Top 7 Questions You Should Ask When Buying an Automated Liquid Handling System
1. What kind(s) of dispensing technology is used? Peristaltic pump dispensing offers low prime volumes and back-flushing; while microprocessor- controlled syringes are characterized by fast output and high precision. Hybrid detection systems combine both technologies in one compact unit, and can even add washing functions for the utmost in volume range, flexibility and precision.
2. Is the liquid handler automatable? Manual plate handling slows productivity as throughput increases. Automating the process with a compatible microplate stacker increases throughput with walk-away operation.
3. Can the liquid handler accommodate magnetic or plastic bead-based assays? If using bead-based assays, the liquid handler should be equipped with appropriate magnets or vacuum filtration for critical wash steps.
4. What is the volume range, and how many different sample vessel types may be used?
5. Ask about the software—is it integrated and user-friendly? Does it allow for pre-programmed and custom protocols?
6. What is the flow rate spectrum? A wide flow rate spectrum allows use with sensitive cell-based assays to viscous liquids.
7. What assay validation data is available for the liquid handler? Assay validation data specific for the liquid handler provides proof that the instrument performs as indicated.
In automated liquid handlers (ALHs) many customers are looking for modularity, flexibility, scalability, and upgradability. At the same time, space limitations are causing a shift from large core-facility, highthroughput screening systems to smaller, dedicated, more distributed screening within individual laboratories.
Based on our latest survey data, for our readers who currently utilize an automated liquid handling instrument or are planning to purchase one, the procedures that apply to their labs, include:
Serial dilution | 18% | PCR setup | 18% | Plate replication | 14% | High-throughput screening | 12% | Cell culture | 11% | Plate reformatting | 10% | Whole genome amplification | 5% | Array printing | 4% | High-density array printing | 3% | Other | 5% |
Our readers currently use or plan to purchase an automated liquid handling instrument equipped with the following: Disposable tips | 57% | Fixed, washable tips with various chemically resistant and biologically appropriate coatings and lengths | 17% | Sound waves that use acoustic energy to transfer liquids | 4% | Don’t know | 23% | Microporous filtration | 6% |
The top 10 features that impact our readers’ decisions to buy automated liquid handling instruments: | Important | Not Important | Don’t Know | Rapid throughput | 92% | 3% | 5% | Size—small footprint | 89% | 5% | 6% | Accuracy and precision for a wide range of compatible fluids | 89% | 6% | 5% | Price | 89% | 8% | 3% | Ability to expand on instrument as requirements change | 86% | 10% | 4% |
Recently Released Automated Liquid Handling Systems
VIAFILL™ • Provides a choice of different tubing sets • Includes a color touch screen user interface • Allows accurate and rapid reagent addition in volumes ranging from 0.5μl to 10ml into 6-, 12-, 24-, 48-, 96-, 384- and 1536-well plates • Can be used as an automated multichannel pipettor or a plate washer/aspirator INTEGRA www.integra-biosciences.com
Biomek FXp Liquid Handling Workstation • Can be configured with either one or two pipetting pods • Puts every aspect of liquid handling—including pipetting, dilution, dispensing and integration—into a single, automated system • Includes Biomek Software and ongoing applications development • Features choice of a 96- or 384-multichannel pipetting head, along with many other customization options Beckman Coulter www.beckmancoulter.com
PersonalArrayer 16 • Users can choose different modules for different printing applications • Features automatic identification of slide/plate deck and spotting/dispensing module, and automatic fluid level sensing • Dispense volumes are adjustable from 10 nl to 50 μl • Air pressure-driven dispensing ensures no direct contact with slide substrates, resulting in greater sample recovery and less contamination CapitalBio www.capitalbio.com
GX-281 Dual Z-Arm • Gives the GX-281 added functionality allowing new configurations and use of devices such as: tube grippers, bar code readers and pH probes • Users can combine the GX-281, Dual Z-Arm and TRILUTION LH v3.0 for a complete solution • GX-281 Dual Z and TRILUTION LH provide the capability for automatic weighing stations, dissolution, and much more Gilson www.gilson.com
MICROLAB NIMBUS Enclosed Workstation • Enables gripper movements and a range of pipetting capabilities for tubes and plates within a secure environment •Accommodates either the Hamilton CO-RE (compressed O-ring expansion) 96-probe multichannel head or four independent 1 mL channels • Small footprint requirements are met through the accommodation of pull-out storage for the PC and tip waste Hamilton Robotics www.hamiltoncompany.com
Automated Liquid Handling Manufacturers |
|
|
|