The QIAGEN Genomic Services laboratory is using handheld and benchtop electronic liquid handling solutions from INTEGRA Biosciences to streamline PCR sample prep. This helps the department to increase the throughput and consistency of its molecular testing workflows, supporting its customers in developing new methods for accurately diagnosing, preventing and treating various diseases.
The QIAGEN Genomics Services laboratory in Hilden, Germany, delivers sample-to-insight molecular testing solutions for a global customer base. Its ‘fee-for-service’ offering includes everything from initial sample handling and preparation through to detailed analytical results, using a wide range of extraction kits and analytical technologies to suit the needs of various customer projects.
Performing high throughput testing while maintaining the ability to adapt to meet individual project needs requires flexible workflow solutions, as Dr David Löper, Head of the Genomic Services laboratory, explained: “We are constantly adapting our testing workflows to accommodate different sample types and cater for diverse customer requirements. This prompted us to look for versatile liquid handling solutions that would reduce our manual workload and enhance lab efficiency.”
The lab receives various biological samples from its customers in tube format, and uses an ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot with VOYAGER electronic pipettes with adjustable tip spacing for sample reformatting to 96 well filter plates. A VIAFLO 96 handheld electronic pipette is then used for nucleic acid extraction. David explained the benefits of this approach over the lab’s previous sample preparation methods: “In the past, we used to perform all binding, washing and elution steps using centrifugation, which was very cumbersome and tedious. Preparing samples in a 96 well plate on the VIAFLO 96 is far faster and more straightforward, significantly improving our workflow. Additionally, implementing the ASSIST PLUS instrument for many of our liquid transfer steps in the lab ensures greater reproducibility across all our molecular testing protocols.”
“Overall, the INTEGRA products have significantly enhanced our productivity and consistency, which is crucial for managing high throughput genomics workflows and speeding up project completion for our customers,” David concluded
Visit the INTEGRA Biosciences website to learn more.
