10.2 Automated sample preparation and handling
4 min read•august 14, 2024
Automated sample preparation and handling revolutionize lab work. These systems save time, reduce costs, and boost efficiency by processing hundreds of samples daily. They also improve data quality by minimizing human error and variability, leading to more consistent and reliable results.
Automated techniques cover liquid handling, solid sample prep, and chemical modifications. They offer precise control over conditions like temperature and timing, ensuring consistent treatment. However, challenges include high costs, maintenance needs, and potential limitations in flexibility for complex samples.
Advantages of Automated Sample Preparation
Time and Cost Savings
Top images from around the web for Time and Cost Savings
Frontiers | An Automated Sample Preparation Instrument to Accelerate Positive Blood Cultures ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | An Automated Sample Preparation Instrument to Accelerate Positive Blood Cultures ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | An Automated Sample Preparation Instrument to Accelerate Positive Blood Cultures ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | An Automated Sample Preparation Instrument to Accelerate Positive Blood Cultures ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | An Automated Sample Preparation Instrument to Accelerate Positive Blood Cultures ... View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Time and Cost Savings
Frontiers | An Automated Sample Preparation Instrument to Accelerate Positive Blood Cultures ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | An Automated Sample Preparation Instrument to Accelerate Positive Blood Cultures ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | An Automated Sample Preparation Instrument to Accelerate Positive Blood Cultures ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | An Automated Sample Preparation Instrument to Accelerate Positive Blood Cultures ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | An Automated Sample Preparation Instrument to Accelerate Positive Blood Cultures ... View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Automated sample preparation and handling systems reduce manual labor, saving time and costs associated with sample analysis
- Automation allows for higher , increasing efficiency and productivity in the laboratory (processing hundreds of samples per day)
Improved Data Quality
- Automation minimizes human error and variability, leading to more consistent and reliable results compared to manual sample preparation
- Automated systems eliminate human variability in sample handling, such as inconsistencies in pipetting or weighing, leading to improved and reproducibility of results
- Automated sample handling reduces the risk of human errors, such as mislabeling or cross-contamination, which can compromise the accuracy of analytical results
Enhanced Safety and Compliance
- Automated sample preparation and handling improve safety by reducing exposure to hazardous chemicals (organic solvents, acids) and minimizing the risk of accidents
- Automation allows for better traceability and documentation of sample preparation steps, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements (GLP, GMP) and quality control standards
Techniques in Automated Sample Preparation
Liquid Handling and Extraction
- Liquid handling systems, such as pipetting robots and dispensers, accurately transfer and dispense precise volumes of liquids for sample preparation
- Solid phase extraction (SPE) systems automate the process of sample cleanup and concentration, using cartridges or plates to selectively retain analytes of interest while removing interferences
- Automated filtration systems, such as robotic filtration units or online filters, remove particulates or unwanted components from samples prior to analysis
Solid Sample Preparation
- Automated weighing systems, such as robotic balances, precisely measure and dispense solid samples or reagents for sample preparation
- Microwave-assisted extraction systems automate the extraction of analytes from solid samples using microwave energy to accelerate the process and improve extraction efficiency (soil, plant material)
- Automated grinding and homogenization systems prepare solid samples for extraction by reducing particle size and ensuring sample uniformity
Chemical Derivatization and Modification
- Automated derivatization systems perform chemical modifications on analytes to improve their detection or separation, such as the addition of fluorescent tags or the formation of volatile derivatives for gas chromatography
- Automated pH adjustment systems control the pH of samples to optimize extraction or derivatization conditions
- Automated reagent addition systems dispense precise amounts of derivatizing agents, catalysts, or buffers to ensure consistent chemical reactions
Precision and Accuracy Improvements
Consistent Sample Treatment
- Automation allows for precise control over sample preparation conditions, such as temperature, pressure, and timing, ensuring consistent treatment of samples and reducing variability
- Automated systems can perform multiple sample preparation steps in a single, integrated workflow, minimizing sample loss or contamination that may occur during manual transfers
- Automated systems can incorporate mixing, shaking, or sonication steps to ensure homogeneous sample treatment and improve extraction efficiency
Quality Control Measures
- Automated systems can incorporate quality control measures, such as the use of or calibration curves, to monitor and correct for any deviations in sample preparation, improving the accuracy of the final results
- Automated systems can perform replicate analyses or spike recovery experiments to assess the precision and accuracy of the sample preparation method
- Automated systems can integrate with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) to track and document sample preparation steps, ensuring data integrity and facilitating troubleshooting
Challenges of Automated Sample Preparation
Cost and Maintenance
- Automated systems can be expensive to purchase and maintain, requiring a significant initial investment and ongoing costs for consumables, maintenance, and repairs
- Implementing automated sample preparation requires specialized training for operators to ensure proper use and troubleshooting of the equipment
- Automated systems may require regular calibration, performance verification, and preventive maintenance to ensure consistent operation and reliable results
Sample Compatibility and Flexibility
- Automated systems may have limited flexibility in accommodating complex or non-routine sample preparation protocols, requiring manual intervention or customization
- Some sample matrices, such as viscous, heterogeneous, or solid samples (sludge, polymers), may be challenging to automate and require additional sample pretreatment steps
- Automated systems may have compatibility issues with certain solvents, reagents, or sample containers, requiring careful selection and validation of materials
Validation and Waste Management
- Implementing automated sample preparation requires a comprehensive validation process to ensure that the automated methods meet the required performance criteria and are suitable for the intended application
- Automated sample preparation may generate larger volumes of waste, such as disposable tips or cartridges, which can increase environmental impact and disposal costs
- Automated systems may require specialized waste management procedures to ensure safe and compliant disposal of chemical and biological wastes
Key Terms to Review (18)
Autosamplers: Autosamplers are automated devices used in analytical chemistry to efficiently collect and inject samples into analytical instruments for analysis. These devices streamline the sample preparation process, minimizing human error and increasing throughput by allowing for multiple samples to be analyzed in a series without manual intervention.
Blanks: In analytical chemistry, blanks refer to samples that do not contain the analyte of interest and are used to account for any background signals or contamination in the analysis. They are crucial in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of measurements by providing a baseline for comparison against actual samples.
Environmental Analysis: Environmental analysis is the systematic examination of environmental samples to detect and quantify chemical substances and pollutants, helping assess the health of ecosystems and the impact of human activities. This practice connects various analytical methods to ensure accurate results in monitoring environmental quality and compliance with regulations.
Gas Chromatography (GC): Gas chromatography (GC) is an analytical technique used to separate and analyze compounds that can be vaporized without decomposition. It works by passing a mixture through a column containing a stationary phase while an inert gas acts as the mobile phase, enabling the components of the mixture to be separated based on their volatilities and interactions with the stationary phase. This method is crucial for automated sample preparation and handling, allowing for high-throughput analysis and precise quantification of volatile compounds in various samples.
Good Laboratory Practice (GLP): Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) refers to a set of principles intended to ensure the quality and integrity of non-clinical laboratory studies. These practices are critical in providing reliable data for regulatory submissions and ensuring that scientific research is conducted consistently, systematically, and ethically. GLP emphasizes the importance of documentation, standard operating procedures, and the proper training of personnel, which are vital for both analytical chemistry and automated sample preparation processes.
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC): High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is an advanced technique used to separate, identify, and quantify components in a mixture by passing a liquid sample through a column packed with solid adsorbent material. This method allows for high resolution and speed, making it particularly useful in analytical chemistry for the analysis of complex samples, such as pharmaceuticals and environmental pollutants. HPLC combines the principles of traditional liquid chromatography with high pressure to enhance separation efficiency and detection capabilities.
Internal Standards: Internal standards are a technique used in analytical chemistry to improve the accuracy and precision of quantitative measurements by adding a known quantity of a substance, different from the analyte, to the sample. This approach helps to account for variations in sample preparation, instrument response, and analysis conditions. By comparing the response of the analyte to that of the internal standard, it allows for more reliable quantification of the analyte present in a sample.
ISO 17025 Compliance: ISO 17025 compliance refers to the standards set for laboratories to ensure they are competent to carry out tests and calibrations, including sampling. This standard is crucial for laboratories that want to demonstrate their ability to produce reliable and accurate results. Achieving ISO 17025 compliance signifies that a laboratory has implemented a quality management system that meets international standards and is committed to continuous improvement.
LabVIEW: LabVIEW (Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench) is a system-design platform and development environment created by National Instruments, primarily used for data acquisition, instrument control, and industrial automation. This graphical programming language allows users to create virtual instruments that can automate tasks, including sample preparation and handling processes, as well as interfacing with various laboratory instruments for data collection and analysis.
Liquid-liquid extraction: Liquid-liquid extraction is a technique used to separate compounds based on their solubility in two different immiscible liquids, typically an organic solvent and water. This method is essential in sample preparation, allowing for the isolation of target analytes from complex matrices. It plays a crucial role in automated sample preparation and is widely applied in environmental analysis for determining pollutants in water, air, and soil samples.
Method Validation: Method validation is the process of confirming that an analytical method is reliable, reproducible, and suitable for its intended purpose. This involves assessing various parameters such as accuracy, precision, specificity, and robustness, which ensures that the method produces results that are consistent and can be trusted in various applications.
Pharmaceutical testing: Pharmaceutical testing refers to the systematic evaluation of drugs and their formulations to ensure safety, efficacy, and quality before they reach the market. This process includes various analytical techniques and methodologies to assess the chemical properties, biological activity, and stability of pharmaceutical products. Automated sample preparation and handling play a crucial role in this context, as they enhance the efficiency and accuracy of testing by reducing human error and improving reproducibility.
Precision: Precision refers to the degree to which repeated measurements under unchanged conditions show the same results. It indicates the consistency and reproducibility of a measurement, highlighting how close multiple measurements are to each other rather than to a true value. Precision is essential in various contexts, influencing the interpretation of data, the effectiveness of analytical methods, and overall confidence in results.
Python scripting: Python scripting refers to writing scripts in the Python programming language to automate tasks and manipulate data. This practice is crucial in various fields, as it allows for the efficient handling of repetitive processes, data analysis, and integration with other software tools, making it particularly valuable in automated sample preparation and handling.
Recovery rate: The recovery rate is a measure of the efficiency of a sample preparation process, indicating the percentage of the target analyte that is successfully extracted and measured from a sample. This metric is crucial as it directly influences the accuracy and reliability of analytical results, especially when automated techniques are employed for sample preparation and handling. A high recovery rate ensures that the method effectively captures the analyte of interest, minimizing losses during processing.
Robotic liquid handlers: Robotic liquid handlers are automated devices designed to accurately dispense, mix, and transfer liquids in laboratory settings. These machines significantly enhance the efficiency and reproducibility of experimental protocols by minimizing human error and increasing throughput. With programmable capabilities, robotic liquid handlers streamline processes such as sample preparation and analysis, making them essential tools in modern laboratories.
Sample throughput: Sample throughput refers to the number of samples that can be processed and analyzed in a given period of time within a laboratory setting. This metric is crucial in automated sample preparation and handling as it directly impacts the efficiency and productivity of analytical processes, enabling laboratories to handle larger volumes of samples more quickly while maintaining accuracy and precision.
Solid-phase extraction: Solid-phase extraction (SPE) is a sample preparation technique used to isolate and concentrate analytes from a liquid sample by passing it through a solid adsorbent material. This method enhances the purity and concentration of the target compounds, making it especially useful in various analytical applications, including liquid chromatography and environmental analysis.