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: 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.…

Volumetric Performance Assessment of Automated Liquid Handling Systems with ISO IWA 15

By Carle, A.B., Rodrigues, G.
Description The use of Automated Liquid Handling Systems (ALHS) is nearly ubiquitous in modern life sciences, clinical, forensic, as well as other analytical laboratories. These…

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…

Minimizing Liquid Delivery Risk: Automated Liquid Handlers as Sources of Error

By Keith J. Albert, PhD
The use of automated liquid handling equipment to rapidly test and reproducibly screen thousands of compounds has become an essential component to life science laboratories…

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…

Performance assessment of the VIAFLO 96 handheld 96-channel pipette

By Rachel Parshley, Michael Beier
Introduction The standard method of determining a pipette’s liquid delivery performance is measuring the weight of the transferred liquid. Every channel of a multichannel pipette…

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…

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.…

The Importance of Liquid Handling Details and Their Impact on Your Assays

By Bradshaw, J.
Introduction The introduction of automation into biology and chemistry labs has arguably lead to significant advances in testing capabilities over the past 20+ years.  Automation…

Performance Verification of CERTUS Nano Liquid Dispenser

By Schork, S. - Artel, Biegger, M., Wursten, E., Zahid, M. - Fritz Gyger AG
Abstract The need to downsize assay formats is growing, but technically it is a hard challenge for equipment manufacturers. Verification and calibration of automated liquid…

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…

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…

Optimization of the TechElan TEOS Orbital Shaker

By Spaulding, B., Bradshaw, J. - Artel, Chang, P., Feygin, I. - TechElan
Introduction [one][one_second] Achieving optimal mixing results, especially in all the various 384-well formats, can be an elusive goal.  Artel developed a quantitative method that allows…

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…

Understanding Device Behavior, Optimizing Methods, and Uncovering Errors

By Carle, B., Albert, K., Bradshaw, J.
Abstract The focus of this poster presentation is to highlight the need of ensuring quality in important assays performed with automated liquid handlers. Nearly all…

The Cost of Liquid Handler QC – A Case Study

By Knaide, T., Albert, K.
Abstract As with most laboratory instrumentation, automated liquid handlers should be assessed, verified and/or calibrated on a periodic basis. When considering an appropriate quality control…

Method Validation for Beckman Coulter Liquid Handlers

By Albert, K., Knapp, L.
Abstract The use of automated liquid handling equipment to rapidly test and screen targets-of-interest has become an essential component to drug discovery. In order to…

Validation and Optimization Techniques for the PerkinElmer JANUS

By Albert, K., Patterson, M.
Abstract Users of automated liquid handlers need to ensure the accuracy and precision performance of their equipment in order to satisfy their quality system and…

Performance Optimization of Multichannel Liquid Handling Equipment and High Throughput Assays

By Albert, K., Cannizzo, J., Jordan, L., Donzel, N.
Introduction All users of automated liquid handling equipment are familiar with the need to ensure proper performance of their equipment.  But for most users, calibration…

Rapid Verification System for Critical Volume Transfers

By Albert, K., Knaide, T., Bradshaw, J., Rogers, A.
Abstract Technological advancements over the past decade have led to broad implementation of automated liquid handlers. With these systems, there has been a significant movement…

Method Validation for Caliper Liquid Handlers

By Knaide, T., Cannizzo, J., Grove, G.
Abstract All users of automated liquid handling equipment are familiar with the need to ensure proper performance of their equipment.  But for most users, calibration…

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…

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…

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,…

Simple and Fast Performance Verification for Ultra-Low-Volume Liquid Handlers

By Albert, K., Lee, H.
Nanoliter Aqueous Fluid Transfers Assessed with Dual-Dye Technology Abstract Poor liquid handling performance can lead to poor assay results. When the volume verification methodology used to assess…

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,…

Determining Dilution Accuracy in Microtiter Plate Assays

By Bradshaw, J.T.
Description Many critical assays are based upon conducting accurate dilutions of key reagents. Accurately knowing sample concentration is critical for properly interpreting experimental results, which can only be…

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…

Pipetting Performance Testing of a Beckman Coulter Biomek 4000

By Tanya Knaide, Dana Campbell
Abstract A common interest in all areas of life science: lower costs and reduce repeat testing. Removing sources of variability from test processes reduces error…

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…

Optimizing Accuracy Performance on an Agilent Bravo Platform

By Keith J. Albert, PhD
Abstract This application note discusses one approach for optimizing pipetting accuracy on an Agilent Bravo liquid handler using MVS® Multichannel Verification System measurement information. Although…

Evaluation of the Eppendorf epMotion Pipetting Tools

By Jesse Cassidy, Tanya Knaide, Rachel Parshley, Cheng Lui, PhD
Introduction With budgets forever tightening and patient samples being limited, increased efficiency and reduction of repeat testing has become a common goal of almost all…

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…

Integration of Liquid Handler Quality Control Into the HTS Daily Routine

By Alexander Hochreiner, Stefan Schork, PhD, Matt Wilkinson, PhD, Bernhard Ellinger, PhD
Abstract This application note describes how the MVS® Multichannel Verification System can be used to assess the performance of the liquid handlers integrated into a PerkinElmer…

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…

Running MVS Volume Verifications in Batches, Storing Bar Codes, and Creating Task Templates

By Keith J. Albert
Introduction A Batch method, or Batch template, in MVS Data Manager version 2.2+ is a stored sequence of verification tasks comprising as many devices, plate…

Mixing Efficiency of Q-Instruments Bioshake 3000® Plate Shaker

By Tanya Knaide
Introduction Mixing of solutions in 384-well microplates is a challenging, yet highly important task for many laboratories and assays. Effective mixing is of particular importance…

Volume Verification Using Any Microtiter Plate or Small Volume Container Such as a Tube or Vial

By Keith J. Albert
Abstract This application note discusses methods for measuring target volumes (10 nL - 200 μL) dispensed into any microtiter plate or small volume container using…

Executing an MVS Volume Verification of a Tecan EVO Using EVOware Software

By Alexis L. Rogers
Introduction This paper describes how to run or call an Artel MVS® Multichannel Verification System volume verification from another program or application. The MVS Data Manager…

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…

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…

Rapid Volume Verification in High-Density Microtiter Plates Using Dual-Dye Photometry

By Knaide, T., Bradshaw, J., Rogers, A., McNally, C., Curtis, R., Spaulding, B.
The dual-dye photometric technology used by Artel's MVS Multichannel Verification System overcomes challenges associated with determining the dispensed volume within each well of a 384-well microtiter…

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…

Multichannel Verification System: A Dual-Dye Photometry System For Performance Verification of Multichannel Delivery Devices

By Bradshaw, J.T., Knaide, T., Rogers, A., Curtis, R.
Artel has developed the MVS Multichannel Verification System, a photometric method for verifying the performance of automated multichannel liquid delivery equipment.  On the basis of…

How It Works: Verifying Liquid Handling Instrumentation Performance

By Rodrigues, G.
Problem: Laboratories often assume that their liquid handling instruments, from pipettes to automated liquid handlers, are operating within specifications. However, because data integrity for applications, from…

The Role of Automation in Liquid Delivery Quality Assurance

By Rodrigues, G.
The word “calibration” often conjures up negative images, especially in IVD development and manufacturing, where regulations mandate that laboratories and production plants have regular calibration…

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…

Cybi®-Selma – Basic Information

By Cybio
Introduction CyBi®-SELMA is a semi-automatic pipettor for quick, precise and reproducible processing of 96-well and 384-well microplates. Equipped with 96 or 384 parallel working tips…

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…

Measuring the Precision and Accuracy of the Cybi®-Well vario

By Undisz, K., Hanegraaff, I., Schork, S., Knaide, T.
Introduction In laboratory automation precise and accurate liquid handling over a large volume range is essential to meet the challenges of modern drug discovery and…

The Use of A Dual Dye Photometric Calibration Method To Identify Possible Sample Dilution From An Automated Multichannel Liquid-Handling System

By Huijin Dong, Zheng Ouyang, Jane Liu, and Mohammed Jemal
A significant difference between the reported volumes delivered by a fluid-filled automated liquid-handling system with eight stainless steel fixed tips was observed when a gravimetric…

Verifying Liquid Handler Performance for Complex or Non-Aqueous Reagents: A New Approach

By Keith J. Albert, John Thomas Bradshaw, Tanya R. Knaide, and Alexis L. Rogers
Multichannel volume dispensing devices, such as automated liquid handlers, are widely used in drug discovery assays and other high-throughput screening processes. The performance of these…

Measuring the Accuracy and Precision of the epMotion 5070 Workstation

By Spaulding, B., Bradshaw, J., Albert, K., Eggert, H.
Introduction In response to the need to automate molecular biology methods, automated liquid handling technology has been the focus of extensive research and development. The…

Importance of Integrating a Volume Verification Method for Liquid Handlers: Applications in Learning Performance Behavior

By Keith J. Albert, John Thomas Bradshaw
Nearly all assays performed within a microtiter plate are volume dependent. In turn, all concentrations of biological and chemical components in these assays, as well…

Determining Dilution Accuracy in Microtiter Plate Assays Using Quantitative Dual-Wavelength Absorbance Method

By John Thomas Bradshaw, Richard H. Curtis, Tanya R. Knaide, and Benjamin W. Spaulding
Dilution-based volume transfer steps are commonly performed for many types of microtiter plate-based assays. Because the exact concentrations of target samples in solution are typically…

Beckman Coulter Improves Operational Qualification Program with Advanced Technology for Liquid Delivery Quality Assurance

By
Laboratory Challenge Operational qualification is important for most life science laboratories, especially those in the clinical and pharmaceutical markets, as it is used to prove…

When Analyzing Cancer at the Molecular Level, Microliters Matter

By Genomic Health
Laboratory Challenge Over 1.4 million Americans are expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year. While improvements in disease detection, diagnosis and therapies are continually…

No Room for Error in Drug Discovery Laboratory

By
Laboratory Challenge The drug discovery process often starts in a High-Throughput Screening (HTS) laboratory. Screening campaigns typically use a number of automated liquid handlers to…