Using the Artel MVS to Measure Residual Volumes Remaining in a Plate After Sample Aspiration: General Approach

Abstract
The purpose of this application note is to demonstrate an alternative use for the Artel MVS® Multichannel Verification System. As opposed to measuring the accuracy and precision for a volume transfer of sample into a microtiter plate, the MVS is instead employed to measure the volume of sample left behind after attempting to aspirate off the entire sample from each well of a microplate, i.e., residual volume of sample. Measuring the residual volume after sample aspiration is a direct way for assessing the performance of the sample removal step. The experiments discussed herein show how residual volumes can be measured using the MVS.

Introduction
In most scenarios, the MVS is employed to measure the accuracy and precision of a dispensed, or transferred, sample volume within a microplate. This study demonstrates a related, but unique, application: using the MVS to measure the amount of residual volume left behind within a well of a plate after some or all of the sample volume is aspirated out. The experiments discussed herein illustrate the use of the MVS to measure small, residual volumes following one or more removal steps of Aqueous QualAssureTM solutions. Aspirating off reagents and contaminants in wells of a microplate can be an important step in some assays, such as with the removal of ethanol during some DNA purification procedures.