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The following message was posted to: PharmPK
We are intending to implement an automatic blood sampler system in our
laboratory. We are wondering which one of the current available systems:
Accusampler or Culex would be the most suitable system for our studies.
We
would be glad to know the opinion of people usually working with them:
advantages/ disadvantages, potential practical or technical problems on
the
completion of the experimental methodology, performance of the assays,
maintenance of the system, etc. Thank you very much for your
collaboration.
Benjamin Santos Ph.D.
Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism Dept.
R&D Center
Ferrer Internacional S.A.
E-mail bsantos-research.-a-.ferrergrupo.com
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The following message was posted to: PharmPK
Dear Benjamin,
We are using the Culex automated blood sampling system since 2001. We
have
performed single dose studies with overnight sampling - also as cross
over
studies, repeated dose studies with 4 hourly administrations for a
couple of
days (i.v. as well as intragastric)and PK-PD studies. A statistic about
the
sampling performance revealed that about 98% of the planned samples were
indeed obtained. Problems in the studies were more related to animal
handling than with the sampling technology. Sometimes we combine
automated
blood sampling with microdialysis. Due to the intelligent cage system
(Raturn) it is possible to have all the needed tubings in use without
the
risk of cross-talk or knotting of tubings (no swivels involved). Culex
is a
modular system, i.e. the exchange of a module can easily be done in due
time
and the parts which were ok can still be used (normally 3 rats instead
of
4). Cross talk between studies is avoided by the exchange of the tubing
set,
which is done within a minute. Due to my experience Culex is reliable,
flexible and easy to use.
Despite the fact that there is an ocean between BASi and Germany there
is no
problem with customar services. Reply to questions is quick and
competent.
With best regards
Horst Beier
Gruenenthal GmbH
Germany
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Dear Dr. Santos,
I have been working with the AccuSampler system (from DiLab) for
several years in different companies and this system has proven to be
a very practical, useful and accurate tool for all kinds of PK/PD
studies. As for the other systems, an overall sampling rate of about
98% can be obtained. One of the disadvantages of all automated blood
sampling systems is of course sample dilution. However, for the
AccuSampler system, one can state that this dilution is fairly
consistent at about 10%. The Accusampler system can be used for
different types of experiments: simple PK screening studies with a
typical duration of 6h, more profound PK studies that require
overnight sampling, cross-over studies with different routes of
administration, PK/PD, etc. A combination of the AccuSampler with
other techniques (e.g. microdialysis, telemetry) can easily be
obtained, because of the compactibility and flexibility of the
system. Also, different AccuSampler systems for different types of
animals exist e.g. for pigs and the new AccuSampler Micro for mice.
The swivel and tubing system have shown not to be an issue. The
tubings are well protected by the tether, no risk of knotting of
tubings. The animals can move freely in their cage and are very
comfortable in their cage. Maintenance of the system can easily be
performed and is not time-consuming at all. The cages can be cleaned
as any other regular animal cage and the cleaning procedure for the
tubings is very simple but effective.
So far, we have not experienced any major problems with the
AccuSampler. And in case of problems, the technical support provided
by DiLab was simply excellent.
More information regarding this system can be found here: www.dilab.com
Best regards,
Sven Deferme, PhD
PharmaXL
Belgium
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