PCR is one of the core applications of molecular biology for the detection and quantification of specific genes and is an important component of downstream applications such as genomics and transcriptomics. PCR is a time-consuming, labor-intensive, and error-prone molecular biology technique. High-quality PCR experiments often require a lot of time and money, and these two points have become project bottlenecks for many scientific researchers. However, after more than ten years of optimization and improvement, laboratory automation has emerged. The application of laboratory automation technology can reduce manpower and budget constraints and provide scientists with more efficient and accurate results.
Automation brings a lot of effective help to PCR experiments. This article will discuss three of the core advantages: 1. Improve data quality 2. Increase throughput 3. Reduce costs
Improving data quality: accuracy and precisionPCR includes two working steps: 1) reaction setup; 2) gradient heating. Accuracy and precision are very critical during PCR experiments. Reagents and samples must be dispensed, mixed and transferred in precise amounts to obtain high-quality results. Therefore, precise pipetting is a key performance factor that seriously affects product quality. When performing PCR, most laboratories will typically use micropipette and reduce the volume to a minimum of 1. At this volume, most automated systems can perform as well as a skilled human technician in achieving actual pipetting volumes within 5% of the target volume.
Reduce Variability and Errors Automated systems can minimize variability and eliminate errors, and when faced with complex experimental procedures or large numbers of samples, which are difficult to perform manually, automation can replace manual labor to complete this challenge.
The steps of a PCR experiment can involve numerous independent operations performed over the course of up to several hours, and given the scale of most PCR experiments, pipetting tasks are repeated numerous times throughout the project (more See Chapter 3 for discussion) Inattention and pipetting errors can occur even among skilled manual technicians. The usual solution is to rerun the entire process. However, robotic systems can perform pipetting operations tirelessly and move the right liquid into the right well every time. Save your reagents and valuable time by eliminating repetitive operations caused by manual error (see below for more information on cost savings). Additionally, by eliminating errors, automated systems can provide more accurate downstream data.
Reproducibility and consistency Biological research experiments need to be reproducible and consistent, not only to ensure the accuracy of results, but also to increase the confidence of researchers. Automation enables better reproducibility and consistency of experiments. Pipetting is a key factor affecting assay reproducibility. Automation eliminates variability in experimenter technique because the robot performs each step the same way every time, which facilitates better subsequent analysis.
Reduce hands-on time, increase throughput In addition to improving data quality, automation can increase lab throughput, run more PCR reactions faster, and free up valuable hands-on time. The length of time PCR is applied can vary widely. For a typical PCR process, including setup and run, it usually takes 1-2 hours. Automated systems can complete PCR reactions in similar times but require less than 15 minutes of hands-on time, and the automated systems can work nights and weekends. Reduce manual operation time, allowing scientific researchers to focus on experimental design and data analysis, giving full play to their valuable knowledge and skills.
Reduce costs Automated systems can require a considerable purchase expense. However, by improving efficiency and performance, many laboratories will be able to generate output that offsets their investment in equipment and also achieve overall cost savings. Replacing tedious manual pipetting operations with efficient robotic technology can save costs on multiple fronts. Automation can avoid the waste of samples, reagents and consumables by eliminating the need to repeat experiments due to incorrect operations. In addition, automation can save the fixed costs of long experiments by shortening the experimental cycle time. Although the investment and learning curve may seem large in the short term, most laboratories have truly achieved cost reduction and efficiency gains through citation automation.
Return on Investment Estimation (ROI) A laboratory's return on investment (ROI) through automation can be calculated as the difference between the current cost of manual workflows and the potential cost of using an automated system. These costs will depend on the overall needs of the laboratory, such as the price of specific reagents or the cost of actual hands-on time. But in fact the factor that has the biggest impact on ROI is laboratory throughput.
Exactly quantifying costs can be done by boiling samples, reagents, consumables, labor, and equipment into one metric: cost per sample (CPS). Labs can use CPS as a baseline to extrapolate current and future throughput and compare it to the cost of automation. To calculate CPS, first add up the laboratory's testing expenses over a certain period of time. Next, add a measure of the number of labor hours required for manual operations. Full-time equivalents (FTE) can be used to quantify these hours. The FTE assigns an hourly rate for the work performed.
This can be the technician's actual salary or a reasonable estimate. You can also quantify FTE in hours rather than monetary terms so you can focus on time saved. Then divide these costs by the number of samples run during that period and you have your CPS, which can be expressed in dollars per sample or dollars and FTE hours.
The next step in calculating ROI is to quantify your CPS with an automated system. Simply add the reagent and FTE costs for equivalent samples using the new system. Then add the costs associated with the automation system itself, such as the purchase price (see Chapter 4). Divide this sum by the number of samples you plan to run to get a comparable CPS.
An automated system with a good ROI will provide an affordable machine with minimal operating costs and the ability to achieve the discussed results through reduced costs. The net cost savings are magnified the more samples you run, the more hands-on time you save and the more erroneous assay waste you reduce.
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