Multichannel Liquid Handling System

What is the Multichannel Liquid Handling System?

A multichannel liquid handling system aspirates and dispenses with 8, 96 or 384 channels at once for plate-based work. It raises throughput and improves uniformity across a microplate compared with single-channel pipetting.

Overview

The system uses a head carrying 8, 96 or 384 tips or nozzles so an entire row or plate can be filled or emptied in one action, which reduces time and improves well-to-well consistency. Volumes range from about 0.5 µL to 1000 µL per channel depending on the head, and heads are interchangeable on many platforms. Accuracy of ± 1–2 % and precision within 2–5 % CV across the plate is typical, with outer wells checked specifically because edge effects and evaporation are strongest there. Plate, tip and reservoir positions are defined by SLAS standards, so labware is interchangeable. Wash stations, vacuum filtration and heaters can be integrated. The system suits assays, ELISAs, plate replication, serial dilution and any workflow where many wells receive the same treatment.

How does it work?

A liquid handler moves precise volumes of liquid by drawing them into a tip or probe and delivering them to a target vessel. In air displacement systems, a piston in the pipette or the robot moves an air column that pushes and pulls the liquid, which stays in a disposable tip. In positive displacement systems, the piston contacts the liquid directly inside a syringe, so volatile, viscous or detergent-like liquids and solvents are handled accurately. Multichannel heads aspirate 8, 96 or 384 tips at once for plate work, and nanolitre dispensers use solenoid valves, piezoelectric elements or capillary tips for very small volumes. Accuracy and precision depend on tip fit, liquid properties, temperature, wetting and aspiration speed, and are verified gravimetrically or photometrically under ISO 8655. Software defines volumes, order, mixing and wash steps, and records every action.

What are the key features?

• Heads with 8, 96 or 384 channels
• Volume 0.5–1000 µL per channel
• Plate accuracy ± 1–2 %
• Precision within 2–5 % CV
• Interchangeable heads
• SLAS-standard labware positions

What are the technical specifications?

A typical multichannel liquid handling system configuration offers type of Multichannel liquid handling system, channels of 8, 96 or 384, volume range of 0.5–1000 µL per channel, plate accuracy of ± 1–2 %, plate precision of 2–5 % CV and head change of Interchangeable. Values are indicative of the product class; the exact figures for each configuration are confirmed on the quotation and the calibration documents supplied with the instrument.

Which applications is it used for?

The Multichannel Liquid Handling System is used in ELISA and immunoassays, serial dilution, plate replication and assay reagent addition. Across the wider Robotic Liquid Handling class, laboratories also deploy it for plate-based assay setup, compound screening and PCR and qPCR setup.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include ISO 8655 (piston-operated volumetric apparatus), ANSI/SLAS microplate standards, IEC 61010-1 (safety requirements for electrical equipment), USP <1058> (analytical instrument qualification), 21 CFR Part 11 (electronic records and signatures) and ISO/IEC 17025 (testing and calibration laboratories). Certification candidates for this model are CE and ISO 9001 manufacturing; each is to be confirmed for the specific configuration before shipment, and certificates are supplied only where they have been issued.

Verify accuracy and precision on installation and at intervals defined by your quality system, using gravimetric checks with water and photometric tests for dye solutions. Control temperature and humidity, since evaporation and viscosity change small volumes. Use the specified tips and fit them correctly, because a poor seal causes volume errors. Clean the deck, wash station and probes on schedule, and inspect for bent or blocked tips. For regulated work, restrict software access by role, retain audit trails and back up methods and data. Define carry-over limits and test them for trace work. Train operators to recognise partial dispenses, bubbles and clogs, and record all calibration, maintenance and method changes.

How do I select the right Multichannel Liquid Handling System?

Choose the head format by plate and throughput, and verify volumes across the plate including edge wells. Confirm labware compatibility. RFQ: plate formats, volumes, throughput, head types and uniformity requirements. State the plate formats and required uniformity.

How does it compare with other Robotic Liquid Handling variants?

Match the technology to the liquid and the volume. Air displacement suits aqueous solutions where the tip is changed or washed between samples. Positive displacement suits volatile solvents, viscous liquids, detergents and long runs without tip changes, because the piston touches the liquid. Choose multichannel heads for plate-based work at 8–384 wells, and nanolitre dispensers when reagents are expensive or volumes below a microlitre are needed. Confirm accuracy and precision at the working volumes, and check compatibility with the plates, tips, tubes and reservoirs you use. Consider tip format, deck capacity, mixing and heating options, and software for method editing, audit trails and LIMS exchange. Verify carry-over performance if you run trace analysis, and confirm the service and calibration support available.