As we are nearing the end of Q1 2018, it is not too early to start thinking and acting  upon the Section 179 Deduction.

This deduction is good on new and used equipment, as well as off-the-shelf software.  Start to educate yourself now.  Take action early. Reap the benefits of your equipment and the tax deduction in 2018.

Regardless of the labware your assay requires it is important to maximize the usable space of your deck.  The challenge is to optimize every square centimeter while addressing restrictions like common range of the pipetting arm and installed automation devices.  Another tactic that helps with optimization of space are carriers that can handle multiple tube sizes. This not only allows you to pack the deck but also simplifies the variety of carriers needed for your assays.

A recent challenge brought to us was fitting sixteen (16) 5ml or 15ml tubes into a single grid strip rack for the Tecan EVO deck.

16 positions was important since with an 8 tip pipette arm multiples of 8 are the easiest and most efficient way to program.  The only available option was a 12 positions rack and therefore required more grids to hold the 192 tubes required by the assay (1 grid per strip rack, a difference of 4 additional girds) to hold the same number of tubes on the deck.  In addition, the 5ml tube was a specific design that had a protruding ridge just below the threads.

Konnis created a new design that accommodated all specifications:

• Holds both the Eppendorf 5ml and 15ml tubes
• Accommodates 16 tubes in one strip rack
• Adheres to the common range restrictions of the Liha 8 arm
• Allows for a PosID bar code reader to be mount on the deck (although not used with this rack)
• Easy to load and unload from deck
• Durable

Making the most of the space of your liquid handling instrument is crucial to the optimization and throughput of your assay.

Contact us to discuss your assay and let us design density into your deck layout!

Making the leap from manual laboratory processes to automation is loaded with benefits but be aware of the challenges.

In this Lab Manager article, labs share the benefits and the difficulties of transitioning to automation.

Benefits:

• Time and Cost Efficiency – Improve throughput
• Improve data quality – Accuracy and sample tracking
• Ergonomics – Reduce repetitive injury and free up scientists
• Support miniaturization of processes
• Cut labor expense and utilizing scientist where they are of most value
• Moral booster – Scientist are focused on science not repetitive pipetting

Cautions:

• Choose instrument and vendor wisely – It’s more than just hardware price
• Environment Specifications – Space and utilities to support instrument
• Change may not occur quickly
• Leadership must be on board – Focus on staying the course

Let automation help perform the science better –

We recently came across a customer who had this question and was convinced the only solution was to purchase a new instrument.  They had been told that a Genesis instrument was not compatible with Windows 7.  We wanted to set the record straight.  The answer is: YES, a Genesis automated liquid handler running Gemini is compatible with Windows 7.

There is no need to purchase a new instrument.  You simply need a computer running Windows 7 with the appropriate communication ports to support the Tecan Genesis instrument.  The Win7 PC should be installed with Gemini, then move over your instrument configuration folder.  It’s very straight forward.  If you need assistance Konnis can supply the correct PC and switch your Genesis instrument over to Windows 7 for you.

There are various reasons you may need a new liquid handler, but moving off of Windows XP is not one of them.  Let us know if you need help, email service@konnis.com.  Konnis also offers service and maintenance plans for your Tecan Genesis instrument.

Magnetic Beads allow the separation and purification of cells, proteins, nucleic acids, and other molecules in a very efficient manner.  It is used commonly in forensics for DNA extraction and used in many DNA/RNA/Protein purification kits.  Depending on the labware for the particular process the appropriate contact is necessary between the walls of the well and the magnet.  There are instances where post style magnet blocks are very effective but times when very small sample size in Eppendorf plate requires an exact dimension ring magnet to ultimate separation.

We can design the correct mag bead block for the microplate and volumes required by your assay.

Konnis has designed a modular deck adapter base plate that can be reconfigured with different carriers for various purposes.  The black flat base plate adapter fits securely on the Tecan deck and is designed with a mounting structure that allows various adapters to be attached with screws.  Here it is shown with the most popular microplate nests in the landscape orientation creating a 3 position flat microplate carrier.  These nests may also be mounted in portrait on the same adapter plate.

SBS Trough adapter in center position of carrier

2 Nests mounted in portrait

Another typical configuration is to use the base plate with standoffs to create the raised microplate carrier which can also be configured for hanging diti tip racks as shown below.

The rugged milled design, precision manufacturing, and re-configurability makes the Konnis Modular Deck Carriers an exceptional value.

Diti carrier, flat carrier, raised microplate carrier

Our milled carriers for microplates and disposable tips are designed and built for durability and accuracy.  Essential features for use on automated liquid handling instruments.  Here shown on a Tecan liquid handler.  Get a quote!

Temp microplate adapter with and without the PCR plat

The Konnis microplate temperature adapter was designed to reside in the Tecan incubator to maintain optimal temperature.

The micro plates are then moved in and out of the incubator by the RoMa arm that sets the plate on the adapter which is at temperature delivering maximum heat transfer in the shortest length of time to the samples.

Temp Adapter in position inside the Tecan incubator with PCR plate

The Konnis 96 position, 6 x 16, temp block carrier for 4ml vials fits the Tecan deck mounted temp control adapter.  The aluminum carrier maintains temperature during automated processing. (shown in blue anodized aluminum).  Handles and laser etched guides provide easy movement and correct placement on and off the deck. Also available in 8 x 12 configuration compatible with Thermo Fisher Isotemp digital dry bath.  See the full product page.

6 x 16 position 4ml vial Temp Block Carrier

This is a bench top transfer frame used to transfer Genetix Q tray auger colony contents to felt for imaging.  The handles and hollowed out underside allow for easily moving it about the lab.