Accelerate & Simplify Your Workflows Using Automation

The COVID-19 pandemic allowed for multiple insights and learnings.  One of those was in how to deal with testing surges as those experienced were unprecedented and undoubtedly put a strain on laboratories leading to delays in test results.

Laboratories used multiple methods to attempt to deal with the surges and an investment in lab automation was shown to be the most fruitful and helpful move in that regard. 

The advantages of lab automation are multiple (see our blog on The Benefits of Lab Automation).  One key outcome is the ability to increase throughout and thereby significantly speed up any testing process, with efficiency gains leading to lower testing costs.

Rapid Testing Capacity to Match Increasing Demand

Consider the case of UHN/SINAI Health Hospitals (based in Ontario, Canada) and how their COVID lab went from a testing capacity of 650 samples to 17,500 tests per day, showing how an investment in automation can make a noticeable difference. Whilst a number of components worked together, 2 key MGI automation instruments played a crucial role in boosting testing capacity: MGI: MGISTP-7000  & MGI: MGISP-960

Introducing the MGISTP-7000

As part of our product spotlight series, our initial focus is on the MGI: MGISTP-7000  – a high throughput automated sample transfer processing system, integrating tube capping and decapping, barcode identification as well as an automated liquid transfer. 

Just as UHN/Sinai Health Hospitals discovered, there are multiple benefits to using the MGISTP-7000. 

1. Unmatched Safety + Reduction in Disposable Costs

By eliminating the need to manually open and close the tubes, the instrument ensures the safety of the operator.  The fact that all the steps of the process are integrated in a closed and negative pressure system, with two HEPA filtrations and one UV light, helps further ensure a safer working environment for both the liquid transfer and your lab technicians.  Moreover, the unit decaps and recaps with the same cap and subsequently reduces disposable costs.

2. Highly Efficient

192 samples can be processed in just 40 minutes or up to 7,000 samples in 24 hours. 

3. Easy Recording & Tracking of Samples

The barcode reading capability of the instrument facilitates the recording and tracking of the samples.  Moreover, the capping station rotates the tube for scanner access and thereby negates the need to arrange the tube bar codes in any particular orientation. 

4. Highly Versatile

The MGISTP-7000 is not restricted to work with any particular type of tube – in fact, it is capable of working with a wide variety of collection tubes and caps due to the multiple finger sets of the tube gripper.

How does it work?

The instrument is known for its ease of use and simplicity.  In essence, it takes 2 tubes, reads the barcodes, opens the caps and moves the tubes to another position on the instrument where a robotic arm pipettes 180ul of sample inside a deep well plate.  See a video of the unit in action here:  MGI: MGISTP-7000  

At the end of the operation, the instrument produces 2 outputs:

1. An electronic recording of all the sample barcodes
2. Two deep well plates containing 180ul/well.  These deep well plates are the starting material for the extraction process.

Whilst the MGISTP-7000 may have been born as part of a response to COVID-19, it’s important to note that it is not merely limited to the fight against COVID-19. 

Multiple Applications

The MGISTP-7000 automates the labor intensive and time-consuming procedures in laboratories which in turn enhances overall efficiency and reduces human errors. 

The system has application uses in clinical, genomics, cell biology, proteomics, drug development, microbial screening and much more.

Book a virtual or in person demonstration with us to learn more about the benefits of the MGISTP-7000.  Contact – MESLO Americas to leave your info and tell us what date/time is convenient for your demonstration.  We will be in touch the same day and get you closer to realizing the benefits on offer.