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Lab Manager Life Science Survey

7 Questions to Ask When Purchasing an Automated Liquid Handler

Learn readers’ liquid handling purchasing plans and more from our latest survey results

by Shane Downie

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.

Top 7 Questions You Should Ask When Buying an Automated Liquid Handler

  1. What kind(s) of dispensing technology is used? Peristaltic pump dispensing offers low prime volumes and back flushing; microprocessor-controlled syringes have fast output and high precision. Hybrid detection systems combine both technologies in one and can even add washing functions.
  2. Is plate handling automatable? Manual plate handling can slow productivity. Automating the process with a compatible microplate stacker increases throughput with walk-away operation.
  3. 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.
  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 this specific liquid handler? This provides proof that the instrument performs as indicated.

Types of automated liquid handling systems used by survey respondents:

Stand-alone35%
Individual benchtop workstations26%
Self-contained multi instrument systems17%
Don't know14%
Other8%

Applications for automated liquid handling systems as reported by survey respondents:

Serial dilution31%
High-throughput screening14%
PCR setup13%
Plate replication6%
Plate reformatting4%
Cell culture3%
Whole genome amplication1%
Other25%

Nearly 35% of respondents are engaged in purchasing a new automated liquid handling system. The reasons for these purchases are as follows:

Addition to existing systems, increase capacity
36%
First time purchase
20%
Replacement of an aging system
29%
Setting up a new lab
15%

Top 10 features/factors respondents look for when purchasing an automated liquid handler:

Accuracy and precision for a wide range of compatible fluids77%
Safe sample handling - No cross-contamination76%
Maintenance/service/availability of accessories and replacement parts53%
Price47%
Rapid throughput47%
Maximum operator safety46%
Pipetting flexibility - Pipette with 384, 96, 24, 16, 12, or 8 tips37%
Size – small footprint37%
Sample tracking – automated recording and sample data documentation with a choice of bar code reader options34%
Ability to expand on instrument as requirements change32%

For more information on liquid handlers, including useful articles and a list of manufacturers, visit www.labmanager.com/liquid-handling

See previous survey results: