Abstract
The global Covid 19 pandemic has led to unprecedented demand for scalable diagnostic tests, which in turn has led to supply shortages for reagents and consumables. qPCR is currently the method of choice for Covid diagnostics due to simplicity, reliability and versatility. However setting up many parallel qPCR assays, for example 384 PCR plates, requires automated liquid handlers to be able to reliably scale. Although conventional liquid handlers can perform this task they have a high consumable requirement in the form of disposable tips and under pandemic conditions supply chains are often unable to meet demand. Here we describe the use of the MANTIS liquid dispenser for contactless dispensing can greatly reducing consumable tip usage for Covid diagnostics, as well as being able to reliably miniaturise qPCR assays to reduce reagents consumption
About the Presenters
Neil began his career in Oxford Univerity as a technician in Professor Joanna Poulton's lab working on all aspects of mitochondrial genetics. After obtaining a PhD in molecular and cellular genetics he joined the laboratory of Sir Walter Bodmer, working on colorectal cancer, single cell microfluidics and genomics. Neil now runs the single cell genomics facility at Oxford University Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (WIMM). This facility provides training and project services in many techniques related to single cell and small sample genomics. These techniques include RNAseq, droplet RNASeq, DNA sequencing, single cell FACS sorting, NGS library preparation and NGS sequencing. The facility also provides expertise in robotics and automation services for various genomics methods including high throughput NGS library preparation and assay miniaturisation.