Automation of Fluorescent Immunoassay (FIA) Sample Prep

Automating FIA sample prep involves using specialized technologies and systems to streamline the process:

• Sample Loading: Use robotic arms or liquid handlers to load biological samples into the system.
• Centrifugation/Filtration: Integrate modules to separate plasma/serum or filter particulates.
• Dilution & Buffering: Program precise liquid handling systems to dilute and add reagents/buffers.
• Incubation Control:Automate timed incubations with temperature control for antibody binding.
• Washing:Include wash stations to remove unbound materials between assay steps.
• Transfer to detection system: Automatically transfer processed samples to the fluorescence reader or test cartridge.

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Interested in automating the dilution and washing steps in your lab’s FIA prep workflows? Enter the Opentrons Flex, a walk up, no-code pipetting robot that scales with your lab. Let us handle the pipetting while you spend more time on science.

Benefits of Automation Over Manual Methods

• Increased Speed:Automated systems significantly speed up the sample preparation process, allowing for higher throughput and faster turnaround times, which is especially valuable in large-scale studies.
• Improved Reproducibility: Automation ensures consistent sample preparation by minimizing human error and variability between different samples or operators, leading to more reliable results.
• Higher Throughput: Automation allows for handling larger sample volumes simultaneously, ideal for high-throughput projects.
• Better Accuracy and Precision: Robots perform tasks with higher precision, reducing contamination and errors.
• Cost Savings: Though the upfront cost can be higher than manual methods, automation reduces labor and reagent waste in the long run.

Methods of

Fluorescent Immunoassay Sample Prep

Centrifugation-Based Prep

Samples like blood or urine are spun at high speeds to separate cells or debris from the fluid portion. This clarified supernatant is then used for antibody binding in the FIA.

Filtration Method

Samples are passed through a filter to remove particulates or unwanted large molecules. This is common in point-of-care devices where fast, clean sample prep is needed.

Magnetic Bead-Based Prep

Magnetic beads coated with antibodies or capture agents are mixed with the sample to isolate the target. A magnet separates the bound complex, allowing easy washing and labeling.

Chemical Lysis and Extraction

Cells or tissues are chemically lysed to release internal proteins or antigens. The lysate is then buffered and processed for fluorescent labeling.