A liquid handler moves liquids in various amounts from one container to another. While this process might sound straightforward, it forms the backbone of laboratory testing worldwide. Liquid handling involves working with tiny amounts of liquid, as small as 1 microliter. Depending on the test you're conducting, you may also need to handle liquids of varying viscosity.
There are two principal methods of transferring liquids in a lab setting - manually or with an automated liquid handling system. The latter performs liquid transfers through computerized systems. Lab technologists can set the parameters and liquid amounts, and the machine takes care of the rest. A robotic arm dispenses a specific volume of liquid to the intended container. Some models have additional devices and perform tasks like heating and cooling to ensure the liquid handling process is as precise and efficient as possible
Some of the processes that benefit from automated handling systems include:
Nucleic acid preparation
Liquid biopsies
PCR setup
Bio array or spot printing workstations
Next generation sequencing
Liquid-liquid extraction
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
Solid phase extraction
Precision and accuracy are critical in medicine and science. Automated liquid handling eliminates human error and improves consistency. Manual pipetting can compromise the quality of your data, leading to expensive reruns. The increased accuracy and precision of automated liquid handling save unnecessary reagent use, and the machine's speed allows you to manage a create workload in a shorter period.
Eliminating Carry-Over and Contamination
Scientists and medical professionals must be able to trust that they have reliable results. Eliminating cross-contamination is essential to maintain your data quality. With manual liquid handling, avoiding contamination is time-consuming and stressful. Automated handling systems reduce the risk of cross-contamination. The machine dispenses the correct liquid volumes into the target plate below the source plate accurately, eliminating the chances of contamination and carry-over.
Lowering Costs and Limiting Wastage
Manual liquid handling requires the use of pipette tips. In comparison, automated liquid handling systems transfer liquids directly into the source plate, eliminating the need for pipette tips altogether, which is good for reducing plastic waste in the environment. You don't have to wait for stock and can save costs and maximize your budget.
Some automated liquid handling systems can identify errors before starting the process, allowing you to conserve your samples and reduce waste.
Saving Time
Automated liquid handling increases throughput and streamlines your workflow. You can process multiple samples simultaneously, and your speed is significantly faster than the manual alternative, saving time on entire protocols. The increased accuracy and precision also save you time on reruns due to human error.
Increasing Productivity and Satisfaction
No one likes to spend their days completing repetitive tasks. Automated liquid handling systems enable your staff to focus on their core competencies, as they're no longer spending hours completing manual processes. They can engage in their work and feel like they're making a meaningful contribution, which leads to a positive atmosphere and better results in the workplace.