Liquid handling is fundamental to sample processing. All of the sample processing in our labs, regardless of sample type revolves around a process of liquid handling. Previously, the vast majority of this was performed by hand. As the world has advanced, the use of liquid handling robots has allowed for more precision, accuracy, higher throughput and more specialised processes.
At UK Biocentre, we pride ourselves as specialist experts in ‘large-scale’ sample processing. We are proud to have a system of liquid-handling robots that ensure high throughput, accuracy and consistency in our labs. Our Tecan EVO-150 liquid handling systems helps us to improve efficiency, precision and reliability while ensuring we maintain a high throughput consistently and accurately through every step of the sample process journey. These systems can handle critical tasks such as reformatting, fractionation, normalisation, plate preparation, and aliquoting – while also seamlessly integrating with our local Laboratory Management Systems (LIMS).
The EVO’s are equipped with an assortment of advanced robotic arms and pipetting modules, addition processes, visualisation and tracking modules as well as a host of labware handling solutions that can accurately dispense precise volumes of liquids which are crucial for sample preparation, assay development and high throughput. We build automation pipelines programmed for each specific laboratory process and project.
Unlike our Tecans – which are big machines that automate the entire liquid handling process, we also have some Integra LifeSciences Viaflow 96 machines.
The Viaflow 96 precisely and effortlessly fills the gaps between what would have been a purely manual process and what could be fully automated by our Tecans.
These machines have been designed to be as easy to use as a traditional handheld pipette but also offer the precision and repeatability of advanced robotics. At UK Biocentre, we have Viaflow 96 present in some of processing labs, enabling us to handle a larger volume of samples with greater precision and speed while also improving our processing capabilities without compromising on quality.
We use many more machines at UK Biocentre – come back to find out more about the other leading-edge technology we use to maintain high throughput and drive the sample processing journey.
The extraction of genetic material from living cells was a revolutionary breakthrough when it was first achieved in 1869. Ever since, engineers and scientists alike have been striving to improve the process to make it faster, more efficient and more precise.
At UK Biocentre we use the KingFisher Flex system by Thermo Fisher Scientific to replace the old manual methods, bringing high-speed and reliable automation for genetic material extraction. With its compact design and versatility, it can handle a wide range of genetic material extractions from almost any sample type at different volumes.
UK Biocentre is proud to host a fleet of 24 KingFisher Flex systems that can handle both RNA and DNA extraction in batches of either 24 or 96. Each of these systems can complete an extraction cycle in about an hour, transforming the initial sample into purified genetic material.
We use the systems processing batches of 24 for larger sample volumes, while those handling batches of 96 are tailored for smaller volumes. Regardless of the sample type or volume, the systems consistently yield high-quality genetic material helping us maintain our promised high throughput during the sample processing journey.
With their flexibility, reliability and wide range of extraction kits, the KingFisher Flex systems are a cornerstone of our extraction pipelines.