Page ContentTwo levels of automation are commonly used in handling liquids for molecular newborn screening: highly automated and semi-automated. Highly automated liquid handling requires little to no intervention until the method set up is complete. In semi-automated liquid handling, a combination of manual and automated levels, instruments are used on the front end of a method to add reagents but all other steps are completed manually. Semi-AutomatedUsed when processing a small (<500) to medium (>500) daily number of specimens Used for adding reagents directly into plate wellsDoes not work when mixing is requiredInstrument used to assist technician with addition of reagents, however other instruments are often used to complete the methodNo specialty positions on deck available (instrument cannot include barcode readers, heated peltier, plate shakers or plate hotels)Cannot be used for selective choosing of specimens (aspirating or dispensing to one specimen at a time, i.e. "cherry picking")Technician must be present while instrument(s) is runningSmall footprintCheaper than highly-automated instruments Highly-AutomatedUsed when processing a medium to large daily number of specimens Used for adding reagents directly into plate, washing specimens, mixing specimens, and removing buffers from specimensLevel of automation is flexible. Methods can be written to any level of user assistance; from zero user assistance needed, technician can walk away upon starting the method; or partial assistance with one or more step(s) completed with technician assistanceMany specialty positions available. Common positions found in NBS labs include: barcode readers, heated peltier, plate shakers and plate/tip hotelsMedium to large footprintMore expensive than semi-automated instruments It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript and try again.