Pipetting Solutions Streamline COVID-19 PCR Testing

A dedicated COVID-19 testing lab in California, Matrix Diagnostics, is relying on Integra Biosciences’ EVOLVE and MINI 96 pipettes to streamline and accelerate its PCR workflows. Founded in January 2021 to meet the growing demand for testing in the San Francisco Bay Area, Matrix Diagnostics is using these user-friendly and cost-effective solutions to test up to 5000 samples a day. Lab Manager Fady Ettnas explained: “We work with schools and workplaces to deliver regular PCR testing as a part of their gradual reopening after the pandemic. Our protocols involve a range of repetitive pipetting steps - including mixing reagents and serial dilutions - for thousands of samples a day, which has the potential to be a cumbersome and error-prone task. We therefore chose Integra’s EVOLVE manual pipettes and MINI 96 portable electronic pipettes to improve the reproducibility and productivity of our workflows.”

“We have a number of single channel EVOLVE pipettes covering volumes ranging from 0.2 to 5000 µl - as well as 8, 12, and 16 channel models - which are ergonomic and allow you to set volumes in a flash. The unique design of Integra’s GripTips also means that they never leak or fall off, avoiding cross-contamination and maintaining sterility. We also use the MINI 96 extensively, which is especially well suited to PCR set-up. It saves a lot of time and effort - around 15 minutes per cycle - for performing the wash steps. And because we run more than 25 cycles every day, this is a huge saving. As the demand for COVID-19 testing decreases, we plan to expand our offering to include other tests - including sexually transmitted diseases, urinary tract infections and flu - and plan to automate our workflow using an ASSIST PLUS pipetting robot. It is a perfect and affordable solution for our needs, and Integra’s customer service is quick, responsive and helpful.”

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