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June 14, 2022
5 Reasons to Consider Immunoassay Automation
Article: 5 Reasons to Consider Immunoassay AutomationDownload
The use of the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique has assisted both clinical and research laboratories in quantifying analytes of interest in heterogeneous samples for more than 50 years. The sensitivity and specificity achievable with immunoassays are often ideal for biomarker testing. However, performing manual ELISAs can be labor intensive and relies on pipetting and washing techniques that can vary by user. The benefits of immunoassay automation, including improved analytical performance, reduction of re-tests, and decreased hands-on time, typically yield a noticeable increase in capacity and profitability.
1. Reduction in Assay Variability
Inter-assay and inter-operator variability are key factors in obtaining consistent results for control samples, re-tests, and incurred sample re-analysis. Differences in pipetting technique, washing technique, plate shakers, and timing can lead to high variability between operators and assays. A well-maintained liquid handler onboard an automated ELISA system will deliver a consistent volume to each well during every step of the assay. Additionally, it ensures that each plate is washed and shaken in the same manner every time. Timing to load samples, standards, controls, and reagents is consistent from plate to plate, day after day.
2. Reduced Potential for Error
With any manual immunoassay, there is a potential for human error. Common human errors include adding a sample or reagent to the wrong well, incubating a plate for too long, and omitting a wash step. Manually running too many assays at once can significantly increase these types of errors and can lead to pipetting fatigue. Automating an immunoassay eliminates many opportunities for human error. On-board reagents and automated reagent transfer according to pre-set protocols ensure...
