UK Laboratory Selects the Solus Pathogen Detection System over Vidas
ALS Rotherham pathogen laboratory tests over half a million samples each year. Samples include raw and cooked meats and fish, dairy, chocolate and a number of ready-to-eat products. ALS Rotherham performed pathogen testing using six VIDAS units. But as industry demands increased, the laboratory needed to either purchase additional VIDAS units, or find an alternative solution all-together.
Throughput
| VIDAS | Solus |
| 6 VIDAS units | 3 Solus DS2 units |
| 5 runs per day | 3 runs per day |
| 30 samples per run, per unit | 186 samples per run, per unit |
| 900 samples per day | 1674 samples per day |
Space
| VIDAS | Solus | ||
| Bench space for 6 VIDAS units and heat blocks | 32.5 square feet | Bench space for 3 Solus DS2 units and heat blocks | 12.75 square feet |
| Refrigeration space for 1 week supply of test kits | 22 cubic feet | Refrigeration space for 1 week supply of test kits | 1.4 cubic feet |
Personnel
| VIDAS | Solus |
| Hand-pipetting 900 samples per day | Automated pipetting |
| Training – N/A | 1-2 days training with Solus representative on-site |
| Constant hands-on technician time | Up to 90 minutes between runs for a technician to perform other tasks |
ALS Rotherham made the move to Solus and is now processing nearly twice as many samples per day with lower associated costs. Fewer kit deliveries are required and refrigeration space has been reallocated to other stock. Technicians now have time to carry out other tasks during the work day and are less likely to suffer repetitive stress injuries.
