Streamline Sample Handling With Automation

Accelerating laboratory workflows with automated decapping Laboratories today face mounting challenges to enhance efficiency and maintain sample integrity amid increasingly complex workflows. Traditional capping and decapping methods, which often involve manual tools like handheld cap removers or applying force by hand, are labour intensive and error prone. These methods can lead to sample contamination due to improper handling and variability introduced by inconsistent handling techniques. To address these challenges, many laboratories are turning to automated capping and decapping solutions. An automated decapper for maximum efficiency The Thermo Scientific™ Capit-All™ Flex Automated Decapper automates the capping and decapping process. This compact and versatile device uses individual motors to apply or remove caps with consistent and precise force, helpng ensure a uniform seal every time. To enhance usability, the Capit-All Flex is equipped with a seven-inch, angled touchscreen, allowing researchers to operate with or without gloves for simplified interaction in diverse laboratory environments. A built-in drip tray acts as a barrier between caps and tubes after the decapping step, helping to prevent cross-contamination. By automating these critical steps, the Capit-All Flex helps to minimise human errors, making it an excellent tool for today’s laboratories. In addition to its operational efficiency, the Capit-All Flex is compatible with Thermo Scientific™ Matrix™ and Nunc™ cryo-tubes in 96- and 48-format racks. Researchers can easily switch between tube types without needing to change adapters, helping reduce setup time and associated costs. This adaptability, along with the flexibility to use the system as a standalone benchtop unit or an integrated system, makes the Capit-All Flex particularly advantageous for space-constrained labs that require robust and reliable solutions to handle diverse workflows. Expanding applications across research areas The Capit-All Flex Automated Decapper addresses critical needs across various research disciplines. In the expanding biobanking sector, preserving biological samples with integrity is vital for applications like biomarker discovery and disease monitoring. The Thermo Scientific Capit-All Flex Automated Decapper cassette enables switching between Matrix and Nunc cryotubes in 96- and 48-format racks without adaptors or downtime.The global biobanking market, estimated at $76.97 billion in 2023, is projected to grow to $169.62 billion by 2033 (1). This growth underscores the demand for reliable sample management tools like the Capit-All Flex. By automating the decapping process, the device helps researchers handle large sample collections with minimal risk of contamination or degradation, helping ensure the long-term usability of biological specimens. For example, when managing collections for biomarker studies, consistent sealing provided by the Capit-All Flex protects samples from environmental fluctuations that could otherwise compromise results. This allows bio-banks to meet increasing demands efficiently, even with space and resource constraints. Similarly, in genomics research, maintaining the integrity of DNA and RNA samples is vital. Manual capping errors can lead to contamination or degradation, jeopardizing sequencing accuracy. With the ability to process both full and partial racks, the Capit-All Flex helps ensure smooth transitions in high throughput environments such as sequencing labs. For instance, for a genomics lab processing thousands of DNA samples daily, the Capit-All Flex minimizes variability in sample handling, reducing the likelihood of compromised sequencing data. Its streamlined design also minimizes setup complexity, enabling researchers to focus on data generation and analysis instead of workflow management. Beyond biobanking and genomics, the drug discovery field also benefits from automated sample handling solutions. The global drug discovery market, valued at $24.84 billion in 2024, is expected to reach $62.10 billion by 2033 (2). Laboratorians in this field face immense pressure to accelerate pre-clinical research and optimise workflows. and optimise workflows. The Capit-All Flex addresses these challenges by automating sample handling and expediting high throughput processes like drug screening and toxicity testing. Consistent and error-free handling of samples also helps to ensure the validity of drug efficacy and safety evaluations (3). Together, these improvements increase workflow efficiency, allowing researchers to progress through preclinical stages more quickly. Incorporating instruments like the Thermo Scientific Capit-All Flex Automated Decapper enables laboratories to achieve higher productivity, accuracy, and scalability. Whether preserving bio-bank samples, streamlining genomic sequencing, or optimizing workflows in drug discovery, the Capit-All Flex addresses inefficiencies head-on. Its adaptable design, precision engineering, and user-friendly interface make it an important tool for modern research. References 1. Biobanking Market Size to Attain Around US$ 169.62 Billion by 2033. BioSpace (2024). at biospace.com/biobanking-market-size-to-attain-around-us-169-62-billion-by -2033 2. Research, S. Drug Discovery Market Size, Share and Trends by 2033. at straitsresearch.com/report/drug-discovery-market 3. A Al Naam, Y. et al. The Impact of Total Automaton on the Clinical Laboratory Workforce: A Case Study. J Healthc Leadersh. 14, 55–62 (2022). Equipped with a seven-inch angled touchscreen and drip tray to prevent contamination, the Thermo Scientific Capit-All Flex Automated Decapper is an excellent solution for today’s laboratories. The Thermo Scientific Capit-All Flex Automated Decapper is a full-service, automated capping and decapping solution for 48- and 96-tube racks. For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. © 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of Thermo Fisher Scientific and its subsidiaries unless otherwise specified. Learn more at thermofisher.com