The Netherlands

Radboud UMC

RadboudUMC, one of the largest and leading Academic Medical Centers in The Netherlands, has reported on its effective use of the Micronic Screw Cap Recapper to securely seal its valuable DNA samples. Mr Alwin Rikken, Operational Manager of the Central Genome Analysis Laboratory (CGAL) at the Human Genetics Department – Genome Diagnostics, praises its affordability and reliability.

The CGAL conducts research on the relation between genes and diseases. Using advanced analysing techniques, the CGAL provides high quality and up-to-date prenatal and postnatal diagnostics of genetic disorders for patients and their families. The Genome Analysis Laboratory is equipped with the latest technologies to perform various types of diagnostic services. The entire Genome Diagnostics division performs over 25.000 tests each year. By offering the CGAL a timesaving recapping solution, Micronic experts help them advance their important and meaningful research.

Expanding capabilities

The CGAL plans to expand their diagnostic capabilities. Mr Rikken commented: “We are planning to store 400.000 DNA samples a t the end of the year. At the moment we have an automated storage system with a capacity of almost 400.000 samples. We are working on a new storage system with a capacity of 1.4 million samples.” In the future, the CGAL wants to store the DNA samples of its Research Department and the RadboudUMC Biobank, along with the DNA samples of Genome Diagnostics.

Since the CGAL is growing, the Micronic Screw Cap Recapper is very suited to make the work in the laboratory faster and easier. The Recapper is able to cap, decap or recap 96 tubes in a single action, and decaps Screw Caps from a full 96-tube storage rack in less than 30 seconds. Through the graphical touch screen interface the operator is able to select any rack to cap, decap or recap without using different adapters for different tube sizes. The Screw Cap Recapper uses a precisely determined torque value for optimal sealing quality thereby minimizing sample evaporation and maximizing the integrity of samples. Mr Rikken would recommend the Screw Cap Recapper to other labs:

“It’s a very smoothly running, easy to use and silent device. I also think it is a great benefit that the Screw Cap Recapper is contamination-free”

Compatibility is key

The Screw Cap Recapper is also compatible with other brands of tubes and caps. This means that it is possible to use tubes or caps from another brand, and still benefit from the wide range of qualities the Recapper offers.

For further information about the Human Genetics Department and the CGAL please visit this website.