The good and bad of microbiology lab automation

Here is a summary of the potential quality benefits of “Total Lab Automation” (TLA) systems (e.g. Kiestra, Biomeurieux, Copan Wasp). You might be involved in a business case for one for your own laboratory.

Main advantages:

• Plate tracking
• Less menial tasks
• Better plate spreading
• Less plate contamination
• Storage of digital images of plates
• Standardised incubation times
• Less time out of the incubator
• Remote plate reading
• Plate checking
• Plate interpretation

Disadvantages:

• Redundancy of staff
• What happens if it breaks down<
  

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“The good and bad of lab automation….

Source: Microbiology matters
Image: Michael