In laboratories all over the world, the race is on to increase liquid handling productivity and quality in the face of increasingly smaller assays. This is spurred on by rising consumer demands and evolving technology.

At this level, your liquid handling capability must not only be precise and accurate – it also has to be fast and efficient. With much of the work in the lab still being done manually, this could be a problem. That is why manufacturers today are looking more into automated systems to handle liquids.

Making the shift to an automated system is an easy decision. Choosing the right automated liquid handler is another matter. Below are some of the questions you have to answer when choosing the right automated solution.

Is Your Current Workflow Robust Enough for Automation?

Lab automation can significantly improve a laboratory in many ways, from enhancing productivity to increasing accuracy to ensuring safety. It can cut the number of manual steps in half and the number of interventions by 75%. It can also minimize exposure to hazardous substances and the risk of injury from repetitive movements.

However, for your laboratory to enjoy the full benefits of an automated liquid handler, you must have a robust assay in place. Automation is not the solution if your problem is an inefficient process.

Case in point, pre-analysis work accounts for 46% to 68% of testing errors. You must ensure that your workflow is clear and these types of inefficiencies are addressed before you consider automating your liquid handling system.

What Level of Automation Do You Need?

Do you need a fully automated or semi-automated system? Do you need full control over the liquid handler system? To answer these questions, you must identify which steps or processes will truly free up valuable time.

The less time you spend managing these repetitive tasks, the more time you can spend on value-adding activities. This includes doing more research, analyzing more data, or engaging in collaborations.

Once you have evaluated your end of the process, you need to take a close look at the precision of the liquid handling system. It must deliver accurate results that can be repeated day in and day out. Without repeatability, your automation efforts will be wasted.

Will Your Business Goals Change in the Near Future?

Automating key processes in your laboratory would require a significant amount of investment. Needless to say, you should get as much in return as possible. You won’t be able to do this if your needs would change down the road, rendering your automation project useless or ineffective.

To ensure that your investment is viable for years to come, look for a reconfigurable solution. This will give you more flexibility in case you need to scale up, integrate new applications, or modify your processes.

How Much Resources Will You Need to Automate?

There is no doubt that automating your liquid handler will yield faster and better results. Still, you have to consider what you need to give up to make it happen. How much space will it take up in your laboratory? This may sound like a simple question, but in many cases, it is critical. Installing a system with a smaller footprint will have a huge impact on your productivity and ergonomics.

Aside from the space, you need to anticipate the resources needed to keep the new system in great condition. This includes the possible downtime that may result from repair activities. If possible, choose a system with a robust support system for maintenance.