MassSTAR – fast, reliable and fully automated for clinical labs
MassSTAR automates the processing of Chromsystems’ diagnostic assays, offering a CE-IVD-compliant, walkaway solution for clinical laboratories. Designed to replicate manual workflows with high fidelity, it minimises pipetting errors while maintaining analytical precision.
With built-in error handling, workflow monitoring and Total Aspiration and Dispense Monitoring (TADM™), MassSTAR tracks every pipetting step in real time, detecting issues such as blood clots, foam or incorrect volumes and initiating corrective actions automatically.
The intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) guides users through setup, monitors progress and supports a wide range of sample tube formats. MassSTAR also performs inventory checks for samples, reagents and labware and exports sample lists with target values directly to LC-MS/MS instruments, enabling laboratories to process high sample volumes efficiently with minimal manual intervention.
The intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) guides users through setup, monitors progress and supports a wide range of sample tube formats. MassSTAR also performs inventory checks for samples, reagents and labware and exports sample lists with target values directly to LC-MS/MS instruments, enabling laboratories to process high sample volumes efficiently with minimal manual intervention.
Technical specifications
Dimensions
Width: 1390.7 mm
Height: 904.7 mm
Depth: 787.7 mm / 1007.7 mm
(with loading tray)
Weight
∼ 170 kg
Power consumption
Liquid handler: ≤ 600 VA
Centrifuge: ≤ 480 VA
Voltage
115 VAC / 230 VAC
Frequency
50/60 Hz
Temperature range
15 – 30 °C, indoor use only
Relative humidity
15 – 85 %, no condensation
Noise level
< 65 dBA
Technical specifications
Dimensions
Width: 1390.7 mm
Height: 904.7 mm
Depth: 787.7 mm / 1007.7 mm (with loading tray)
Weight
∼ 170 kg
Power consumption
Liquid handler: ≤ 600 VA
Centrifuge: ≤ 480 VA
Voltage
115 VAC / 230 VAC
Frequency
50/60 Hz
Installation category
II (Overvoltage category)
Temperature range
15 – 30 °C, indoor use only
Relative humidity
15 – 85 %, no condensation
Noise level
< 65 dBA
Deck layout *
1 Carrier for calibrators and controls
2 Carrier for reagents
3 Carriers for sample tubes
4 Carriers for tips and 96 well plates
5 Carrier for (heater-) shaker and counterweight plates
6 Centrifuge
7 Waste
8 Barcode reader
* Here shown for MassTox® TDM Series A
Total aspiration and dispense monitoring
1 Measurement not working, 2 Blocked tip, blood clot, 3 Short sample, 4 Incorrect value, 5 Short/no sample, 6 Dispense speed incorrect/blocked tip, 7 System leak, 8 Incorrect volume
One of the key safety features is the total aspiration and dispense monitoring (TADM™) of the instrument. Each aspiration and dispensing step, also in each pipetting channel, is monitored in real-time. TADM verifies the sample transfer with a traceable digital audit trail and identifies errors such as blood clots or incorrect volumes that have been transferred. In case an error during aspiration is detected a new attempt to pipette the sample is started. If the error is repeated, the sample is then excluded. Another advantage of TADM is its ability to detect the use of incorrect reagents.
System components
The barcode reader
The integrated 1D barcode reader ensures seamless identification and tracking of all labware:
1D barcode reader
- Supports sample tubes, microplates, and carriers
- Prevents mix-ups and misidentification
- Enables full traceability of samples and reagents
- Enhances workflow safety and compliance
Pipetting
MassSTAR ensures highly accurate and reproducible pipetting across all workflow stages. Each aspiration and dispense step is monitored in real time using advanced sensor technology, allowing the system to detect and respond to issues such as clogs, foam, air bubbles, or incorrect volumes.
- Real-time monitoring of all pipetting actions
- Automatic error handling and sample exclusion
- Compatible with various tube formats and labware types
- Ensures consistent sample preparation and minimizes manual errors
The heater-shaker
The integrated heater-shaker module plays a key role in homogenization and incubation. It combines precise temperature control with programmable shaking speeds to ensure optimal reaction conditions for every assay.
- Ensures uniform mixing and reagent distribution
- Supports time-optimized incubation steps
- Fully integrated into the automated workflow for walkaway operation
- While shaking is in progress, the software executes parallel tasks to maximize efficiency and reduce overall runtime
The CO-RE Gripper
The CO-RE® Gripper is an intelligent transport module that enables safe and efficient movement of labware across the deck. Mounted directly on the waste block, it requires no additional space and operates seamlessly within the automated workflow.
- Transports microplates and deep well plates
- Picked up directly by the pipetting arm for streamlined operation
- Saves deck space and simplifies labware logistics
The centrifuge
A fully integrated centrifuge ensures precise and reproducible separation of sample components. It is seamlessly embedded into the workflow.
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Centrifugation of deep-well plates for protein precipitation and extraction
-
Optimized speed and timing for clinical sample types
-
Ensures clean supernatant transfer and minimizes matrix effects
-
Reduces manual handling and improves reproducibility
-
Operates in parallel with other workflow steps to maximize efficiency
-
Robust towards imbalance
Further features
Compression-induced O-Ring
Improved design
More Reliable Tip Positioning
Lower Total Cost:
- Up to 15 x life span
- Simplified serviceability
- Reduced preventive maintenance
Total aspiration and dispense monitoring
One of MassSTAR’s key safety features is Total Aspiration and Dispense Monitoring (TADM™), which tracks every pipetting step in real time. This intelligent system ensures accurate sample handling and immediate error detection.
- Real-time monitoring of aspiration and dispensing across all channels
- Detects clots, foam, short samples, and incorrect volumes
- Automatically retries failed pipetting steps or excludes faulty samples
- Identifies incorrect reagent usage and system leaks
- Provides a complete digital audit trail for full traceability and compliance
1 Measurement not working / 2 Blocked tip, blood clot, / 3 Short sample / 4 Incorrect value / 5 Short/no sample / 6 Dispense speed incorrect/blocked tip / 7 System leak / 8 Incorrect volume
Increased throughput, reliable results
MassSTAR allows the sample preparation of 288 samples per batch for vitamin D, 176 for immunosuppressants and 96 for MassTox® TDM Series A. The complete parameter menu has been comprehensively tested. Method comparisons between manual and automated sample preparation clearly demonstrate a high correlation of data. In essence: same results, lower risk of pipetting errors, increased throughput and reduced costs.
Passing-Bablok regression comparing manual and automated sample preparation for the four analytes olanzapine, lacosamide, itraconazole and mycophenolic acid (MPA).
The graphs demonstrate a high correlation of data.
Webinars
Webinar: Automation of LC-MS/MS and HPLC workflows in clinical diagnostics
You learn how automation can improve the efficiency, accuracy and reliability of laboratory workflows. Key features include ease of use, precision, high throughput and traceability.
Webinar: Automation in Therapeutic Drug Monitoring with MassSTAR
Dr. Maximilian Dietz, Research & Development Manager at Chromsystems talks in this recorded webinar about the full CE-IVD walkaway solution MassStar that automates sample preparation in TDM.
Download Brochure
You would like to learn more about MassSTAR? Then you are welcome to download our brochure. After you have filled out the following form, the respective links to download your documents will be sent to the e-mail address provided.
