Top Considerations When Automating Your Real-Time PCR Workflow

With the increasing importance of large-scale data generation, many pharmaceutical labs are using robots to speed data collection. One such strategy is to automate the real-time PCR workflow. This accelerates data generation and frees scientists to do the careful data analysis required to achieve scientific breakthroughs.

Automation solves one key problem in laboratories: In most labs, instruments are frequently booked throughout the workday while they stand idle overnight. An automated plate loader paired with automation-compatible real-time PCR instruments can enable the PCR machine to be utilized 24/7. Furthermore, some robots can be programmed to load two real-time PCR systems simultaneously, which also speeds up data collection. As shown in Figure 1, automating two real-time PCR systems can significantly decrease total project time. Using automation intelligently can eliminate bottlenecks, minimize hands-on time, and remove delays caused by having to wait until an instrument becomes available.

Figure 1 – Automating real-time PCR systems can significantly decrease time to result for large experiments.

The purpose of this article is to guide laboratories in selecting the best equipment for automating real-time PCR.

Throughput

Figure 2 – The Bio-Rad CFX Automation System II can be integrated with two real-time PCR systems to maximize experimental throughput.

Some plate handlers, including the CFX Automation System II from Bio-Rad Laboratories (Hercules, CA), permit a single robot to independently operate two real-time PCR systems (see Figure 2). This means that a single researcher can double experimental throughput by utilizing two automated real-time systems simultaneously. Alternatively, this feature can be used to allow two researchers to independently use a single plate handler for separate experiments. This is made possible by software that enables the scientists to specify settings for each real-time system—allowing the instruments to behave as if they were independent of each other.

Using one robot to run two instruments eliminates the need to set up automation runs on separate robots. It may also allow a lab to operate efficiently without buying a second robot.

Flexibility

One question to consider is whether a lab needs to handle both 96-well and 384-well plates. Some robots can simultaneously service two real-time instruments: one with a 96-well block and another with a 384-well block. To take advantage of this feature, be sure to choose a robot with grippers that can reliably transfer both types of plates.

Footprint

Labs where space is at a premium must consider any new instrument’s size, and PCR machines are no different. Even labs with ample space today will need to factor in size if they plan on buying additional instruments in the future. In these cases, one robot that can service two real-time systems is a better use of space than two robots that perform those functions separately. Researchers can further shrink the overall footprint by choosing robots and real-time systems with relatively small footprints.

Ease-of-use

Robotic software is truly the gateway to achieving higher throughput and speed, and therefore it is essential to choose software that is easy to use. Some automated plate handlers require software programming expertise to enable integration with real-time PCR instruments. But unless researchers can easily call on software programmers knowledgeable about automation workstations, labs should select software that works out of the box and is easy enough for even novices to master.

In high-throughput environments like pharmaceutical labs, laboratory information management systems (LIMS) are particularly valuable because they save time and minimize human error associated with manually entering information multiple times. Labs that use LIMS to streamline the flow of experimental information should make sure that automation software is compatible with LIMS files. Some software has capabilities that make users’ lives easier; for example, with features that allow a customer to import barcode information directly from LIMS files.

Some real-time automation systems have the ability to e-mail data files as soon as they are generated, which allows users to access data remotely and analyze experiments where and when they want. There is also an option to receive an e-mail notification alerting users to system errors; this critical feature provides a lab with the opportunity to immediately correct system errors and resume a run.

Reliability

Finally, responsive vendor service and support is as crucial as instrument reliability. Working with a single vendor for the entire real-time PCR automation system enables a lab to have a single point of contact for all questions associated with that system. Furthermore, equipment and software from a single provider are more likely to have been extensively tested to ensure that all components work together seamlessly.

When speaking with the plate handler company, users should ask detailed questions about their service and support plans to make certain they will fit their lab’s needs. Make sure both installation qualification (IQ) and operational qualification (OQ) services are offered. These services ensure that the systems function properly and provide the expected accuracy and reproducibility in all high-throughput runs. Additionally, the documentation associated with these services helps laboratories meet regulatory compliance requirements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, integrating automation into pharmaceutical and biotech workflows can dramatically increase throughput and decrease time to result, all while minimizing hands-on time and cutting costs. Following these guidelines can help any lab maximize its investment and ultimately, its contributions to science.

Dr. Jennifer Reed is a Product Manager, and Dr. Kim Petro is a Field Marketing Specialist, Gene Expression Division, Bio-Rad Laboratories, 2000 Alfred Nobel Dr, Hercules, CA 94547, U.S.A.; tel.: 510-741-4889; e-mail: [email protected]www.bio-rad.com

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