Automated Liquid Handling

Top 5 Signs that You Should Service or Replace Your Automated Liquid Handling System

	System instrumentation, software, and/or methods are not user-friendly and take too much time to learn and use.
	The system is not flexible for your future needs or takes up too much space in the laboratory.
	The system is experiencing constant glitches and is no longer producing consistent or reliable results.
	You are experiencing mechanical problems—pipette tips are out of calibration, the deck is not “framed” properly, belts are worn out, or the pipette stages are out of alignment.
	Your throughput is increasing or you are moving into applications that your current system can’t handle.

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 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.
	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.
	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.
	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 the liquid handler? Assay validation data specific for the liquid handler provides proof that the instrument performs as indicated

Recently Released Automated Liquid Handling Systems

815 Robotic Soliprep

Provides fully customizable and automated preparation and analysis of liquid and solid samples in ion chromatography
Incorporates a wide range of tasks, including pulverizing, homogenizing, extracting, filtering and diluting
Flexibility in sample rack and syringe filters fulfills a variety of application requirements
If combined with Metrohm IC systems, analysis of ingredients and contaminants in tables, animal feed, sediments, food and more is possible

Genomic Starlet ALH System

Extracts nucleic acids from biological samples and purifies PCR products in a non-IVD environment
Provides versatility with one system that can run up to eight pre-installed protocols
Accommodates different input samples, including bacterial, eukaryotic cells, tissue, blood, plants and others
Processes 96 samples in 60-144 minutes depending on the kit

TriPlus 300 Headspace Autosampler

Designed for fast start-up, high productivity, and flexibility for analyzing organic
volatiles
Includes a 120-vial sample tray capacity and large 18-vial incubation oven overlap capacity
After initial setup, the device’s timing is automatically optimized to maintain constant equilibrium intervals, further enhancing throughput
Compatible with standard GC and GC-MS systems

Thermo Fisher Scientific
www.thermoscientific.com

Janus® BioTX Pro™ Automated Workstation

Accommodates multiple chromatography modes (column, tip and batch)
Eliminates the need for multiple instruments, resulting in more efficient and cost effective sample processing
Enables small scale purification of μg to mg proteins on one system instead of three individual dedicated systems
Supports the use of commercially available plate and column based screening tools

Automated Liquid Handling System Manufacturers