Total Analysis System (TAS) describes a device that automates and includes all necessary steps for

chemical A chemical substance is a form of matter having constant chemical composition and characteristic properties. Some references add that chemical substance cannot be separated into its constituent elements by physical separation methods, i.e., wit ...

analysis Analysis ( : analyses) is the process of breaking a complex topic or substance into smaller parts in order to gain a better understanding of it. The technique has been applied in the study of mathematics and logic since before Aristotle (3 ...

of a sample e.g. sampling, sample transport, filtration, dilution, chemical reactions, separation and detection.

µTAS

A new trend today is creating Micro Total Analysis Systems - µTAS. Such a system shall shrink a whole

laboratory A laboratory (; ; colloquially lab) is a facility that provides controlled conditions in which scientific or technological research, experiments, and measurement may be performed. Laboratory services are provided in a variety of settings: physici ...

to chip-size

lab-on-a-chip A lab-on-a-chip (LOC) is a device that integrates one or several laboratory functions on a single integrated circuit (commonly called a "chip") of only millimeters to a few square centimeters to achieve automation and high-throughput screening. ...

. Because of its very small size, such a system can be placed close to a sampling site. It also can be very cost effective thinking of chip technologies, sample sizes and analysis time. It also reduces the exposure of the toxic chemical on the lab personnel which is an added advantage than the conventional techniques. Another advantage of this technology is that the point-of-use diagnostic kits which do not require skilled technicians during the epidemical events and thus help to save millions of lives.

µTAS

See also