ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot: How to set up a NORMALIZATION program in VIALAB (video)

ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot: How to set up a NORMALIZATION program in VIALAB

In the following video, we want to show you how easy it is to set up a NORMALIZATION program in VIALAB for the ASSITS PLUS pipetting robot. We provide a predefined NORMALIZATION sample program with a general setup to illustrate how a NORMALIZATION step can be implemented in VIALAB. So, let's get started with our step-by-step guide to creating a new NORMALIZATION program in VIALAB.

Click on 'New' and choose one of our two standard decks. In this example, we take the three-position universal deck. Then, pick one of INTEGRAS D-ONE single-channel pipetting modules. For example, the D-ONE in a volume range of 5 to 1,250 microliters. Choose two GRIPTIP® sizes, as the D-ONE single-channel pipetting module is able to load two different tip types to cover a wide dynamic volume range.

Continue with picking the labware. In this example, the diluent is filled into a reservoir. The eight samples that need to be normalized are stored in 1.5-milliliter tubes, while the diluted and normalized samples are stored in a target plate.

Go to the 'Method' and add a new step. Scroll down to select the NORMALIZATION step. Define where the samples are located and where they should be diluted to. Finally, click on 'Edit Diluent' and select the reservoir. Change the tab to 'Volumes List' and enter the initial concentration of your samples manually or paste everything from, for example, an Excel file.

Enable the dilution calculator, type in your target concentration and target volume. Click on 'Calculate All Samples', and VIALAB not only calculates the volumes for samples and diluent but also selects the best-suited tip type automatically based on the calculated volumes. The diluent is first transferred in a repeat dispense step into the target plate. Further parameters, such as pipetting speeds or pipetting heights, can be adjusted. After the diluent is distributed, samples are added in a transfer step. Here again, further parameters, such as pipetting speeds or pipetting heights, can be adjusted. In the 'Simulation' tab, the predefined program can be double-checked before continuing to the 'Transfer' tab.

Type in the name of your program and either transfer it to the pipette or start it directly from VIALAB. We can also offer a neat solution for users who want to import their worklist as well as their NORMALIZATION data into VIALAB. Instead of selecting 'Normalization', choose 'Normalization Worklist'. Make sure you create a worklist based on INTEGRAS worklist templates. Fill in your data, save the worklist file, and import it into VIALAB. To begin with, assign where the target plate and the source plate are placed. After the worklist import, select the diluent, activate the calculator, and type in the desired target volume and target concentration to calculate the diluent and sample volumes. Pipetting parameters can be changed in the repeat dispense and transfer steps that we've already covered.

Now, your program is ready to run on the ASSIST PLUS. And please feel free to take a look at our other videos, such as how to set up a hit picking program in VIALAB or our ASSIST PLUS getting started series.

 

Learn more