Performance testing of a Beckman Coulter Biomek 4000 with the Artel MVS

Abstract

A common interest in all areas of life science: lower costs and reduce repeat testing. Removing sources of variability from test processes reduces error leading to rework, lowers risk and increases reliability of the results. One likely source of variability, which is easily controlled, is liquid handling. By understanding and optimizing a liquid handler’s performance, the volume transfer may be ruled out as a source of assay variability, allowing laboratories to reduce the amount of time spent on repeat testing and troubleshooting tasks.

This application note describes the use of the Artel MVS Multichannel Verification System to measure and facilitate the optimization of a Beckman Coulter Biomek 4000 liquid handler in combination with commonly used tools and disposable tips. According to this study, the performance of the Biomek 4000 may be adjusted to easily meet the specifications set by the manufacturer allowing users to reduce liquid handling variability in their processes.