Resources: Knowledge and practical liquid handling tips you can put into practice

We have collected data and information that focus on optimized assay workflows, as well as automated liquid handling and pipetting processes – all of which is compiled in the resources below. If you would like more details on how Artel can support your assay, don’t hesitate to reach out— call or email - we are here to help
Speed Assay Development
Process Optimization for Assays - Whitepaper
Find out how by downloading this new White Paper on using process optimization to reduce assay variability and improve productivity.
Pipetting viscous solutions poster
Pipetting Viscous Solutions
The Pipetting Viscous Solutions poster provides guidance on pipetting solutions and helps in understanding that viscosity is the measure of a liquid’s resistance to flow.
Troubleshooting Automation
Troubleshooting Automation
This Troubleshooting Automation poster provides guidance on how to identify common problems so you can get the best performance out of your liquid handling platforms.

Using the MVS to Measure Residual Volumes Remaining in a Plate After Sample Aspiration: General Approach

By Kevin Khovananth, Jim Neilsen, Keith J. Albert, PhD.
Abstract The purpose of this application note is to demonstrate an alternative use for the Artel MVS® Multichannel Verification System. As opposed to measuring the…

Webinar: Liquid handling considerations for automating your NGS workflow

By Nathaniel Hentz, Phd, Jason Graves
In this webinar, Dr. Nathaniel Hentz and Jason Graves will highlight their approach for addressing NGS workflows and present methodologies for improving DNA normalization, ensuring…

Genomics workflow optimization: Overcoming barriers for successful automation

By Enea, N.
Many labs turn to automation to increase throughput, lower costs, and reduce operator-related errors. Transferring a manual, bench-top assay to an automated platform, however, is…

Webinar: Understanding Barriers to Successful Assay Optimization with an Eye Toward Automation

By Nathaniel Hentz, PhD, William Ivory
In this expert on-demand webinar, learn about the most common barriers to successful assay optimization and the importance of monitoring workflows The liquid handling component…

Coupling assay design and process optimization toward minimizing variability

By Hentz, N.
Overview Scientists typically optimize assay parameters first, then select an automated liquid handler using default parameters during transition to an automated platform. This study illustrates…

Genomics workflow optimization: Coupling assay development and process characterization toward automation

By Hentz, N., Kitchener, B.
Overview Many labs turn to automation to increase throughput, lower costs, and reduce operator-related errors. Transferring a manual, bench-top assay to an automated platform, however,…

An Assessment of the Volumetric Performance of the The MANTIS® Liquid Handler Using the Artel MVS® Multichannel Verification System

By Kristi Allen, Thomas Rawlins, Dmitry Rodinov
Introduction Since the inception of the variable volume pipette in the 1960s, researchers have been sacrificing the precision of their liquid transfers for ease of…

I-DOT One & the Artel MVS®

By Mario Graeve, Christopher Laske, Stefan Schork
Abstract The Immediate Drop on Demand Technology (I-DOT) is a new approach for non-contact low volume dispensing, developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering…

Low Volume Liquid Measurement Testing with Beckman Coulter’s Biomek i-Series Automated Workstation using the Artel Multichannel Verification System (MVS®)

By Dana Campbell
Abstract This application note provides performance testing results obtained at the low volume range capability of Beckman Coulter’s Biomek i-Series Automated Workstation. The Artel MVS…

Optimizing Accuracy Performance of a Thermo Scientific Matrix WellMate Dispenser Using the Artel MVS®

By K. J. Albert
Abstract This application note discusses an approach for optimizing pipetting accuracy of a stand-alone Thermo Scientific Matrix WellMate dispenser by using the Artel measurement information.…

Improving Assay Performance Using a Process Optimization Approach

By Hentz, N., Avis, E.
Abstract High throughput screening (HTS) campaigns often rely on a single test to make a decision to proceed onto the next step. Minimizing assay variability…

ISO standards for assessing the volumetric performance of automated liquid handling systems

By Rodrigues, G.
Simplify method transfer and reduce compliance risk by using an international standard This presentation covers how volumetric performance and regulatory standards overlap, focusing on the biggest…

Does weather affect pipetting? YES!

By Rodrigues, G., Avis, E., Price, A., Gerber, V.
Note: This poster has been formatted to fit this screen. Click here to download the published version. Introduction Liquid handler performance can be optimized by adjusting…

SURVEY REPORT: Data quality, variability, and reproducibility

By Artel
From the Reproducibility Initiative to F1000 Research's Preclinical Reproducibility and Robustness channel, much attention in the life science community has been focused on study reproducibility.…

Standardization of Tecan Freedom EVO liquid handling platforms using the QC Kit

By Albert, K., Rodrigues, G., Sullivan, T.
Description Variability across liquid handling platforms of the same make and model is often uncharacterized and can lead to erratic results from instrument to instrument…

ATS-100 Acoustic Transfer System calibration using Artel MVS and DMSO Range E dye: A practical approach to developing calibration curves

By Scheibe, D., Palan, J., Khovananth, K.
Overview The ATS-100 transfers one or more droplets of a given fixed size (e.g. 1nl, 2.5nl, 10nl, etc.) in multiples necessary to attain the desired…

Effect of Liquid Handling Accuracy on Assay Performance

By Hentz, N., Knaide, T.
This study illustrates how optimization of both liquid-handling accuracy and precision is critical to assay performance. The study was designed to examine (1) liquid-handling performance…

Pipetting Characteristics of Serum and Serum-like Solutions versus Water

By Bradshaw, J., Curtis, R., Parshley, R., Flumerfelt, L.
Introduction Many types of chemical and biological analyses, which are core to bio-pharmaceutical laboratories, are based upon analytical techniques involving accurate delivery of liquid components. …

Reducing Costs by Improving Liquid handling

By Campbell, D., Knaide, T. - Artel, Roby, K. - Beckman Coulter
Abstract Lowering costs and reducing repeat testing are common interests in all areas of life science. Removing sources of variability from test processes reduces error…

Preventing Pandemics – The Global Influenza Threat

By Nathaniel Hentz, PhD
Over the years, influenza has taken the lives of millions. While vaccines are helping to reduce the damage caused by the virus there is still…

The eVolving Needs of Quality Assurance

By SGE Analytical Science
SGE’s revolutionary electronic syringe provides critical performance when and where it is needed in demanding QA field applications. Introducing a new method or product into…

Impact of Liquid Handling Variability on In Vitro Biochemical Assay Performance

By Hentz, N. - BTEC
A Look at Protein Binding and Enzyme Assay Classes Overview Review accuracy and precision Discuss common liquid handler QC methods Artel MVS technology description Brief…

Effect of Liquid Handling Quality Control on Biological Assay Performance

By Hentz, N. - BTEC, Knaide, T. - Artel
Introduction Automated liquid handlers have enabled dramatic improvements in the efficiency of screening the efficacy of potential new drug candidates, but just like a map…

Software System Used to Automate Equipment Performance Investigations and Improve Monitoring of Equipment at CareDx

By Butler, R., Wexler, D. - CareDx
Overview Many of the clinical laboratory workflows in use at CareDx rely heavily on Liquid Handling Instruments (LHI). As part of our Master Calibration Plan, all equipment…

Understanding Error Contribution of Liquid Handling and Analytical Equipment to Overall Assay Performance

By Bradshaw, J.
Abstract The introduction of automation and integrated analytical equipment into biology and chemistry labs has led to significant advances in testing capabilities over the past…

Effect of Liquid Handling QC on Biological Assay Performance

By Hentz, N. - BTEC
Introduction In order to obtain promising HTS candidates, high quality assays are required. Assay variability is a combination of liquid handling, biological and random variability.…

Nanoliter Volume Pin Tool Transfers as Measured by a Dual-Dye Absorbance Method

By Bradshaw, J. - Artel, Chau, D., Cleveland, P. - V&P Scientific
Introduction A common trend observed in life science testing over the past several years has been the ever shrinking test volume.  Increasing costs of chemical…

Why Is My Assay Failing?

By Knaide, T., Bradshaw, J. Khovananth, K., Albert, K.
 Abstract Assays can produce unexpected or failing results for a multitude of reasons. Variability may be introduced at any point within the assay process. Some…

Is Your Automated Liquid Handler Working for Your Assays?

By Albert, K.
Uncovering Errors, Understanding Device Behavior, and Optimizing Methods Abstract The focus of this presentation is to highlight the need of ensuring quality in important assays…

Do You Really Know What Your Robot is Doing?

By Bradshaw, J., Albert, K., Knaide, T.
The Importance of Paying Attention to Liquid Handling Details Introduction The introduction of automation into biology and chemistry labs has arguably lead to significant advances…

Do Plate Readers Agree?

By Knaide, T., Bradshaw, J., Curtis, R., Ritter, G., Parshley, R.
Understanding Performance Differences between Different Plate Reader Makes and Models Introduction Multiple plate readers are often used throughout a facility to measure the response in…

Is Your Liquid Handler Efficient at Removing Sample?

By Khovananth, K., Neilsen, J., Albert, K.
Abstract This presentation demonstrates an alternative use for the Artel MVS® Multichannel Verification System. As opposed to measuring the accuracy and precision of a volume transfer into…

Optimize Volume Transfer Methods to Avoid Reagent Concentration Error

By Albert, K.
Note: This poster has been formatted to fit this screen. Click here to download the published version. Abstract Laboratories utilizing liquid handling devices appreciate the efficiency…

Errors Associated with Pipetting of Warm and Cold Liquids

By Carle, B., Rumery, D., Davis, A., Rodrigues, G.
Introduction Many  common  laboratory  procedures  require  the handling and  quantitative  dispensing of  reagents  at  various temperatures.  Mechanical  action  micropipettes  are  most often used for this…

Best Practices for Assessing Nanoliter Transfer Performance for Labcyte Echo Liquid Handlers

By Bradshaw, J., Albert, K. - Artel, Mock, M., Shieh, J. - Labcyte
Abstract Acoustic  drop ejection (ADE) technology enables  low- nanoliter  transfers  for high-throughput screening applications. Verifying  the absolute transferred volume  and the well-to-well reproducibility of the…

Automation of Nanoliter Volume Transfers

By Fay, J., Williams, E., Mosser, S., Harrell, C., Calamari, A., Mullen, F., Harkins, T., Bednar, R.
Doing More With Less Introduction To facilitate the discovery and refinement of lead compounds, our laboratory known as the Facility for Automation and Screening Technology…

Quantifying the Impact of Operator Error in Pipetting

By Rumery, D., Rodrigues, G., Davis, A., Shoberg, J, Schafer, T.
Abstract Mechanical action hand-held pipettes are commonly used for transfer of microliter liquid quantities in a variety of analytical laboratories including pharmaceutical quality control, medical…

Accuracy Matters When Quantitative, Manually-pipetted Assays Graduate to Automation

By Albert, K., Knapp, L.
A Story in Diagnosing and Troubleshooting Abstract It is often the case that assays are initially performed on the benchtop  using handheld  pipettes  before they…

Accuracy of Serial Dilutions Tested Over a Large Dilution Range

By Knaide, T., Parshley, R., Bradshaw, J., Curtis, R.
ABSTRACT The process of serially diluting solutions in microplates is common for many assays including preparation of dose response curves for IC50, drug efficacy testing,…

Rapidly Quantifying Dilutions in Microtiter Plates

By Knaide, T., Bradshaw, J., Rogers, A., Albert, K.
Abstract Dilution-based volume transfer steps are commonly performed for many applications, such as dose response and detection limit testing. Because the exact concentrations of target…

Understanding Method Transfer Pitfalls

By Knapp, L., Albert, K.
Accuracy Matters When Transferring a Quantitative, Bench-top Assay to Automation Introduction Assays are usually performed on the benchtop using handheld pipettes before they graduate, or transfer,…

Dispensing Precision and Accuracy for the JANUS Varispan Workstation

By Marcus Patterson
Abstract Today’s biotech, pharmaceutical, environmental, clinical research, and  agricultural laboratories employ a diversity of applications and  depend more  and  more  on automated systems to address…

Volume Verification of Hamilton MICROLAB® STAR and NIMBUS Automated Liquid Handlers

By Doyle Stewart, Rick Luedke, Barry Godowsky, Keith J. Albert, PhD
Abstract A precise and accurate  means for conducting volume verification of automated  liquid handlers is an important requirement in life science laboratories, which need to…

Using the PCS to Calibrate the Beckman Coulter Biomek 3000

By Dana Campbell, Matt Wilkinson, PhD
Introduction Ensuring that pipetting devices (both manual and automated) are performing properly is often a regulatory requirement. Many of those labs that are not required…

Verifying Dispensing Performance & Optimizing Accuracy on a Redd&Whyte Preddator Nano-bulk reagent Dispenser

By Roger Poole, Keith J. Albert, PhD
Abstract This application note discusses an approach to verify and optimize the dispensing accuracy on a Redd & Whyte Preddator dispenser using measurement information from…

Optimizing Accuracy Performance on a Beckman Coulter Biomek

By Keith J. Albert, PhD
Abstract This application note discusses one approach for optimizing pipetting accuracy on a Beckman Coulter Biomek liquid handler using MVS measurement information. Pipetting accuracy can be…

The Critical Role of Liquid Handling in Effective Assay Transfer

By Keith J. Albert, PhD
Top Tips to Facilitate Assay Transfer Within and Across Laboratories With the life sciences industry racing down the path towards globalization and outsourcing, the importance…

Can You Trust Your Robot?

By Tanya Knaide
While robotic liquid handlers have allowed increased testing capabilities in the laboratory, concerns over protocol, accuracy and suitability still remain. Laboratories around the world have turned to…

Performance Qualification of an Automated Plate Washer

By Kevin Khovananth, Tanya Knaide, Keith J. Albert, PhD
Introduction An integral, yet often overlooked, procedure with any given assay, washing steps are vital to ensure reaction quality and integrity particularly when conducted in…

Quantifying the Impact of Pipette Tip Type Using Dual Dye Ratiometric Technology

By Tanya Knaide, Keith J. Albert, PhD
Introduction All pipette tips are not created equal, nor are all assays. Failure to use proper tips for a given type of pipette can lead…

Measuring Residual Volumes Remaining in a Plate After Sample Aspiration

By Kevin Khovananth, Jim Neilsen, Keith J. Albert, PhD
Abstract The purpose of this application note is to demonstrate an alternative use for the Artel MVS® Multichannel Verification System. As opposed to measuring the…

Evaluation of Forward & Reverse Mode Liquid Handling Techniques

By Tanya Knaide
Introduction Traditionally, precision of volume dispensing has received more focus than accuracy, making the latter overlooked. This study highlights the importance of understanding both accuracy…

Artel MVS as a Tool for Measuring Liquid Mixing Efficacy in Microplates

By Tanya Knaide, Rachel Parshley, Matt Wilkinson, PhD
Abstract You wouldn’t bake a cake without mixing the ingredients first, yet when important assays are being conducted the liquids dispensed into a microplate are…

Optimizing Automated Liquid Handlers

By Yandell, W., Wexler, D.
Using Longitudinal Data to Understand Performance Life science, clinical and IVD manufacturing laboratories have benefited from the recent technological advances in liquid handling instrumentation, from…

The Importance of Liquid Handling Quality Assurance Through the Drug Discovery Process

By Hentz, N.
The tug-of-war between quality and productivity is an issue facing all drug discovery companies, competing in a fierce race to bring breakthrough drugs to market…

3 Tips to Aid Assay Transfer

By Keith J. Albert, Ph.D.
These guidelines can improve the success of assay transfers within and between laboratories Ensuring that assays give the same results on different platforms or in…

Optimization of Automated Liquid Handlers

By Keith J. Albert, Ph.D.
Regular Instrument Performance Checks Help Ensure Accurate Reagent Volume Transfer Over the past 20 years, laboratories around the world have been turning to liquid handling robots to…

Uncovering Dimensional Variability in Standard Microtiter Plate Types

By Bradshaw, J., Rodrigues, G., Sawyer, G., Knaide, T., Rogers, A., Sargen, C.
Introduction First created in the 1950’s, microplates have become so common place that in 2004, the Society for Biomolecular Screening (SBS) established standards defining multiple dimensions…

Painless Nanoliter-Transfer Accuracy Inspection for Busy Screeners

By Albert, K., Mock, M., Shieh, J.
Abstract Acoustic droplet ejection first provided low-nanoliter transfers for high-throughput screening applications in 2004. At that time, there were no methods that could quickly and…