Enter a new dimension in mass spectrometry

With the cobas® Mass Spec solution, which includes the cobas® i 601 analyzer and the Ionify® reagents line, you can step away from tedious and complex manual mass spectrometry workflows and experience the simplicity and convenience of a streamlined end-to-end solution.

From sample preparation to result interpretation, Roche will be consolidating four technologies onto a single platform—ISE, clinical chemistry, immunochemistry, and mass spectrometry—maximizing efficiency and delivering enhanced medical value.* Our solution is designed to enable smart testing through seamless physical and digital connectivity with other analytical units.

A broad assay menu of Ionify reagents is in development, complementing the clinical chemistry and immunoassay portfolio available on cobas® pro integrated solutions. The assays include ready-for-use test kits with consistent performance and traceability to reference methods.

Enhance your lab’s capabilities by complementing existing methodologies and expanding services to new patient populations and disease areas with mass spectrometry.^1-3 The cobas® i 601 analyzer allows you to streamline current workflows that require dedicated and specialized staff.

Benefits at a glance

Full automation—saving hands-on time

A total automated solution from sample preparation to result interpretation saving hands-on time for your operators.

Convenient and continuous sample loading
Random access processing: No waiting, sorting, or re-engineering required**
Automated sample preparation from biological sample to purified analyte^‡
Automated analyte separation: Automatic onboard mixing with 8 system reagents onboard and 8 channels of LC columns with efficient automated cleaning
Automated detection and quantification of analytes: Triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization (ESI) technology
Automated result validation and reporting: Data processing, analyte quantification, result validation, reporting, and flagging

Future integration for improved productivity

Future integration into clinical chemistry and immunochemistry testing as well as lab automation & IT.^†

High throughput—delivering fast turnaround times

The cobas® i 601 analyzer has a high throughput with up to 100 injections per hour to fit the needs of your routine laboratory. This is made possible through its design features focused on automation, helping you deliver faster and more predictable turnaround times.

Broad assay menu—consolidating into one system

cobas® i 601 analyzer will offer a broad in vitro diagnostics menu of Ionify reagents with more than 60 assays under development in the area of steroids, vitamin D metabolites, therapeutic drug monitoring, as well as urine drug testing. They will be consolidated into multi-analyte, RFID-labelled reagent cassettes, which can be easily loaded and automatically registered into the system with 48 reagent channels.

Minimum downtime—reducing maintenance efforts

The cobas® i 601analyzer is designed to optimize operational efficiency and ensure seamless performance through a range of advanced features, including:

Automating the majority of maintenance tasks
Minimum daily operator intervention
Easy to perform, even for non-mass spectrometry experts
Step-by-step guidance for the operators
Continuous system monitoring to speed up troubleshooting and reduce time to repair

Traceability to reference methods—enabling consistent results

The cobas® i 601 analyzer, Ionify reagents, methods, and workflows are designed to provide the highest quality test results. All assay designs, including pre-analytic and analytic protocols, data acquisition, and calibration and quality controls, provide an unbroken traceability chain to reference measurement procedures. This solution ensures quality performance, enabling consistent results across laboratories and supporting better patient care.

Simplified reagent handling—ensuring safety and ease of use

With standardized, ready-for-use reagent packs, cartridges, and system reagents, the cobas® i 601 analyzer minimizes hands-on time. This design reduces operator contact with hazardous materials, enhancing both convenience and safety.

Explore the cobas® i 601 analyzer

cobas® i 601 analyzer

Easy-to-use, fully automated, integrated, and standardized end-to-end solution bringing mass spectrometry to routine testing environments. It is a part of the cobas® pro family of solutions, featuring a consistent design and user-friendly interface—reducing the need for extensive staff training.

Sample supply unit

Sample loading and unloading in a five-position rack with a capacity of up to 300 samples, allowing for continuous loading. STAT port for emergency samples.

Sample buffer unit

Designed to offer a true random access buffer for samples. Holds up to 25 five-position racks (125 samples). Positions can also be dedicated for STAT rack handling.

Sample preparation unit

Purification of the analytes occurs through paramagnetic particle-based sample preparation procedures, allowing automated testing in random access mode. The reagent manager consists of 48 positions in a cooled reagent rotor, enables the loading of reagent cassettes on the fly, and features an RFID reader.

Liquid chromatography unit

The system enables the separation of analytes via columns in ready-for-use cartridges with RFID labels. It incorporates both HPLC and rapid liquid chromatography (LC) technologies to cover different selectivities. Automatic onboard mixing of mobile phases and eight parallel channels of LC columns supports high throughput—up to 100 injections per hour—and allows for random access testing. Additionally, most system reagents can be loaded on the fly to maintain uninterrupted operation.