ARTEL Launches LDQA Service Suite to Improve Liquid Handling Accuracy and Precision

Research shows that up to thirty percent of liquid delivery devices are operating out of specification at any given moment, resulting in false data, wasted reagents, non-compliance and costly remedial action.

To help laboratories ensure data integrity and productivity, ARTEL announces its new LDQA™ service suite, a package of integrated Liquid Delivery Quality Assurance support and consultation. Liquid handling is a critical component in the processes of identification, quantification, analysis and testing, and the need for accurate and precise liquid delivery is urgent. ARTEL launched this service suite at PITTCON 2006, March 12-16 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, Booth #3439.

Facing heightened regulatory scrutiny, increasing use of automation and growing demands for data quality and low volume accuracy, laboratories are pressed to maintain stringent quality control processes with limited resources. Laboratories from research through production can leverage ARTEL’s LDQA as a one-stop shop for guidance on all aspects of liquid delivery. This will allow scientists to make more productive use of their time while strengthening their control over liquid delivery instrumentation and processes. By improving throughput quality and reducing error rates, LDQA will also enable laboratories to better manage costs and enhance productivity.

LDQA service suite includes five essential support services:

• Automated Liquid Delivery Equipment Qualification and Optimization: ARTEL will assess automated liquid handling systems onsite to provide third-party validation of equipment performance, including “As Found” or “As Left” evaluations. ARTEL will also help optimize automated liquid handlers by defining acceptable error tolerances and implementing processes to measure performance against these standards, including performance verification with non-aqueous solutions.
• Manual Pipetting Training and Certification: To reduce user error as a source of inaccuracy, ARTEL will evaluate technician pipetting proficiency onsite and assess equipment selection. Training sessions will educate technicians about the science behind modern pipette operation, modes of failure for both the instrument and operator, and methods for correction and improvement. Users who satisfactorily complete ARTEL’s training will receive certification and can periodically apply for recertification.
• SOP Review and Development Support: This service includes a review of laboratory liquid handling processes and assessment of the effectiveness of current quality systems. Based on this evaluation, ARTEL will recommend best practices, suggest effective SOP models and guide SOP development and implementation. Specific suggestions such as appropriate calibration frequency, tolerances and suitable calibration methodologies will be provided.
• Regulatory Compliance Guidance: ARTEL will identify regulations and guidelines relevant to a laboratory’s liquid delivery processes, including ISO, GLP, GMP and CLIA, and provide guidance on establishing compliant processes. This includes recommending cost-effective methods that can help laboratories meet selected standards and measure program success. ARTEL can also audit laboratory liquid handling processes to ensure continual compliance.
• Customized Process Support: ARTEL’s liquid delivery experts will help laboratories solve complex and specific liquid handling problems with services including Uncertainty Analysis, Method Validation and Inter-Lab Liquid Delivery Performance Comparison. These services will provide customized consultation to enable laboratories to meet individual goals and satisfy unique needs.

“ARTEL has helped over 2,000 laboratories worldwide stay abreast of advancing technologies and manage regulatory hurdles in their manual and automated liquid handling systems,” states Kirby Pilcher, President, ARTEL. “Our new LDQA service suite helps laboratories leverage ARTEL’s liquid delivery expertise and experience to optimize processes and maintain compliance.”