ThunderBolt® automatic ELISA system

Product detail

Overview

ThunderBolt® is an automated system from Gold Standard Diagnostics (USA), designed for enzyme immunoassays (EIA/ELISA), with chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) capability available through an optional reader.

The system combines a sample-handling robot, incubation, washing and reading modules, and a laptop with control software to automate assay workflows and manage data.

Features and benefits

Automates sample processing, dilution, dispensing, incubation, washing and result reading.
Supports multiple assays in one run, with software for workflow control and data management.
Uses a micro-syringe and fixed needles to reduce the need for disposable tips.
Sample and reagent racks are mounted on sliding trays for convenient handling.
A probe-mounted camera supports monitoring and remote troubleshooting.
Forced-convection incubation promotes even heat distribution across wells.
The integrated orbital shaker allows dispensing and/or incubation during shaking.

Additional features from catalogue GSDM-0005.C

Up to 8 different protocols can be programmed and run in one batch; CLIA assays require the CLIA+EIA configuration.
Independent tracking and timing for individual wells.
Two external wash bottles.
Software supports customizable test protocols and report generation, with a multilingual interface.
Calculation methods include point-to-point interpolation, linear regression, cubic spline, 4PL and 5PL, with Lin-Lin, Lin-Log and Log-Log representations.
Bidirectional LIS connectivity via RS232, USB or TCP/IP; compatibility with the LIS in use must be confirmed.

Specifications from the July 2018 document

The specifications and configuration below are based on the document dated 16 July 2018. Please confirm the currently supplied configuration during consultation.

General specifications

Parameter	Value
Model	ThunderBolt®
Manufacturer	Gold Standard Diagnostics (USA)
Country of origin	USA
Assay principles	EIA/ELISA; CLIA with the optional chemiluminescence reader
Operating temperature	20–24 °C
Operating humidity	20–90%
Power supply	100–265 V; 50–60 Hz
Power consumption	12 W without the incubator; 120 W maximum
Dimensions W × D × H	64 × 57 × 45 cm
Weight	28 kg

Sample handling and incubation

Parameter	Value
Intelligent sample racks	3 racks, accommodating up to 192 samples in total; sample positions tracked by sample ID
Compatible sample tubes	12, 13 or 16 mm diameter; 75 mm length
Reagent rack	16 positions for bottles 22–35 mm in diameter, with adapters for different bottle types
Microtiter plate carrier	2 reaction plate positions and 1 pre-dilution plate position
Probe assembly	Single probe with a dual-needle system; no disposable tips required
Aspiration and dispensing volume	1–300 µL; CV < 3% according to the supplied document
Liquid level detection	Conductivity-based; minimum detection volume 50 µL
Incubator	Forced convection; heating up to 46 °C

Photometric reader

Parameter	Value
LED wavelengths	405, 450, 490, 550 and 630 nm; custom wavelengths available
Photometric range	0–3.0 OD
Spectral range	400–700 nm
Read time	Approximately 2 minutes per plate
Accuracy	0–2.000 OD: ±0.003 OD or CV < 1%; 2.001–3.000 OD: CV < 1.5%
Resolution	0.001 OD
Linearity	< 1% at 0–2.000 OD (typical); < 2% at 2.001–3.000 OD

Optional chemiluminescence reader

The following CLIA specifications apply only when the system is fitted with the optional chemiluminescence reader.

Parameter	Value
Detection type	Glow chemiluminescence
Spectral range	300–500 nm
Dark count	50 counts per second (standard)
Measuring time	100 ms; adjustable from 100 to 1,000 ms
Dynamic range	6 orders of magnitude

Orbital shaker

Parameter	Value
Amplitude	1 mm
Speed	Up to 900 rpm
Capacity	3 microtiter plates: 2 reaction plates and 1 pre-dilution plate
Voltage	24 V

Computer and software

Parameter	Value
Processor	Intel Atom
RAM	1 GB
Hard disk	160 GB
Display	800 × 600 pixels
Connectivity	USB, RS232; the computer also provides Ethernet and additional USB ports
Operating system	Windows 7 or Windows 8, as specified in the 2018 document

Pre-installed graphical software provides method lists, data management, bidirectional connectivity with compatible LIS systems, and audible alerts for operating errors or instrument faults. LIS compatibility must be confirmed for each system.

Supported barcodes

Codabar, Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5, Code 93, Code 2 of 5, IATA Code 2 of 5, Matrix 2 of 5, Code 11, Code 128, Telepen, UPC A, UPC E, EAN 13, EAN 8, MSI, Plessey, RSS-14, RSS-14 Limited, RSS-14 Expanded, China Post Code, PDF417.