Problem: With unrelenting need for accurate sample analysis at lower and lower detection limits, there is pressure on modern laboratories for sample prep instruments that can provide automated, accurate reagent additions to previously prepared liquid samples or for preparing several aliquots of these samples with multiple dilution factors. The catch-all phrase that identifies these devices is “liquid handling systems” and they perform absolutely essential tasks that have a direct and large effect on the ultimate measurement accuracy of both inorganic and organic sample analysis.

Glove boxes are containment systems for protecting samples, processes, and products from operators and the environment—or the other way around

Louis Scampavia, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Molecular Therapeutics at the Scripps Research Institute in Florida, talks to contributing editor Tanuja Koppal, PhD, about how automation has been a critical part of their high-throughput screening activities. He goes into the details of what can and should be automated and the due diligence that needs to be performed before these decisions are made—decisions that have a long-standing impact on the workings of a lab.

Helium is commonly used as the makeup gas for flame ionization detection in gas chromatography;
however, dramatic increases in cost and limited availability in recent years have led many chromatographers to use nitrogen in its place.

Join Tecan on booth #405 at this year’s SLAS Conference and Exhibition in San Diego, California, to discover the latest developments in automated liquid handling. From the 18th to 22nd of January, this annual event will once again play host to the very best in laboratory equipment from around the world, together with a wide range of presentations, seminars and workshops designed to ignite imaginations and push the boundaries of laboratory automation.

Philip Schwartz, PhD, supervisor and senior scientist and director of the National Human Neural Stem Cell Resource at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County Research Institute, talks to Contributing Editor Tanuja Koppal, PhD, about the subtle particulars and expertise needed to design and maintain a laboratory dedicated to culturing stem cells.

Chemical processing and analysis are fueling a resurgence of interest in highly purified specialty gases. Novel gas-phase chemical reactions reduce the number of unit operations and side products while eliminating the disposal of toxic solvents.

As laboratory budgets tighten and laboratory automation purchases come under scrutiny, R&D efforts are still expected to function efficiently and with increased data quality. 

A lab washer provides convenience, saves water and energy, and provides many more options for cleaning. In fact, the options just keep growing.

New regulations, increased use, flagging performance and signigicant maintenance main drivers to buy

Problem: Advancements in technology in the scientific arena have led to the requirement to store larger numbers of compounds including small molecules, potential drug candidates or biological samples.