Arguing against lab automation is becoming more difficult, particularly for sample prep. With reagents and solvents costing what they do, a business case based on direct cost savings for critical materials stands on its own.

Despite protestations to the contrary, automation is not something to undertake casually. Due to the dizzying array of possibilities and workflows, the technology has not yet achieved the simplicity of consumer products.

A comprehensive review of sample preparation would require a multivolume work. Beyond that, covering the possible number of workflows given the hundreds of potential “unit operations” would fill an encyclopedia, especially when solids (rock, soil, animal tissue) are considered.

A Question and Answer with Select Automated Sample Prep Experts

Provides a faster, trouble-free alternative to cartridges for high throughput sample clean-up.

A good fit for the extraction of DNA, RNA, protein, mitochondria, and small molecules.

Microwave digestion is the preparation method of choice for analyzing metals in complex mixtures.

Find out all you need to know when buying SPE equipment for your lab and the results of our most recent sample prep survey.

The Greek translation of chromatography— basically “color writing”— fails to reveal the breadth of this technology.