Streamlined pipetting accelerates molecular testing

QIAGEN Genomic Services has adopted Integra Biosciences’ handheld and benchtop electronic pipetting solutions to streamline PCR sample preparation, improving both throughput and reproducibility in its molecular testing workflows. By integrating these systems, the laboratory is helping customers accelerate the development of reliable methods for disease diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

Based in Hilden, Germany, the Genomic Services team provides sample-to-insight testing for clients worldwide. Its flexible ‘fee-for-service’ model spans initial sample processing through to comprehensive analytical reporting, making use of diverse extraction kits and technologies to address different project requirements.

For Dr David Löper, Head of the laboratory, adaptability is key: “We are constantly evolving our workflows to handle a wide variety of samples and meet customer needs. This led us to seek versatile pipetting solutions that reduce manual steps while enhancing efficiency.”

Incoming biological samples arrive in tube format and are reformatted to 96-well filter plates using an ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot in combination with VOYAGER electronic pipettes. For nucleic acid extraction, the laboratory employs a VIAFLO 96 handheld electronic pipette. Compared with earlier centrifugation-based methods, this workflow is considerably faster and simpler, while also reducing tedious manual handling. The addition of the ASSIST PLUS instrument has further improved reproducibility across liquid transfer steps.

Dr Löper added: “These instruments have had a clear impact on both productivity and consistency, which is essential for managing high throughput genomics workflows and ensuring timely project delivery for our customers.”

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