The pressure on clinical laboratories has increased significantly in recent years and the need for fast, accurate and thorough data is reaching unprecedented levels. COVID-19 has put an intense spotlight on automated liquid handling systems in particular, and with worldwide reliance and investment in PCR testing capabilities, this insatiable demand for rapid testing is unlikely to dissipate soon.
But this is by no means the only factor contributing to the industry’s impressive growth. Recent technological advancements have opened up a plethora of exciting possibilities in areas such as biotechnology research, novel drug innovation, vaccine development and much more. These developments combined with a world-altering pandemic have lead some experts to estimate that the liquid handling systems industry will be worth USD$5.01 Billion globally by 2028.
With standards & expectations changing both drastically and rapidly, investing in state of the art robotic liquid handlers for laboratory optimisation is key to future-proofing your operation.
What is a robotic liquid handling system?
Robotic or automated liquid handling systems are machinery used to treat liquids in a laboratory setting. By automating the liquid handling process, they free up time & resources, boost productivity and improve accuracy.
Liquid handling platforms can be used for a variety of different applications. Some models focus on simple processes such as dispensing, mixing & washing samples whilst others can be configured to optimise entire workflows and allow valuable walk-away time for technicians to focus on tasks such as data analysis.
Choosing the right liquid handling system for your laboratory
Finding a high quality system which can be configured to suit your current needs is vital but it’s also important to consider what you may need in future.
Start by analysing your current needs:
- What workflows are you performing?
- Do you need single or multi-function capabilities?
- What is the volume of work?
- How much space do you have in the laboratory?
Once you have a clear idea of what you need today, it’s worth taking some time to consider your future requirements. Contemplate areas for operational improvements such as:
- Cross-contamination rates
- Human error rates
- Turn-around time
- Volume / intake capacity
- Technician down-time
Consider areas where automation could boost your capabilities and streamline operations. Do you spend hours on robot calibration and set up? Do you have frequent contamination issues? Do you lose productivity to tedious tasks like importing, exporting & labelling samples?
Your automated liquid handler is an investment. A machine which focuses solely on mixing and washing samples is cheaper but a versatile system which can streamline workflows, handle fluctuating work volumes and reduce manual labour offers greater long term returns.
Introducing the Myra liquid handling system for lab automation
Myra is Bio Molecular Systems’ most ambitious product to date. The proud result of rigorous testing and remarkable innovation, it includes a number of features never before seen on a liquid analysing platform.
The Myra robot is a durable and versatile liquid handling system designed to deliver faster results whilst also providing best in class accuracy and precision.
What separates Myra from other automated liquid handling systems on the market?
Myra is the world’s first liquid handling system with an integrated camera. This groundbreaking technology — along with a state of the art algorithm and intuitive user interface — is set to revolutionise the way we utilise automated liquid handlers.
No more complex pipette calibration or looking under the hood for user errors — the integrated camera enables Myra to see what she’s doing as well as monitor and pre-empt potential issues.
What are some of Myra’s other features and benefits?
- Calibration at the click of a button
- High throughput
- Pressure based liquid level sensing
- Automated pipette calibration
- Accuracy and precision of less than 2% for 2 uL pipetting volumes
- Accuracy and precision of less than 1% for 5 uL pipetting volumes
- High precision pipette tip positioning and multi-dispense pipetting for greater accuracy
- 384 well pipette tips
- Closed pipette tip waste container for reduced contamination risk
- An interchangeable pipette head for flexible workflow
- UV LED lights and compact HEPA filter reduce qPCR contamination
- Half the size of other liquid handling systems (10kg and a footprint under 2ft2)
This multifaceted and user-friendly system offers an array of configurations designed to optimise operations, boost accuracy and reduce costs.
Can Myra be used in conjunction with other machinery?
The Myra liquid handling system has been designed for seamless integration with our Magnetic Induction Cycler, now with CE-IVD approval. Both Myra and the Mic cycler for qPCR share one centralised user interface to streamline workflow and provide faster results. You simply setup, run and analyse samples all in one location.
With no exporting or importing of sample names required and with qPCR, NGS library quantification* available at the click of a button, you can maximise productivity whilst minimising manual labour. You can set up workflows for multiple Mic cyclers using only one Myra liquid handler and analyse all of the data in one location using our Project software feature.
This effortless workflow between the Myra pipetting robot and the Mic cycler provides simplified solutions for both standard and complex laboratory processes which could revolutionise your entire operation.
*Coming soon
Order a free two week trial of the Myra liquid handling system today
If you’d like to explore this state of the art technology, you can request a free demo. Simply fill out the form and one of our global distributors will organise delivery directly to your lab.