2014 Automated Liquid Handling Survey Results
Automated liquid handling (ALH) systems span the range from semi automated multichannel pipettors to room-sized systems. The industry is trending toward versatile, modular ALH systems—seemingly for every budget. Likewise, instrumentation, software, and methods have followed the trend toward greater user accessibility.
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Trevor Henderson, PhD
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Trevor Henderson BSc (HK), MSc, PhD (c), is the creative services director at Lab Manager. He has more than two decades of experience in the fields of scientific...
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Top 7 Questions You Should Ask When Buying an Automated Liquid Handling System
- What kind(s) of dispensing technology is used? Peristaltic pump dispensing offers low prime volumes and backflushing; microprocessor- controlled syringes have fast output and high precision. Hybrid detection systems combine both technologies in one and can even add washing functions.
- Is plate handling automatable? Manual plate handling can slow productivity. Automating the process with a compatible microplate stacker increases throughput with walk-away operation.
- Can it accommodate magnetic or plastic bead-based assays? If using bead-based assays, it should be equipped with appropriate magnets or vacuum filtration for critical wash steps.
- What is the volume range, and how many different sample vessel types may be used?
- Ask about the software—is it integrated and user-friendly? Does it allow for pre-programmed and custom protocols?
- What is the flow rate spectrum? A wide flow rate spectrum allows use with sensitive cell-based assays to viscous liquids.
- What assay validation data is available for this specific liquid handler? This provides proof that the instrument performs as indicated.
Types of automated liquid handling instruments used by survey respondents:
| Standalone | 46% |
| Individual benchtop workstations | 30% |
| Multi-instrument system | 22% |
| Other | 2% |
When asked which of the following procedures respondents used ALH systems, for they replied as follows:
| Serial dilution | 23% |
| Plate reformatting | 14% |
| Plate replication | 14% |
| PCR setup | 14% |
| High-throughput screening | 11% |
| Cell culture | 6% |
| Whole genome amplification | 4% |
| Array printing | 1% |
| High-density array printing | 0% |
| Other | 13% |
Nearly 38% of respondents plan on purchasing a new ALH system in the next year. The estimated budget ranges for these purchases are as follows:
 | Under $10,000 |  |
 | $10,000 to $20,000 | |
 | $20,000 to $30,000 | |
 | $30,000 + | |
 | Don't know |
Top 10 features/factors respondents look for when purchasing an ALH system:
| Safe sample handling - No cross contamination | 68% |
| Accuracy and precision for a wide range of compatible fluids | 66% |
| Maintenance / Service / Availability of accessories and replacement parts | 59% |
| Price | 52% |
| Rapid throughput | 42% |
| Pipetting flexibility - Pipette with 384, 96, 24, 16, 12 or 8 tips | 41% |
| Maximum operator safety | 40% |
| Sample tracking - Automated recording and sample data documentation with a choice of bar code readers | 30% |
| Ability to expan on instrument as requirements change | 23% |
| Size - Small footprint | 21% |
For more information on automated liquid handling systems, including useful articles and a list of manufacturers, visit www.labmanager.com/liquid-handling