Comparing Liquid Handling Systems: Why Flexible Liquid Handling Matters For Assay Automation
Looking for liquid handler options? Compare liquid handling systems below and find preferred options for assay automation.
Section Overview
What Is A Liquid Handling System?
Liquid handling systems can be fully manual, automated, or a mix of both. As the name suggests, these systems handle liquid, meaning they measure specific liquid volumes and help transfer liquid.
Liquid handling usually involves systems that can pipette, dispense, and mix reagents. The advanced liquid handling systems are generally preferred over repetitive single channel pipetting by hand due to less risk of human error as well as the ergonomic benefit of reducing repetitive tasks.
What Are The Different Types of Liquid Handlers?
Different kinds of liquid handlers include manual pipetting such as single-channel or multi-channel pipettes, semi-automated pipetting assistance devices, flexible DIY workstations with open-source software, high-throughput NGS-focused systems, and highly sophisticated integrated automated liquid handling instruments.
The more automated liquid handlers, liquid handling robots, and automated liquid handling systems can transfer liquids at a high rate helping to automate this common lab process. They come with the benefit of less hands-on time, meaning time can be spent doing other tasks and being more efficient.
Liquid Handling Equipment Comparison
Each liquid handler comes with pros and cons, but the variety of options allows labs to match automation levels to their needs. As referenced in the image below, cost and complexity in setup rises as automation/integration capabilities increase, while manual effort decreases.
Figure 1.Comparing liquid handling options.
Entry Level: Manual Pipetting
- Pro: cost-effective, accessible
- Con: high hands-on time, user-dependent, no flexibility
Semi-Automated: Pipetting Assistance Devices
- Pro: reduces manual effort
- Con: limited flexibility, requires specialized programming
Flexible Automation: DIY Automated Assay Workstations
- Pro: reduced bench time, highly flexible open-source platform, customizable, scalable, intuitive interface, cost-effective compared to advanced automation options
- Con: higher cost than more manual options, more modest throughput than integrated systems
High-Throughput: Large-Scale or NGS-Focused Systems
- Pro: higher capacity
- Con: complex setup, high cost, not easily adaptable
Integrated Automation: Highly Sophisticated Systems
- Pro: fully integrated systems, advanced
- Con: limited flexibility, high cost, high maintenance
How Flexible Liquid Handling on the AAW™ Workstation Addresses Common Liquid Handling Pain Points
Automated liquid handling systems and automated pipetting robots are great options for automating sample prep and running assays. However, traditional assay automation options are often restrictive and require extensive time, training, and skills to properly integrate in lab workflows.
However, with flexible liquid handling, there’s an easier option. For example, the AAW™ automated assay workstation is modular, making it highly flexible and user-friendly for simple workflow creation.
Some key advantages to using this assay automation option include:
- Beginner-friendly automation makes it easy to incorporate in labs
- Plug-and-play verified protocols ensure consistency in runs and data output, reducing the need to rerun assays from human error
- Maximize throughput with walkaway automation by being able to work on other tasks while the workstation is running
The AAW™ workstation also addresses some of the common liquid handling pain points.
Pain Point 1: High Hands-On Time
The AAW™ workstation automates workflows with walkaway automation to reduce manual steps in assay protocols.
Pain Point 2: Limited Workflows
It is a flexible, modular automated liquid handling system that can be configured to lab needs.
Pain Point 3: Complex Setup
The AAW™ workstation contains on-instrument guided setup with dynamic deck maps that match protocols.
Pain Point 4: High Maintenance
Various services are available for the workstation with remote and onsite options plus extensive tech support.
See how to streamline your lab work today with the AAW™ automated liquid handling workstation. Request info with the button below and download our infographic to see how the AAW™ system compares to other liquid handling systems.
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