, Epsom, Surry, KT19 9QQ, UK, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone] Stand 40

AEA Technology have developed an integrated approach for satisfying the demand for laboratory automation from pharmaceutical companies. Using advanced systems, AEA Technology can provide a complete system, tailored to the specific needs of our customers. We can add value to the design process, through simulation, modelling and specification development. We provide hardware and software solutions based on our own standard solutions, or by integrating proprietary equipment. Our approach to the design of automated liquid stores and sample replication maximises compound life, security and throughput. F4 Culham, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 3DB, UK, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stand 46

Alpha Laboratories Ltd are pleased to announce that the new Rosys Plato 7 will form the central point of their exhibition. As well as this latest advance in tailored automation solutions, information and examples from Alphas other key ranges, including laboratory consumables and liquid handling, will also be on display. 40 Parham Drive, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 4NU, UK, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stand 1

Anachem Ltd provides products, expertise and support to customers involved with chemical/biochemical preparation, measurement, analysis and production. As an independent integrator, Anachem selects the most appropriate products to satisfy customer needs for efficiency, precision, throughput and cost. 20 Charles St., Luton, Bedfordshire, LU2 0EB, UK, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stands 7, 8, 9, 10

Argonaut Technologies AG develops technology aimed at accelerating organic synthesis: Nautilus, a fully automated synthesizer for reaction optimization and library synthesis. Quest, manual parallel synthesizer (with optional automated solvent wash) for solution-and solid phase synthesis. Trident modules, scaleable (from manual to fully automated) technology for library synthesis. Resin and polymer reagents for solid- and solution phase synthesis. St. Jakob-Strasse 148, P.O. Box 43, CH-4132 Muttenz 2, Switzerland, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stand 26

Beckman Coulter, Inc. Experience the “Power of Process” through Progressive Automation at the Beckman Coulter Automation Stand. The stand features Systemized, Modular and Total Laboratory Automation. Whatever your automation needs, look to the Beckman Coulter Automation Solution. Northwell Drive, Luton, LU3 3RH, UK, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Suite B

BioDot Ltd will be showing Cartesian Technologies PixSys, a quantitative nanolitre aspirate dispense system. Cartesian Technologies is a technology-based automation company that manufactures equipment for pharmaceutical and agrochemical applications. Cartesian offers several products for the following applications: Quantitative nanolitre dispensers for screening and genomic High-throughput microplate labelers Automation Works Cells using conveyors, stackers and processing stations for robust microplate processing. 1 Home Farm Court, Diddington, Cambridgeshire PE18 9XU, UK, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stand 18

BioStart GmbH is a non-profit bio business development company that supports the bioregion of Jena, Germany, in its efforts to develop novel technologies of bioinstrumentation. BIOSTART looks for collaboration partners in the fields of biochips, lab-miniaturization and lab-automation in molecular biology, clinical chemistry and molecular medicine. P.O. Box, D-07739 Jena, Germany, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stands 35, 36

Biotage UK Ltd Designed for combinatorial chemists, Biotage's Parallex HPLC uses four columns in parallel, each with its own intelligent fraction collector, and features an autosampler that can accept up to 768 samples in eight deep-well plates. A rapid, “universal” reverse-phase gradient enables the system to operate at up to 40 samples/hour! An information pathway in Microsoft Access allows data to be passed from the Parallex HPLC directly to a networked or central database for analysis and evaluation. 15 Harforde Court, Foxholes Business Park, Hertford, SG13 7NW, UK, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stand 47

BMG LabTechnologies is an international manufacturing and distribution company specializing in microplate instrumentation. BMG's product line includes FLUOstar fluorometer, LUMIstar luminometer and POLARstar fluorescence polarization reader in microplates. BMG pioneered 384 well compatibility, 250–900 nm wavelength, orbital shaking, standard time resolved measurement and completely enclosed incubation. P.O. Box 73, Aylesbury, HP20 2 QJ, UK, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stands 2, 3

Carl Creative Systems/Packard Instruments specializes in the design and manufacturing of liquid handling systems for life science research, in-vitro diagnostics and pharmaceutical drug discovery. Products include: PlateTrak: a range of high throughput plate conveyor systems with removable plate stacks and modules, available for 96/384 parallel dispensing, washing, filtration, drying; PlateStak: a stacker-feeder handling microplates, deep-wells, in removable stacks up to 50 plates high. Simple RS232 control. 3, Nursery Cottages, Rufforth, York YO2 3QB, UK Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stand 24

Combitech was established in March 1996 with the goal of creating a significant presence in the rapidly expanding drug discovery market. Combitech is the exclusive distributor of a number of leading edge products including the ROBOLAB 9600 automated laboratory which is world's only true, fully automated, High Throughput Screening system. Lenvale House, Hollingworth Court, Ashford Rd., Maidstone, Kent, ME14 5TH, UK Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stand 11

Genetic Research Instrumentation Ltd will be displaying a wide range of products with robotics compatibility. On display will be the Robbins Hydra with automated stage for dispensing from 96 well plates into 384 well or 96 well plates. The MJ Research Tetrad with automated power bonnets for high throughput screening. Along with these tried and tested products will be some new and revolutionary products which will be launched for the first time at an UK exhibition. Gene House, Queenborough Lane, Rayne, Baintree, Essex, CM7 8TF, UK Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Suite A

Genevac Ltd will be exhibiting an Atlas high throughput evaporation systems. Atlas systems eliminate the solvent drying bottleneck in high throughput applications for many leading pharmaceutical, agrochemical and Biotechnology laboratories. New technology and large sample capacity allows ultra rapid evaporation of up to a litre or more of even the most difficult samples, such as DMF, DMSO, TFA and NMP at low sample temperatures. Atlas systems accommodate samples in most formats including microtitre plates and vials. These flexible high performance systems have been refined and proved in working laboratories. The Sovereign Centre, Farthing Road, Ipswich, IP1 5AP, UK Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stand 5

Gensym Corporation is a leading supplier of software products and services for intelligent real-time systems that help organizations manage and optimize complex dynamic operations. Common applications include process optimization, dynamic scheduling, quality management, energy and environmental management, and abnormal situation management. Gensym's customers cover all industries and include Eli Lilly, Bayer, Glaxo Wellcome, SmithKline Beecham and Biochemie. The Eclipse, 5 Bath Rd., Slough, SL1 3UA, UK Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stand 4

Gilson, Inc. will exhibit their NEBULA Seriesä, automated high throughput solutions for combinatorial chemistry and pharmaceutical R&D laboratories. Gilson will feature the Multiple Probe 215 with eight position injector (ideal for injection on LC and LC/MS) and the Micro 215 Liquid Handler (designed for the demands of smaller injection volumes). 3000 W. Beltline Highway, Middleton, WI 53562, USA, Tel: Toll free in North America [phone], Fax: [phone] Stands 7,8,9,10

Greiner Labortechnik Ltd, one of the first commercial manufactures of 96-well microplates over 30 years ago, has maintained its position as one of the market leaders by continued investment in Research and Development. This is evidenced by the launch of the first commercially available 1536-well plate conforming to SBS standards. Brunel Way, Stroudwater Business Park, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, GL 10 3 SX, UK, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stand 37

Hamilton (GB) Ltd will feature the MICROLAB® 4000 and 4200 Robotic Pipetting Systems for automated sample preparation. An extensive range of engineered accessories permit MICROLAB® systems to be configured for processing 96/384 well microplates, vacuum assisted — solid phase extraction, HTS — high throughput screening, and DNA sequencing applications. Lyne Riggs Estate, Lancaster Road, Carnforth, Lancashire LA5 9EA, UK, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stand 17

Icalis Data Systems specialises in automating processes for instrument control, data acquisition, data processing report organisation and a comprehensive interface to LIMS. Products on show will be our automated Dissolution software, incorporating a unique ODBC LIMS interface using SQL calls. New to the UK… a high resolution UV-Visible Fibre Optics spectrophotometer using LabVIEW® software; and AI Scientific AIM1250 XYZ Autosampler with a unique extension for large sample processing. Park Farm Stables, Carters Hill, Arborfield Cross, Reading, Berkshire RG2 9JJ, UK, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stand 32

Labman Automation Limited is a dynamic, innovative robotics company specializing in providing complete automated turnkey instruments for scientific laboratories worldwide. Labman has developed automated solutions for lead discovery, compound weighing and labeling. High Throughput Screening, high density DNA array applications, HPLC sample preparation, wet chemistry applications and water industry applications. 1 Wainstones Court, Stokesley Industrial Park, Stokesley, North Yorkshire TS9 5JY, UK, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stands 33, 34

Labotix provides laboratory automation solutions for specimen tube preparation, sorting, transport, tracking and storage. System configurations can include automated aliquotting, robotic analyzer interfaces and on-line refrigerated storage. Pre-analytical and total laboratory automation systems are manufactured for clinical laboratories using multi-diameter specimen carriers and a unique dual lane transport system. 2015 Fisher Drive, P.O. Box 897, Peterborough, ON K9J 7A2, Canada, Tel: Toll free in North America [phone], [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stand 42

Matrix Technologies Corporation's focus is on three forms of liquid handling technologies geared to individual requirements: Manual, Speedamation and Automation. Matrix products include Micronic manual pipettors, Electrapette Workstations, and the new electronic Impact and Impact2 Multichannel and Single Channel Pipettors. Additional lines include the new Platemate, automated 96/384 plate processors for High Throughput Screening and Drug Discovery and Disposable tips, Integrity filter tips, Reservoirs, and additional disposable vessels for High Throughput Screening and Combinatorial Library applications. 13 Croft Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 6JJ, UK, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stand 50

Micromass UK Ltd …the mass spectrometry people. Micromass is a division of Waters Corporation. Responsibilities for product design, technology development and strategic planning rest with the corporate headquarters based in Manchester, UK. Micromass' subsidiary companies across North America and Europe together with an integrated network of distributors and agents provides global sales and service coverage. Tudor Road, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 SR2, UK, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stand 29

Microscan Systems, Inc. designs and manufactures laser and CCD technology providing automatic data capture solutions for clinical diagnostic systems and automated laboratory equipment. The companyworks directly with the OEM modifying Microscan products so that they will accommodate specific application requirements. 2 Clifton Court, Cambridge, CB1 4BN, UK, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stand 13

Nalge Nunc is an ISO 9001 certified world leader in production and supply of laboratory plasticware. Nunc aims to meet today's customer needs with the widest range of up-to-date products within Molecular Biology, Cell Culture, Genomics and Immunology and to help them to use our products to their best advantage. Nunc's keywords are: Innovation, Cooperation, Quality & Service. Kamstrupvej 90, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stand 49

The Olympus Diagnostic Systems Division is a systems provider for in vitro diagnostics, with a long tradition in the product segments clinical chemistry, electrophoresis and transfusion testing. It serves mostly large and medium size hospitals, commercial clinical laboratories and bloodbanks. Olympus Diagnostica GmbH represents the Olympus Diagnostic Systems Division in the territories of Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and includes the worldwide “centre of competence” for Olympus Clinical Chemistry reagents in its Irish branch. Wenden Strasse 14-16, 20097 Hamburg, Germany, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stands 38, 39

The Packard Instrument Company's MultiPROBE® automated liquid handling systems automatically change from fixed, washable sampling tips to a variety of disposable tips. The FluoroCount® microplate fluorometer provides ultrahigh sensitivity at an affordable price. The TopCount NXT® microplate scintillation and luminescence counters count up to 12 samples at a time, running under Windows NT® operating software and a built-in database. Brook House, 14 Station Road, Pangbourne, Berkshire RG8 7AN, UK, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stand 23

PE Biosystems: On the PE Biosystems¬ stand you will be able to learn more on the many new products which are primarily for use by researchers, scientists and technicians in the rapidly growing area of life sciences. These technologies are widely used for automated high throughput analyses in support of proteomics, drug discovery, clinical trials, drug metabolism studies and development in the pharmaceutical industry. Featured will be the new Solaris 530 CombiChem Synthesis System and LC/MS complementary products. Information will also be available on Tropix¬, the leader in luminescent reagents, systems and services for ultra HTS applications. PE Applied Biosystems¬ has also assembled a consortium of bioinformatics providers to build powerful, automated bioinformatics systems. PE Applied Biosystems GmbH, Paul-Ehrlich Str 17, 63225 Langen, Germany Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone] Stand 45

RTS Thurnall plc is one of Europe's largest suppliers of automated laboratory systems. The company provides automated solutions for drug discovery applications including a range of advanced compound storage and retrieval products, integrated plate re-formatting and advanced HTS & UHTS systems. Designed to individual client requirements, Thurnall systems integrate the most appropriate, cost effective, proprietary equipment available. Northbank Industrial Park, Irlam, Manchester M44 5BL, UK, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stand 48

Robbins Scientific will feature its Hydra-96® and Hydra-384® microdispensers with automated plate positioner for high throughput genome analysis. CyclePlates 384 and 192 have standard outside dimensions, but each well is divided to quadruple or double sample processing without any hardware changes. Also shown will be TruTemp® DNA Microheating System for DNA sequencing, hot start PCR, and in situ hybridization. 814 San Aleso Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA, 94086, USA Tel:[phone], Fax: [phone]. Stand 41

Sarstedt are a manufacturer and supplier of a variety of single use disposable clinical and laboratory products together with a range of laboratory instruments. Most recently this has included sample preparation and distribution systems designed to automate blood specimen processing. 68 Boston Road, Leicester, LE4 1AW, UK, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stands 27, 28

Scitec Laboratory Automation SA is an international company specialising in the design, development and integration of robotic systems, peripherals and software for laboratories in the pharmaceutical, chemical, clinical, environmental, biotechnological, food, cosmetic, metallurgic and aerospace industries. Avenue de Provence 18, Lausanne 20, CH-1000, Switzerland, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone] Stand 6

Tecan UK Ltd now offers economical workstation solutions for large automation projects. Get manageable, reliable results with fast setup time, and off-the-shelf plug-in components. A full selection of modules for microplate preparation and analysis are offered with the Genesis workstation. 18 The High Street, Goring on Thames, Reading, RS8 9AR, UK, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stands 30, 31

The Technology Partnership, Inc. is Europe's major innovation company. TTP develops new products, improves existing products, and supplies powerful automated instrumentation and manufacturing systems. TTP is well known throughout the pharmaceutical industry for its CellMate™ vaccine manufacturing system, HayStack™ automated compound store, and Myriad® automated synthesis products. Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, Royston, Herts, SG8 6EE, UK, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stand 12

TOA Medical Electronics (Europe) GmbH under the brand name SYSMEX develops system solutions for medical diagnostic laboratories around the world. As a reliable and responsible leader in haematology and coagulation, SYSMEX aims to stay ahead by providing most advanced and real innovative concepts for a complex, demanding and rapidly changing laboratory environment. Tarpen 15 a, D-22419 Hamburg, Germany, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stand 22

Whatman International Ltd will display the range of UniFilter microplates for quick and easy filtration, UniPlate collection plates, plus versatile accessories and systems. Including the innovative Hi-Tops system, specially designed for combinatorial chemists. We are experts in microplate technology and will work with you to solve your applications problems providing the ideal microplate solution. Whatman House, St. Leonard's Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0LS, UK, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stand 44

Zinsser Analytic (UK) Ltd presents its unique solutions in automation of chemical, analytical and laboratory diagnostic applications with X,Y,Z-Pipetting Systems since 1984 and more than 600 installations in the field. Our compact automation systems with powerful easy to use software include LISSY- universal pipetting system, SPEEDY-automatic Solid Phase Extraction and Filtration system, REDI-Resin Dispenser, SOPHAS-Synthesizer for more than 800 synthesis and MOSS-modular HTS-System. Howarth Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1AP, UK, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stand 43

Zymark Ltd will be introducing several new automation solutions for laboratory applications. Products and services include: laboratory robotics systems, automated workstations, and applications and validation services. Zymark's management and technical staff will be available for on-site consultations to discuss application needs and to provide advice on the most effective use of laboratory automation, 1, Wellfield, Preston Brook, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 3AZ, UK, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Stand 25

Oxford

Source: Bodleian Map Room Website. Used with permission

In the United States

Association for Laboratory Automation

572 Health Sciences Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA, Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • E-mail: [e-mail], Internet: http://labautomation.org

In the United Kingdom

EuroLabAutomation

4 Rivercourt, Trinity Street, Oxford OX1 1TQ UK, Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • E-mail: [e-mail]

Internet: http://eurolabautomation.org

VAT Registration No. 685 8048 89