A leading Dutch genome diagnostics lab is using Ziath’s Mohawk semi-automated tube picker to retrieve DNA samples accurately and rapidly from its extensive biobank.
The Genome Diagnostics Laboratory (AGDx) is based at the VU Medical Centre in Amsterdam - the largest University Medical Centre in the Netherlands. Bringing together a network of medical specialists in cardiology, paediatrics, oncology, neurology, endocrinology, haematology, and ophthalmology, AGDx is designated as the European reference centre for genetic testing of familial hypercholesterolemia, imprinting disorders and cardiogenetics, and is licensed by the Royal Dutch Government to perform clinical genetic tests.
Senior Chief Analyst, Dr Marja van Stralen, said: “A few years ago, with stored DNA samples rising exponentially, the situation had arisen that we could no longer find the right samples so easily. As a result, our laboratory switched from the classic microcentrifuge tubes to 2D barcoded tubes in SBS format 96 position racks for storage of all DNA samples to enable us to efficiently manage our DNA biobank.
“In recent years, specialised knowledge has been increasingly required to perform DNA diagnostics and there are more and more diseases in which DNA diagnostics can support the correct diagnosis with current techniques. As a result, the number of requests to our laboratory grows every year. It is vital that we can quickly and accurately pick specific DNA samples, enabling us to use the right tests with our various diagnostic techniques.
“Efficient picking of samples is especially important in larger studies which require a lot of Biobank DNA materials to be found quickly. Since the arrival of the Ziath Mohawk semi-automated tube picker, we have been able to accurately pick and process more DNA samples in an efficient manner. As a result of this successful implementation, and the great support received from Ziath, our laboratory is in the process of acquiring a second Mohawk.”
The Ziath Mohawk semi-automated tube picker employs a linear rack reader and ninety-six pins that allow a frozen or thawed sample tube to be raised when a rack is scanned according to a picklist – avoiding the need for slow, expensive robotics which can take minutes to process racks.
The instrument requires no set up or calibration and is controlled via software which provides an intuitive interface. Tubes are picked from a single rack, or a picklist can be set up to select tubes across multiple racks. Pick list operations are normally started from reading the 1D code on a rack, but manual selection is also possible. The Mohawk can be connected directly to a 2D-barcode scanner for tube confirmation and can generate picklists directly from the tube barcodes. For further traceability, a 1D-scanner is included.
For further information about the AGDx Laboratory at the VU Medical Centre please visit https://genomediagnostics.amsterdamumc.nl/about-us/. To learn more about rapid and reliable 2D barcode rack scanning and tube picking solutions please visit www.ziath.com or contact Ziath on +44-1223-855021 / +31-6-4314-1195 /mailto: info@ziath.com.
