Get the same 1,200 tests per hour for up to 50% less than new. Because your budget should fund patient care, not depreciation.
The Beckman Coulter AU680 delivers proven clinical chemistry performance at a fraction of new equipment cost. This workhorse analyzer processes up to 1,200 photometric tests per hour with 120 ISE tests - the throughput most hospital labs actually need as an incremental increase in capacity or a safe backup analyzer that can keep up with demand while your main line gets serviced.
Why labs choose refurbished AU680 analyzers from Block Scientific:
Cut capital costs by up to 50%
Same chemistry analyzer, up to half the price.
Operational in days, not months
Ships from US inventory vs out-of-stock lead times.
Reduce reagent spend by 30%
Fair pricing on reagents that saves you up to 30% over your current supplier..
Service that costs up to 50% less
Experienced techs without the premium price.
Trade in your old AU-series analyzer
We buy your current analyzer to offset upgrade costs.
90-day to 1-year warranty
Full protection on every refurbished system.
Beckman AU680 specifications that matter
The AU680 is one of Beckman's most proven and widely used models worldwide. After processing billions of samples, this analyzer's reliability curve is fully mapped. No surprises, no recalls, no waiting for software patches.
Core performance metrics
What actually sets your refurbished Beckman/Olympus AU680 apart
The cuvette washing system works.
Unlike newer systems chasing disposable cuvette revenue, the AU680's wash station genuinely prevents carryover. Result: You spend $50/day on wash solution instead of $200/day on plastic cuvettes.
STAT samples process without batch interruption.
Many older refurbished analyzers force you to stop current runs for urgent samples - killing efficiency. The AU680's dedicated STAT wheel means cardiac markers and critical samples process immediately while routine work continues. You get the modern workflow you expect at a refurbished price point.
Open reagent channels multiply your savings.
The AU680's 24 open channels let you program third-party reagents when needed. But here's the real advantage: Block Scientific's reagent prices already beat most alternatives. You get the flexibility of open channels plus our wholesale pricing on both compatible reagents - maximizing your options while minimizing costs.
AU680 reagents at prices that lower your cost-per-test
Your analyzer purchase is one-time. Your reagent purchases are forever. That's why smart labs look beyond equipment price to cost-per-test.
Beckman reagents without OEM pricing
We stock the complete OSR reagent line at up to 30% below list.
Chemistry reagents (ALT, AST, glucose, BUN, creatinine, etc.)
Proteins (albumin, total protein, immunoglobulins)
Enzymes (amylase, lipase, ALP, GGT)
Specialty assays (HbA1c, microalbumin, drugs of abuse)
Volume discounts available. The more you consolidate with Block, the more you save.
Open channel flexibility with Block Scientific savings
The AU680's 24 open channels give you options, but our reagent pricing means you might not need them. We offer prices up to 30% below what you're paying now. The open channels are there when you need specialty applications, while our standard offerings handle your routine testing at the lowest possible cost.
Same quality results, dramatically lower costs.
Standing orders eliminate emergencies
Set your par levels, we ship automatically:
Never run out during weekend shifts.
No emergency shipping charges.
Predictable monthly expenses.
AU680 service with a local technician
OEM service means waiting three days for a tech to tell you it needs a part that'll take another week. Meanwhile, your samples pile up and physicians wonder where their results are.
Block Scientific AU680 service delivers
Response in 24-48 hours
Not "3-5 business days"
Experienced AU680 service
Not general equipment techs learning on your system
Up to 50% less than OEM service contracts
Same service, lower cost
No territory restrictions
We service all 50 states
Preventive maintenance that prevents problems
The AU680 needs consistent PM to maintain performance:
Quarterly wash station cleaning (prevents baseline drift).
Semi-annual photometer calibration (maintains linearity).
Annual full system PM (catches issues before they fail).
Common AU680 repairs we handle daily
Wash station failures
Usually just needs proper cleaning and adjustment, not $15,000 replacement.
ISE module issues
Often electrode replacement, not entire module replacement.
Sample probe problems
Adjustment and cleaning typically fixes "probe crash" errors.
Photometer drift
Pumps and valves need regular attention at these volumes
Water system alarms
Filter changes and flush procedures clear most issues.
Troubleshooting guide for AU680 operators
Before calling service, follow this systematic approach to identify and resolve common AU680 issues:
Step 1: Identify the indicators
Check for:
Observations - What's actually happening vs expected behavior.
Failures - Reagent blank (RB), calibration (Cal), or QC failures.
Messages - Status messages on the home menu (green = informational, yellow/orange = caution, red = warning).
Flags - Test result flags.
Alarms - Check the alarm list for recorded issues.
Step 2: Take inventory of what could have happened
Ask yourself:
Was a new reagent just loaded?
Did you open new calibrators or QC material?
Was maintenance recently performed?
Were any parts replaced?
Step 3: Review the RB/Cal/QC monitor screens
For failed reagent blanks, calibrations, or QC:
Check if the calibrator is consistent across ODs (optical densities).
Review if failure affects multiple chemistries.
Determine if the calibrator is unique to the failed chemistry.
Step 4: Systematically troubleshoot by category
Sample-related issues:
Is the sample probe functioning correctly?
Are samples positioned properly?
Is there contamination?
Reagent-related issues:
Has the reagent expired?
Is it properly prepared and stored?
Is there contamination?
Reagent handling system:
Are reagent probes working?
Is the reagent syringe functioning?
Is the reagent mix bar operating?
System components/environment:
Are water source and waste systems functioning?
Is the wash detergent adequate?
Are wash nozzles clear?
Is the lamp working?
Is lab temperature stable?
Is power supply consistent?
When to call Block Scientific service
If you've worked through these steps and the issue persists, give us a call. Have ready:
The specific alarm messages and numbers.
What troubleshooting steps you've already taken.
Any recent changes to the system.
Printed alarm reports if available.
Our team can often resolve issues over the phone, but we can also dispatch a technician if needed.
Why buy refurbished AU680 analyzers
The AU680's sweet spot
This analyzer hits the perfect balance for most labs that need the following qualifications:
Fast enough for 200-500 bed hospitals
Comprehensive enough for full chemistry menus
Reliable enough for 24/7 operation
Simple enough for minimal training
You don't need an AU5800 if you're running 800 samples daily. You need an AU680 that costs less and does everything you need.
Who's buying refurbished AU680s
Community hospitals upgrading from AU480s.
Reference labs adding capacity without without digging into the capital budget.
Physician groups bringing testing in-house.
International facilities getting proven technology affordably.
Teaching hospitals equipping satellite labs.
Sell us your AU680 chemistry analyzer
Upgrading to something newer? Your AU680 has value even if it's not running perfectly.
Your AU680 has value in any condition
- Fully operational systems - Maximum value for working analyzers
- Units needing repairs - Still valuable for refurbishment
- Non-functional equipment - Parts recovery helps other labs keep running
Factors affecting value:
Serial number (age)
Test count (wear level)
ISE module condition
Included accessories
Service history
We handle everything
Free evaluation
Certified decontamination
Professional deinstallation
Secure transport
All documentation
Turn your old AU680 into capital for your next analyzer. Most labs recover significant value from their used equipment through our buyback program.
Comparing AU680 to other chemistry analyzers you might be thinking about right now
AU680 vs AU480
The AU680 doubles the AU480's throughput (1200 vs 600 tests/hour) with identical reagent systems. If your AU480 can't keep up with morning draws, the AU680 eliminates that bottleneck without learning new chemistry.
AU680 vs AU5800
The AU5800 offers 2000+ tests/hour but costs 3x more and requires dedicated staff. Unless you're processing 1500+ samples daily, you're paying for idle capacity. The AU680 delivers sufficient throughput at a fraction of the operating cost.
AU680 vs Roche cobas c501
Similar throughput, different philosophy. The c501 uses disposable cuvettes (higher consumable cost), while the AU680's washable cuvettes save $30,000+ annually. Both deliver quality results - your budget determines the winner.
AU680 vs Siemens Dimension Vista 500
The Vista integrates specialty testing (drugs, therapeutic monitoring) better than the AU680. But it's also temperamental, with expensive proprietary consumables. The AU680 trades some versatility for rock-solid reliability and lower operating costs.
Complete AU680 FAQ
With proper maintenance, expect 5-7 years of reliable operation. Many AU680s run for 10+ years. The mechanical simplicity means fewer failure points than newer, more complex systems. We have customers still running AU680s we sold them in 2015.
Yes - this is where you save serious money. The AU680 has 24 open channels for third-party reagents. We provide programming protocols for major alternatives. Typical savings: up to 30-40% on high-volume tests.
Real-world capacity depends on your test mix. Figure 800-1000 patient samples in a 16-hour day with typical test menus. The 1200 test/hour spec assumes optimal conditions - reality is about 80% of theoretical maximum.
Minimum footprint: 79" wide x 32" deep. Add 24" behind for service access and 12" on sides for ventilation. Don't forget space for water treatment system and reagent refrigerator. Total realistic footprint: 10' x 6'.
The AU680 needs Type 1 water (>10 MΩ·cm resistivity). Budget $5,000-10,000 for water treatment if you don't have existing infrastructure. Daily consumption: 800-1000 liters. Pro tip: Install larger tank to avoid mid-day refills.
Depends on your volume. If you run <50 electrolytes daily, send them out - ISE maintenance isn't worth it. Above 100 daily? The ISE saves money despite electrode costs. At 200+ daily, it's essential for turnaround time.
Wash station deterioration causes 40% of service calls. Sticky valves, worn pumps, or contaminated lines cause baseline drift and carryover. Proper daily maintenance prevents most issues. When it fails, rebuilding costs $5,000-8,000, not the $15,000 Beckman quotes for replacement.
No. The DxC version includes integrated immunoassay which requires different hardware. However, you can interface an AU680 with separate immunoassay analyzers through middleware for similar functionality at lower cost.
Must-haves: Refrigerated reagent carousel ($8,000 new, $3,000 refurbished), ISE module if running electrolytes, water treatment system. Nice-to-haves: Additional sample racks, refrigerator for backup reagents, UPS system for power stability.
Professional installation takes 2-3 days: Day 1 for positioning and utilities, Day 2 for calibration and correlation, Day 3 for training and go-live. DIY installation isn't recommended - too many calibration variables affect result quality.
Every refurbished AU680 includes: Main analyzer unit, computer and software, starting reagents for calibration, sample racks and consumables to begin testing, operator manual, 90-day to 1-year warranty, installation and training.
If your AU480 handles current volume with time to spare, keep it running. If you're rejecting samples, running nights, or delaying results, upgrade now. The AU680 costs less than adding second shift staffing for a year.
The AU680 runs proven, stable software that rarely needs updates. Unlike newer analyzers with constant patches, the AU680 software just works. When updates are needed, we provide them free during service contracts.
Yes, through standard ASTM or HL7 protocols. Budget $5,000-15,000 for interface setup depending on your LIS complexity. Most common systems (Sunquest, Cerner, Epic) have existing AU680 interfaces.
One operator can manage the AU680 during routine operation. You need backup coverage for breaks and troubleshooting. Figure 1.5 FTEs for single shift, 3.0 FTEs for 24/7 operation.
All-in cost (equipment amortization, service, reagents, consumables, labor) runs $0.80-1.20 per test depending on volume and test mix. Compare to $1.50-2.00 for newer systems with disposable cuvettes and proprietary reagents.
Yes. Installation includes 2-3 days of operator training covering daily operation, maintenance, basic troubleshooting, and QC procedures. Additional training available for new staff at $1,500/day plus travel.
We stock common AU680 parts (probes, valves, pumps, boards) for immediate shipment. Unusual parts might take 3-5 days. Critical parts can overnight. Our parts cost up to 40-60% less than Beckman OEM parts.
Yes, qualified facilities can lease with 10% down. Typical terms: 36-60 months at 6-8% rates. Lease-to-own includes service contracts. Many labs find leasing preserves capital while generating immediate savings.
The AU680 fits if you run 200-1000 chemistry samples daily, need comprehensive test menu without specialty assays, want proven reliability over cutting-edge features, and prefer lower operating costs to latest technology.
We provide validation protocols and assist with initial studies. Plan 2-4 weeks for full validation depending on your test menu. Your CAP/CLIA requirements determine extent of validation needed.
We're independent, not authorized Beckman dealers. This means we can offer better prices, service any brand equally, and aren't restricted by territory agreements. We've serviced Beckman analyzers since 1985.
Genuine equipment issues within warranty period: Full refund or replacement. Changed your mind after delivery: 20% restocking fee plus return shipping. We stand behind our equipment but can't absorb buyer's remorse costs.
Ready to cut chemistry costs with the AU680?
The Beckman Coulter AU680 delivers everything most labs actually need without paying for features you won't use. Proven reliability. Manageable throughput. Reasonable operating costs.
Stop paying premium prices for routine chemistry testing. Your AU680 should be generating revenue, not consuming it.
Next steps:
Step 1.
Check our current AU680 inventory
Step 2.
Get your custom quote with trade-in value
Step 3.
Schedule a site assessment
Step 4.
Start saving within 30 days
Serving clinical laboratories since 1980. Over 500 AU680 analyzers delivered. Your complete laboratory partner.
