Memmert and Revvity detect infections – and save lives

05/06/2026

How the Memmert Climate Chamber Optimizes the T-SPOT.TB Test at Revvity

Reliable diagnostics for latent tuberculosis depend on precisely controlled conditions. Accurate temperature control, stable CO₂ levels, and defined humidity are not optional—they are essential for generating reproducible results.

At its Oxford site, Revvity relies on the Memmert HPPCeco climate chamber specifically tailored to the requirements of the T-SPOT.TB test—while also significantly improving day-to-day laboratory efficiency.

A Global Challenge: Tuberculosis

Revvity is a global leader in life sciences, reproductive health, and immunodiagnostics. At its Oxford facility, the team plays a key role in performing the T-SPOT.TB test, a well-established method for detecting latent tuberculosis.

The importance of this diagnostic is substantial:

Around one quarter of the global population is estimated to carry latent tuberculosis, and in 2024 alone, more than 1.2 million people died from active TB.

This highlights the impact of every single test result – providing clarity and guidance for patient treatment decisions.

The Challenge: Incubation Under Strict Conditions

The T-SPOT.TB workflow requires incubation of patient cells under tightly controlled conditions:

  • Temperature: 37 °C
  • CO₂ concentration: 5%
  • Relative humidity: 90%
  • Incubation time: 16–20 hours

These requirements go beyond standard applications. In addition, the transition between process steps—especially from day 1 to day 2—is critical for maintaining result quality.

Seamless Integration into Laboratory Workflows

A key advantage of the Memmert HPPCeco climate chamber is its ability to integrate seamlessly into existing laboratory processes.

The system precisely controls all critical parameters simultaneously:

  • temperature
  • CO₂ concentration
  • humidity

During incubation, conditions are maintained with high accuracy. Afterwards, the system automatically and gradually adjusts parameters down to cooling conditions—without manual intervention.

This automated process ensures:

  • improved reproducibility
  • reduced risk of errors
  • stable transitions between workflow steps

User-Friendliness in Daily Operation

In addition to technical performance, the HPPCeco stands out in everyday use:

  • intuitive operation
  • clear display of all relevant parameters
  • straightforward training of new staff
  • integrated alarm systems for deviations

This reduces training effort while increasing operational safety and confidence.

Process Optimization: Eliminating Weekend Work

Previously, this workflow required additional staffing effort. Laboratory personnel needed to be on-site during weekends to manage and continue the process.

With the integration of the Memmert HPPCeco climate chamber, Revvity was able to eliminate this bottleneck entirely:

  • automated transition between day 1 and day 2
  • removal of the internal “Beacon Shift”
  • no manual intervention outside regular working hours

The result is a continuous, stable process with significantly improved planning reliability.

A Tailored Solution Instead of a Standard Device

From the outset, Revvity defined clear and specific requirements—well beyond typical standard applications.

In close collaboration, a solution was developed that is precisely aligned with the T-SPOT.TB workflow. This approach is particularly important in regulated laboratory environments:

Technology must not only perform—it must integrate into validated, standardized, and accredited processes.

Supporting Quality in an Accredited Environment

The Oxford laboratory operates under UKAS accreditation and follows strict quality standards.

The Memmert solution supports these requirements through:

  • reliable maintenance of incubation conditions
  • automated process control
  • early detection of deviations

This directly contributes to ensuring consistent and reproducible diagnostic results.

Beyond Efficiency: Impact on Patient Care

Automation of the T-SPOT.TB workflow goes beyond operational efficiency—it directly affects patient care:

  • stable and controlled test conditions
  • fewer manual interventions
  • reduced workload for laboratory staff
  • consistent process quality

These factors form the foundation for reliable clinical decision-making.

Technology Serving a Greater Purpose

The collaboration between Revvity and Memmert demonstrates how targeted laboratory automation can help address global health challenges.

Behind the technology lies a clear mission:
to contribute to the fight against one of the world’s most significant infectious diseases.

Conclusion

The integration of the Memmert climate chamber at Revvity Oxford shows how complex diagnostic requirements can be translated into a reliable and efficient workflow.

Key benefits at a glance:

  • fully automated process without weekend operation
  • seamless transition between day 1 and day 2
  • precise control of all relevant environmental parameters
  • complete integration into existing laboratory workflows
  • increased process reliability and reproducibility

Where diagnostics directly impact patient outcomes, process quality is critical. The implemented solution makes a measurable contribution—every day.

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