Product Overview
The THUNDERBOLT® ELISA & Chemiluminescence Analyzer from Gold Standard Diagnostics is a compact, fully automated, two-plate open platform designed for ELISA and compatible chemiluminescence workflows.
The system combines sample handling, liquid handling, incubation, washing, shaking, reading and result processing in a single automated laboratory platform. Its flexible software supports a broad range of configurable protocols and can run up to eight different compatible protocols in a single batch.
With capacity for up to 192 primary patient samples, positive sample identification, high-precision liquid handling and bidirectional LIS connectivity, the THUNDERBOLT is designed for laboratories that require flexible, higher-capacity automated immunoassay processing.
192 Samples
High-capacity loading for up to 192 primary patient sample tubes.
2-Plate Automation
Automated processing with two reaction microplate positions.
Up to 8 Protocols
Run multiple compatible ELISA or chemiluminescence protocols in one batch.
Powerful Walk-Away Automation
The THUNDERBOLT automates the major steps of ELISA and compatible chemiluminescence testing within a single platform. After samples, reagents and protocols are prepared, the instrument carries out the programmed workflow with minimal operator intervention.
Automated Sample & Reagent Handling
- Primary sample identification and tracking
- Sample aspiration and dispensing
- Direct in-well dilution
- Reagent dispensing
- Automatic sample-location management
Automated Plate Processing
- Microplate washing
- Controlled incubation
- Orbital microplate shaking
- ELISA or chemiluminescence reading
- Result processing and reporting
The THUNDERBOLT is designed to operate without disposable pipette tips, helping reduce consumable use during routine automated processing.
Intelligent Sample Loading & Positive Identification
The THUNDERBOLT uses slide-in sample racks, a sliding sample and reagent tray, and integrated barcode scanning to simplify loading while supporting positive sample identification throughout the automated workflow.
Slide-In Racks
Designed for convenient loading and unloading of primary patient samples.
Barcode Identification
Integrated barcode scanning supports positive sample identification and helps reduce manual tracking errors.
16 Reagent Positions
Provides 16 customizable reagent positions for compatible assay workflows.
High-Precision Liquid Handling
The THUNDERBOLT incorporates a high-precision micro-syringe designed for accurate handling of small liquid volumes. The system can aspirate as little as 1 µL with ≤3% CV, allowing compatible assay protocols to perform dilution steps directly within the reaction wells.
1 µL Aspiration
High-precision aspiration at very low sample volumes.
Up to 1:100 Dilution
Supports direct in-well dilution for compatible assay protocols.
No Disposable Tips
Designed to minimize disposable liquid-handling consumables.
Controlled Incubation & Orbital Shaking
The THUNDERBOLT integrates controlled incubation and automated microplate shaking into the assay workflow to support consistent processing of compatible protocols.
Forced-Convection Incubator
The forced-air incubation system heats reaction wells uniformly and is designed to reduce uneven heating across the plate.
Temperature range: Room temperature to 40°C
Orbital Microplate Shaker
The integrated orbital shaker supports automated mixing during programmed assay steps while helping keep liquids contained within the wells.
Speed: Up to 900 RPM | Amplitude: 1 mm
ELISA & Chemiluminescence Detection
The THUNDERBOLT can be configured for ELISA processing or for combined ELISA and chemiluminescence applications.
ELISA Spectrophotometer
Standard wavelengths:
- 405 nm
- 450 nm
- 490 nm
- 550 nm
- 630 nm
Measurement range: 0–3.0 OD
Optional Chemiluminescence Detection
- Detection type: Glow chemiluminescence
- Spectral range: 300–500 nm
- Dark count: 50 counts/second standard
- Measurement time: 200 ms standard; adjustable 1–1000 ms
- Dynamic range: 6 decades
On-Board Camera & Remote Troubleshooting
The THUNDERBOLT includes a probe-mounted camera that allows operators to monitor internal instrument activity and can support remote troubleshooting by technical service personnel.
The camera, together with system logs, provides additional visibility into instrument operation and can help support remote diagnostics when service assistance is needed.
Flexible Software & Multi-Protocol Processing
The THUNDERBOLT software is designed to guide users through setup and operation while providing extensive flexibility for compatible ELISA and chemiluminescence protocols.
The open architecture supports up to eight different compatible protocols in a single batch, allowing laboratories to consolidate multiple assays into one automated workflow.
Protocol & Result Tools
- Fully open and configurable Test Designer
- Custom reporting
- Point-to-point calculations
- Linear regression
- Cubic spline
- 4PL and 5PL
- Lin-Lin, Lin-Log and Log-Log representation
Connectivity
- Bidirectional LIS integration
- RS232 connectivity
- USB connectivity
- TCP/IP connectivity
- Graphical user interface
- Multi-language support
Key Features
- Fully automated, two-plate open platform
- ELISA and chemiluminescence configurations available
- Up to 192 primary patient sample positions
- Run up to 8 compatible protocols in a single batch
- 16 customizable reagent positions
- Slide-in racks with positive sample identification
- Sliding sample and reagent tray
- Built-in barcode reader
- High-precision micro-syringe
- Aspirates 1 µL with ≤3% CV
- Direct in-well dilution up to 1:100
- No disposable pipette tips required
- Forced-convection incubation from room temperature to 40°C
- Orbital microplate shaking up to 900 RPM
- Independent well tracking and timing
- Probe-mounted camera for monitoring and remote troubleshooting
- Flexible Test Designer and custom reporting
- Bidirectional LIS integration
Product Specifications
| Jant Catalog Number | GSDXTB |
|---|---|
| Product | THUNDERBOLT® ELISA & Chemiluminescence Analyzer |
| System Architecture | Open, fully customizable |
| Sample Capacity | 192 primary patient sample positions |
| Reagent Positions | 16 customizable reagent positions |
| Compatible Tube Sizes | Standard 12, 13 and 16 mm diameter tubes, up to 100 mm tall; custom racks available |
| Reaction Plate Positions | 2 |
| Pre-Dilution Plate Position | 1 |
| Well Tracking | Independent well tracking and timing |
| Wash Bottles | 2 external wash-bottle positions |
| Probe / Needle | Single probe, dual needle |
| Dispense Volume | Up to 300 µL |
| Minimum Aspiration Volume | 1 µL |
| Incubation Temperature | Room temperature to 40°C |
| ELISA Spectrophotometer | 405, 450, 490, 550 and 630 nm standard wavelengths; 0–3.0 OD |
| Chemiluminescence Detection | Optional PMT configuration; glow detection; 300–500 nm spectral range; 6-decade dynamic range |
| Orbital Shaker | 1 mm amplitude; up to 900 RPM |
| Power Supply | 100–265 V |
| Weight | Approximately 65 lb (30 kg) |
| LIS Integration | Bidirectional; RS232, USB and TCP/IP |
| Language | Multi-language support |
| Manufacturer | Gold Standard Diagnostics, LLC |
Important Product Information
- The THUNDERBOLT is an open, configurable instrument platform. Compatible assays and validated applications depend on the specific instrument configuration and assay protocol.
- Chemiluminescence testing requires a THUNDERBOLT configuration equipped with the appropriate EIA + CLIA reader.
- Laboratories should follow the current instrument documentation, applicable assay instructions and established laboratory procedures.
- Confirm assay compatibility, reagent requirements and protocol configuration before use.
- Confirm the exact instrument configuration, reader, included hardware, software, LIS requirements, accessories, installation requirements, training, warranty and service coverage when requesting a quote.
- Specifications, configurations and ordering information may change. Verify current manufacturer documentation and the Jant Pharmacal quotation before ordering.
Documentation and Resources
Review the available THUNDERBOLT product literature and assay information. Contact Jant Pharmacal for current product documentation, compatible applications and configuration information.
THUNDERBOLT ELISA & Chemiluminescence Brochure THUNDERBOLT Test MenuFrequently Asked Questions
The THUNDERBOLT is a fully automated, two-plate open laboratory platform designed for compatible ELISA and chemiluminescence workflows.
The system supports up to 192 primary patient sample positions.
The THUNDERBOLT provides 16 customizable reagent positions.
Yes. The open platform can run up to eight different compatible protocols in a single batch.
Yes. An EIA + CLIA configuration is available for compatible chemiluminescence assays in addition to ELISA processing.
The system uses slide-in racks and an integrated barcode reader to support positive sample identification and automatic sample-location management.
The high-precision liquid-handling system can aspirate volumes as low as 1 µL with ≤3% CV.
Yes. Compatible protocols can perform direct in-well dilution up to 1:100.
No. The system is designed to operate without disposable pipette tips.
The probe-mounted camera allows operators to monitor internal activity and can support remote troubleshooting by technical service personnel.
Yes. The system supports bidirectional LIS integration through RS232, USB and TCP/IP connectivity.
Ordering Information
To request availability, product configuration or a quote, call Jant Pharmacal at 800.676.5565
| Catalog Number | Description | Unit of Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| GSDXTB | THUNDERBOLT® ELISA & Chemiluminescence Analyzer | Each |
Please confirm the complete instrument configuration, reader options, compatible assays, included components, accessories, installation requirements, software, training, warranty and service coverage when requesting a quote.