SimPrep | Teledyne LABS

Why Sample Preparation Matters

Accurate laboratory analysis starts with proper sample preparation — it's the foundation of reliable testing whether you're analyzing environmental contaminants, pharmaceutical compounds, or industrial materials.

Even the most sophisticated analytical instruments rely on properly prepared samples to deliver accurate results. Traditional sample preparation techniques introduce variables that directly impact your lab's productivity and data quality:

Inconsistent techniques between technicians
Time-consuming repetitive tasks
Natural human errors during routine processes
Variations between shifts and operators
Documentation inconsistencies

The SimPrep takes these negatives off your plate. Through automation, the SimPrep handles every sample preparation format, from standard dilutions to complex matrix modifications, with consistent precision. Think of it as adding another skilled technician to your team — one that performs the same way every time, doesn't get tired, and maintains consistent accuracy throughout every shift.

These sample preparation challenges demand reliable automation that can transform your laboratory workflow. With the right automated solution, your samples are prepared with consistent precision, your downstream analyses become more reliable, and your team can focus on more complex analytical work.

The SimPrep is more than just a diluting and dispensing tool; it can automatically create:

Calibration curves
Splitting (prep 1 sample 3 different ways)
Matrix spikes
Internal standard additions
Serial dilutions

Typical Results

Carryover < 0.01%
Precision 100% at < 0.2%
Accuracy 100% ± 1%

Reproducibility

	RSD		RSD
Ca	0.577%	Mn	0.688%
Cd	0.356%	Mo	0.347%
Co	0.407%	Sb	0.804%
Cu	0.524%	Se	0.859%
Fe	0.410%	Ti	0.713%
Mg	0.672%	Zn	0.575%
Replicate RSDs for 10 × dilution

Standard Preparations

calibration curve done with simprep

The SimPrep can prepare the entire curve from a single stock solution. This brings a high level of precision and accuracy to the most important prep of the day. Don’t worry about the analyst on duty or the day of the week, get the same prep every time. Autocalibration data from a 6 point curve. Standards prepared from a 100 ppm stock at 10× to 2000× dilution.

The intuitive SimPrep software and dual syringes allow it to achieve a wide range of functions. A few of these functions are highlighted below:

Standard Addition – The software allows the user to add standard solutions for a number of different applications. No matter whether it is a sample spike or a 1:1:10 dilution, the SimPrep makes it easy.

Matrix spikes
Internal standard addition
Prepping calibration curves

illustration showing aliquot and diluent being drawn then dispensed

Serial Dilution – Programmable rinsing and mixing options make it easier than ever to do accurate and simple serial dilutions.

High concentration sample
High matrix sample

illustration showing aliquot dispensed inthe multiple vials

Splitting – The same sample can be prepared several different ways. This is perfect for customers who want to prep not only for ICP‑MS, but for AA and IC as well.

illustration showing one sample dispensed differently into multiple vials

Data quality for automated pipetting systems can be broken into three basic metrics. They are accuracy, precision and carryover.

Accuracy – The SimPrep excels at delivering the promised amount to the promised location. A wide range of syringes (10 µL to 50 mL) are offered, which allows you to tailor the setup to get the best results for a wide array of different applications. This specialization allows you to perform anything from dilutions to dispensing while staying within 1% of the target volume.

chart: percent error 0.35% at full syringe stroke, 0.09% at half syringe stroke, 0.04% and tenth syringe stroke

Precision – It is not enough to hit the target once; the SimPrep hits the target every time. Variations from sample to sample can lead to serious problems for any analysis. This is a particular challenge with hand pipetting, and one that is removed by the automation provided in this system. In the figure, you can see the data summarized from three sets of 10 replicates at different dilution levels.

chart: percent RSD 1.00% at 10x dilution, 0.95% 100x at dilution, 1.31% 1000x at dilution

Carryover – The carryover of the SimPrep system was tested by analyzing a blank solution (1:10 dilution) that was prepared directly after a 10 ppm standard (made from a 100 ppm stock). This was compared with an undiluted blank solution to quantify the carryover from the preparation step.

Element	Carryover (%)	Element	Carryover (%)
As 188.979	0.0022%	Mo 202.031	0.0005%
Cd 228.802	0.0036%	Ni 231.604	0.0027%
Co 228.616	0.0004%	Pb 220.353	0.0037%
Cr 267.716	0.0013%	Sb 206.836	0.0083%
Cu 327.393	0.0055%	Ti 334.940	0.0004%
Fe 238.204	0.0025%	Tl 190.801	0.0001%
Mg 285.213	0.0023%	V 290.880	0.0010%
Mn 257.610	0.0007%	Zn 206.200	0.0047%

Decades of Laboratory Innovation

Teledyne LABS has for decades pioneered automated solutions that transform laboratory workflows. Our deep expertise comes from uniting multiple industry leaders under one roof, bringing together the brightest minds in laboratory automation. When you choose a Teledyne LABS instrument, you're not just getting a product — you're partnering with a team that understands your laboratory challenges and has the experience to solve them. Our SimPrep system represents this commitment to excellence, delivering the precision and reliability that modern laboratories demand.

Sampler dimensions		ASX-560	ASX-280
	Height*	62 cm (24")	62 cm (24")
	Width	58 cm (22.8")	36 cm (14")
	Depth*	56 cm (22")	55 cm (21.5")
	Weight	11.7 kg (26 lbs)	8.1 kg (17.8 lbs)
	*allow extra space for cables/tubing
Dilution module dimensions	Height	26.7 cm (10.5")
	Width	14 cm (5.5")
	Depth*	17.8 cm (7")
	Weight	5.9 kg (13 lbs)
	*allow extra space for cables/tubing
Standard syringe configuration	one (1) 1 mL syringe, one (1) 10 ml syringe
Available syringe volumes (12)	10 μL, 25 μL, 50 μL, 100 μL, 250 μL, 500 μL 1.0. mL, 2.5 mL, 5.0 mL, 10.0 mL, 25.0 mL, 50.0 mL
Fluid contact materials	Components in the sample flow path are inert, non-metallic materials
Rack options	21, 24, 40, 60, 90 position racks for 50 mL, 30 mL, 20 mL, 14 mL, 7 mL vials, respectively
Vial composition	Polypropylene
Hardware interfaces	RS-232 and USB
Power requirements	100-240 VAC, 47-63 Hz, 1.9 A
	2× power outlets needed
Minimum computer requirements	Microsoft Windows® 10 or later operating system
	2 Free COM or USB ports

Why Sample Preparation Matters

Data quality ​​for automated​​​ pipetting systems can be broken into three basic metrics. They are accuracy, precision and carryo​​ver.​

Decades​​ ​​of Laboratory Innovation

Data quality for automated pipetting systems can be broken into three basic metrics. They are accuracy, precision and carryover.

Decades of Laboratory Innovation