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Automated Pipetting Advances Leukemia Research
9 Mar 2017Mia Harley
Biochemist
Industry news
Rainin electronic pipettes are helping California-based Clarient Diagnostic Services, Inc. to provide cancer diagnostic testing. Flow cytometry supervisor Brian Ngo explained: “Our laboratory uses flow cytometry to detect specific biomarkers that help to diagnose leukaemia, and this involves pipetting microliter volumes of antibodies and samples. When you are doing a lot of pipetting, user comfort is very important and so we decided to invest in electronic – rather than manual – pipettes.”
“We looked at the various options available, and chose Rainin E4 XLS single channel pipettes because they are ergonomically designed and very easy to hold. They are also quite intuitive to use – changing the volume is very straightforward – with the benefit of a large LCD screen. There are advantages from a GLP perspective too, as the programmed volume ranges can be password protected – preventing them from being inadvertently altered – and particular features locked down or hidden. The pipettes are very dependable and, as they can operate accurately over a range of volumes – unlike the manual pipettes we were using before – we have been able to reduce the number of pipettes in the lab from over 100 to about 10, significantly decreasing our calibration costs.”
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AntibodiesAntibodies are used in techniques such as confocal and fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, ELISA, ELISPOT, immunohistochemistry, western blotting and immunopreciptation. Select specific antigen reactivity, high specific affinity, low non-specific binding, monoclonal or polyclonal, primary or secondary antibodies and associated conjugates such as an enzyme or dye for visualization.Pipettes and DispensersPipettes and dispensers are essential lab equipment used to dispense measured volumes of liquid accurately. Explore a range of manual and electronic pipettes, including single and multichannel, serological and volumetric pipettes, as well as a range of pipette tips. Bottle-top dispensers are also available for simple and fast solvent dispensing. Find the best pipettes & dispensers in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Flow Cytometry / Cell CountingFlow cytometers are used to count, sort and examine multiple characteristics of cells. Other cell analysis equipment includes image cytometers, cell counters, fluorescence-activated cell sorters (FACS), magnetic-activated cell sorters (MACS), and a range of flow cytometry assay kits. Flow cytometers can reveal information on cell viability, cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle progression, as well as identify cell populations and intracellular or cell-surface molecules. Additionally, some flow cytometers, known as FACS, have an additional sorting function after analysis. Cell counters and image cytometers count live and dead cell populations and can also conduct cell proliferation assays. Find the best flow cytometers, cell counters and cell sorters in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.BiomarkersBiomarkers are biological markers which can be measured and evaluated to indicate a biological state. The use of biomarkers in research and diagnosis can indicate a normal or disease state or drug response of cells / tissues. Biomarkers include genetic markers, cell surface markers such as antigens, antibodies or receptors and secreted molecules such as cytokines. An assay system is required for identification of biomarkers. :Plate ProcessingAutomated plate processing is used in microplate technologies for high-throughput, speed and efficiency. Plate processing systems include microplate handlers for moving plates, heat sealers, stackers and carousels for storage, retrieval and delivery, microplate washers and piercers. Useful features of plate processors include walk-away automation, compatibility and easy integration with microplate systems.Automated Liquid HandlingAutomated liquid handling equipment is used to mix, dilute and dispense allotted volumes of liquid into microplates and other vessels automatically. The robotic, liquid handling arms can dispense from single channel to 3456 multichannel as well as operate nanoliter dispensing, enabling high throughput of samples. Find the best automated liquid handlers in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.LeukemiaCancer DiagnosticsThere are a wide variety of diagnostic tests for cancer available, and this range continues to expand as our knowledge of cancer improves. Current diagnostic methods include biopsy, imaging and blood tests for known biomarkers. New methods in research development include liquid biopsies and cancer breathalyzers.AutomationAutomation in laboratories and manufacturing processes enhances efficiency, precision, and scalability by reducing the need for manual intervention. It plays a critical role in improving productivity, minimizing human error, and accelerating workflows in fields like diagnostics, drug development, and industrial testing. Automation technologies include robotic systems, automated liquid handlers, and process control systems that streamline complex tasks and ensure consistent, reproducible results. Explore our peer-reviewed product directory to discover the best automation solutions, compare options, read user reviews, and get prices directly from manufacturers.Electronic PipetteElectronic pipettes are precision instruments used to transfer measured volumes of liquid in laboratory settings. They offer high accuracy, ease of use, and ergonomic benefits compared to traditional pipettes, reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries. Electronic pipettes are widely used in molecular biology, chemistry, and diagnostics. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best electronic pipettes; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Cancer ResearchAlthough cancer is often referred to as a single condition, it actually consists of more than 100 different diseases. Microscopy, mass spectrometry, high throughput sequencing and flow cytometry are some of the most common techniques employed in cancer research labs.