Why Is Liquid Handling Quality Assurance Important?

Superior liquid handling quality will directly result in superior data quality.

Liquid handling devices are among the most commonly used instruments in laboratories, yet research shows that up to thirty percent of liquid handling devices can be operating out of specification.¹ Liquid handling error can be caused by many sources, including operators, environmental factors, and the device itself. For laboratories working with small volumes, the risk of error is even greater. For instance, inaccuracy of just fractions of microliters can have significant effects on assay results. This information is startling considering that liquid handling error can result in:

• poor data quality
• falsely interpreted assay results (false positives and/or false negatives)
• incorrect sample concentrations
• wasted reagents
• noncompliance
• inefficiency
• poor productivity
• downstream troubleshooting
• costly remedial action
• unsuccessful assay optimization, method transfer, or scale-up

Liquid handling quality assurance programs are therefore essential and should meet at least two simple goals:

• reproducibly deliver target volumes with accuracy and precision for each dispensing tip
• rapidly verify the transferred target volumes with a fast and easy-to-use volume measurement platform 

Learn how ARTEL can help your laboratory assure the quality of all your liquid handling processes.

1. Curtis RH, Rodrigues G, "Pipet Performance Verification: An Important Part of Method Validation," American Laboratory News, February 2004