eBook: Multiplex Technology Guide - 9

the middle of the well open for pipette access, and
a magnetic strip separator that collects beads at the
sides of the wells and is ideal for automating 96-well
microplates with flat or round bottoms.

configuration and applications, allowing users to
customize workflows based on throughput and experimental objectives, but identifying the right platform involves taking some time to consider exactly
what is required.

It is also helpful to have a robotic shaker built into
the automated liquid handling workstation to incubate and mix the xMAP® reaction plate. This should
be capable of running at 800 rpm for 30 seconds,
followed by mixing five times. Lastly, tinting the
plexiglass enclosure on the workstation can protect
the photosensitive microspheres and reagents from
light; some vendors offer this as a service.

Before choosing a vendor, it is important to define
experimental goals-whether the aim is to increase
throughput, reduce variability, decrease hands-on
time, or save on reagents -and to put together a
detailed protocol including critical steps and reagent
volumes. Leading automation providers are experienced with the xMAP® assay workflow and will use
this information to determine the most suitable instrument and configuration. It is also prudent to list
all necessary consumables and to identify programing needs, as well as measure the space available.

Reaping the benefits of
automated multiplexing

Once a suitable automated liquid handling platform has been identified, it is critical to have a demo
before signing a contract. Key elements to discuss
with the vendor include the level of training that
will be provided; service availability; platform compatibility with third-party instrumentation; system
and software integration and upgradeability; and
whether any validated data for xMAP® assays has
been generated using the chosen platform. It is
also worth paying special attention to pipette tips
since these represent a significant ongoing cost;
platforms that have multiple manufacturers for tips
can mitigate the risk of unexpected price hikes or
delays due to backorders, whereas platforms featuring fixed tips can provide improved accuracy
and lower operating costs.

The combination of automation and xMAP®
Technology provides highly reproducible data and
more data per sample with greatly enhanced workflow efficiencies. Leveraging these advantages involves selecting an automation partner you can
trust. When switching from a manual xMAP® workflow to an automated one, the right platform can
ease the transition, allowing you to enjoy substantial
long-term benefits.
For more tips on xMAP® automation, download
Luminex's white paper on it here.

About the author
Emma Easthope is the founder and director of
Cambridge Technical Content Ltd. Since graduating
with a bachelor's degree in biology from the University
of Kent at Canterbury in 2000, she has gained extensive experience developing and running immunoassays within companies including Millennium
Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, and Cellzome.

Certain elements are of particular importance when
automating xMAP® assays. Firstly, the capacity for
magnetic plate washing is vital for magnetic bead
workflows. Two types of magnets are recommended
here; a ring magnet plate that pulls the beads into
a circle around the perimeter of each well, leaving

http://info.luminexcorp.com/download-xmap-assay-automation-steps-for-success-white-paper

eBook: Multiplex Technology Guide

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