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, compact bench space, easy setup/installation, 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, takes up lab space, not easily adaptable
Integrated automation: Highly sophisticated systems
- Pro: fully integrated systems, advanced
- Con: limited flexibility, high cost, takes up lab space, 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 and involve redoing lab space.
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-ready automation with ability to easily swap modular pipettes and hardware for different applications makes it easy to incorporate in labs
- Compact bench space with simple installation and plug-and-play setup gives potential to run assays on day of installation
- Access to ready-to-go verified protocols ensures consistency in runs and data output, reducing the need to rerun assays from human error
- Plus, easily customize or create new protocols with open-source software meaning no need to adjust or adapt your current protocols
- Maximize throughput with walkaway automation by being able to work on other tasks while the workstation is running
The AAW™ automated liquid handling workstation also addresses some of the common liquid handling pain points.
Pain point 1: High hands-on time
The AAW™ workstation effortlessly automates workflows with walkaway automation to reduce manual steps in assay protocols.
Pain point 2: Limited workflows
Experience a flexible, modular automated liquid handling workstation that can be easily configured to lab needs and different applications on the same workstation.
Pain point 3: Complex setup
In addition to simple installation and modules you can swap yourself, the AAW™ workstation contains on-instrument guided setup with dynamic deck maps that match protocols.
Pain point 4: High maintenance
Tailored service options, including remote and onsite support, are available, meaning you are never on your own.
See how to effortlessly streamline your lab work today with the AAW™ automated assay workstation. Request info with the button below and download our infographic to get a simple visual representation of how the AAW™ automation compares to other liquid handling systems.