Manual Errors
Human sampling introduces variability, contamination risk, and inconsistent volumes. A single technician spends 15–30 minutes per sampling round across 4–8 vessels.
QB Systems — Flexible. Innovative. Limitless.
Software-defined automated sampling. From 4 to 16 vessels. From shared paths to dedicated. From R&D to GMP-ready. One platform. Zero compromises.
The Challenge
Manual sampling introduces errors, limits scalability, and creates compliance gaps. Current automated systems force painful trade-offs.
Human sampling introduces variability, contamination risk, and inconsistent volumes. A single technician spends 15–30 minutes per sampling round across 4–8 vessels.
Fixed-port systems cannot grow with your process. Adding vessels means buying entirely new hardware — not adding modules.
Shared fluid paths without proper cleaning protocols compromise sample integrity and data quality across parallel experiments.
Manual documentation creates audit trails that are incomplete, error-prone, and not 21 CFR Part 11 ready. Regulatory filings demand more.
Why QB AutoSampler
No other benchtop automated sampling system matches this combination of capabilities at this price point.
Start with 4 vessel sources and scale to 16+ through add-on modules. Tool-free expansion in under 5 minutes, no recalibration needed.
Choose dedicated, shared, or hybrid fluid path architecture. Eliminate cross-contamination with per-vessel isolation or maximize efficiency with shared paths.
Concurrent split-routing from a single sample draw: one portion to a cooled vial, another directly to an analyzer. Half the volume, twice the data.
Sterility assurance through 5-stage automated cleaning: air purge (optional), wash, rinse, dry, and disinfection hold. Validated over 700+ consecutive sampling events.
Go beyond fixed schedules. Event-triggered and OPC-UA-driven adaptive sampling adjusts frequency to real-time process conditions automatically.
Starting from €15,000 with full software included. No annual license fees. Non-proprietary consumables. 5-year TCO 40–70% lower than competitors.
System Architecture
Build your sampling system from independent QB Modules — each controlled via QB Edge and the QB Control web interface.
Your contamination strategy, your rules. The QB AutoSampler is the only system offering all three path modes in one platform.
One fluid path per vessel. Zero shared contact surfaces. Zero carryover risk.
Cell therapy • GMPOne fluid path, multiple sources. 5-stage automated cleaning. Maximum cost efficiency.
R&D • DoE • ScreeningSources grouped into clusters. Shared within cluster, isolated between clusters. Safety + efficiency balance.
Mixed-culture • Phased experimentsSampling & Cleaning
Every fluid path is decontaminated through a configurable multi-stage cleaning sequence between sampling events.
Clear residual fluid from all paths (optional)
Primary wash agent dispense through active ports
Sterile rinse fluid through all paths
Air purge drying through active ports
Disinfection hold with extended contact time
Each stage is independently configurable per cleaning service. Port-level control cleans only the paths that were used. Sterility assurance validated over 700+ consecutive events.
Technical Details
Complete system specifications for evaluation and procurement. Download full spec sheet (PDF) →
| Parameter | QB AutoSampler Specification |
|---|---|
| Sample Volume Range | 1–5 mL per sample (configurable per run) |
| Volume Accuracy | ±2% across full range; CV ≤1.5% (≥1 mL) |
| Sampling Sources | Up to 24 per SelectorValve (stackable for 48+) |
| Destinations | Vials, analyzers, waste |
| Cleaning Stages | Air Purge (optional) → Wash → Rinse → Dry → Disinfection Hold |
| Sterility Assurance | Aseptic sampling capability |
| Communication | OPC-UA, REST API |
| Compliance | 21 CFR Part 11 — full audit trail, role-based access control |
| Control Software | QB Control (web-based, multi-user, real-time dashboard) |
| Footprint | Benchtop modular — <0.15 m² base, scales horizontally |
Applications
From early-stage R&D to GMP manufacturing, the QB AutoSampler adapts to your process — not the other way around.
2–4 benchtop vessels, limited budget. Eliminate 80+ hours of manual sampling per campaign. Weekend automation with 72-hour walk-away operation.
8+ parallel vessels for Design of Experiments. Hybrid paths isolate conditions while maximizing throughput. Native LIMS integration.
Dedicated fluid paths with in-line carryover verification. 21 CFR Part 11 audit trail supports regulatory filings for patient-derived cell products.
Pricing & Licensing
Hardware setup and consumables drive cost. Software is included. Modifications are plug & play — no hardware rework, just a real-time license upgrade when you scale.
4 vessel sources
Shared fluid paths
Full sampling + cleaning software
Recipe management
12-month standard remote support
Non-proprietary consumables
8–16 vessel sources
Dedicated or hybrid paths
OPC-UA adaptive sampling
21 CFR Part 11 audit trail
Aseptic consumable sets
16–24+ vessel sources
Full module stack
Aseptic consumable sets
Extended support (prioritized SLA)
Spare parts shipment
Custom LIMS integration
Perpetual license — one-time cost, no recurring software fees. License scales with hardware modules and services. Modifications are plug & play. Standard support (12 months) includes software updates, new versions, and bug fixes. Optional extended support with prioritized reaction times and spare parts shipment.
Questions
The base configuration supports 4 vessel sources. You can scale up to 16+ sources by adding QB SelectorValve and QB SyringePump modules. Expansion is tool-free, takes under 5 minutes, and requires no recalibration of existing sources. All modules connect to a single QB Edge controller.
Yes. The QB AutoSampler is vendor-agnostic and works with all major bioreactor platforms: Eppendorf (DASbox, DASGIP, BioFlo), Sartorius (Biostat, ambr), INFORS HT (Multifors), Solaris, Applikon, generic glass vessels (PG13.5), and single-use bags from all vendors. Custom adapters are available on request. Standard sampling ports are required, and for software compatibility OPC-UA is required in existing bioreactor control software.
The QB AutoSampler achieves sterility assurance through 5-stage automated cleaning (air purge (optional), wash, rinse, dry, disinfection hold) and supports dedicated fluid paths that eliminate cross-contamination. Aseptic sampling requires dedicated consumable sets and follows an A4BEE-provided SOP. Testing reports are available on demand.
Concurrent sampling requires a dedicated syringe pump and selector valve pair per vessel, allowing all vessels to be sampled simultaneously. In-sequence sampling uses recipe-based rounds to reuse device pairs across multiple vessels (e.g., 12 vessels with only 6 device pairs in 2 rounds), providing significant hardware cost savings when time-shifted sampling is acceptable.
No. The QB AutoSampler uses a perpetual license model — a one-time cost with no recurring annual fees. Full sampling software, recipe management, cleaning protocols, scheduling, and 21 CFR Part 11 audit trail are all included. License upgrades are only needed when scaling with new hardware modules, and they are applied in real-time.
Every system includes 12 months of standard remote support covering software updates, new versions, and bug fixes. Optional extended support is available with prioritized reaction times, spare parts shipment, and dedicated support contact.
Request a live demonstration, schedule a 5-day evaluation trial in your lab, or get a custom configuration quote.
Request a Demo →Or contact us directly: info@qbsystems.com