apricot S range

We are a mycology lab providing a range of analyses including antifungal susceptibility testing of yeast and mould isolates. We were looking for a new liquid handler for the preparation of our 96 wells plates that are used for these tests. We chose the Apricot S3 because it combines several qualities: it is a benchtop robot, easy-to-use, allowing precise and fast preparation of the plates. We also appreciated that it could accommodate the needed volume ranges and the many possibilities in terms of liquid handling and settings. We always received a very professional, friendly and prompt support from SPT Labtech throughout the ordering process, from the first contacts to the training of our staff once the device was installed. We are very satisfied with the Apricot S3 and we warmly recommend it.

Review Date: 17 Mar 2024 | SPT Labtech

In our laboratory, we currently have three S1 Apricot Pipettors that integrate seamlessly with our workflow. These instruments grant researchers manual control over each stage of the pipetting process, simplifying error recovery compared to fully automated liquid-handlers. We primarily use the 384-channel heads, which not only enhance precision in comparison to multichannel hand-pipetting but also yield more uniform plates, thereby mitigating potential plate-effect related issues in our assays. They are super easy to use and cost effective, they became so popular we had to order 2 more. Shout out to Kevin from the sales team for his invaluable assistance in suggesting the perfect models to suit our requirements and for his unwavering availability to address our questions. Additionally, we have two personal pipettor models on our HTS system, which serve as robust workhorses for all our high throughput assays.

Review Date: 12 Oct 2023 | SPT Labtech

All the SPT associates have been very responsive and helpful, so after-sales care has been great. The device is pretty intuitive for the most part and pretty easy to operate - a user can be trained very quickly to be able to use pretty much all of its functionality. Some things are a little less intuitive though - mainly with navigating the software. For example: when you click on a function, you then need to select the station, which is somewhat intuitive but the software does not guide this next step. What could be helpful is changing the color of a function after it has been clicked and then bringing focus, maybe by highlighting, to the pictures of the stations so you know to pick one. Also, normally on Windows computers, for buttons like New Folder or Rename, you typically click those first and then are prompted to type in the folder or file name. On this software it is the opposite, and it doesn't do a great job of pointing that out. There are a couple of other examples of minor things like this, in addition to, as an example, a small bug that only gives a user 20 seconds to change tips if they select Change Tips on the Pause function, that make the software not seem fully refined, lead to some random clicking around to try to accomplish a task, and ultimately not a perfect 5/5 for ease of use. As far as value for money, the product is still fairly new to us and so I don't believe we have enough time on it to give an accurate rating. Although, based on what it seems capable of doing compared to other similar instruments, their prices, size, and usability, this does seem a good value. Hence a 4/5 rating.

Review Date: 28 Jun 2023 | SPT Labtech

We own S1 and S3 models of Apricot. GUI is user friendly with various depth/height/side-touch functions and extra physical button of aspirate and dispense on S1 model makes liquid handling process even easier. With precise Apricot heads and reusable 384-well tip blocks, S models make liquid handling easy and cost-effective for repetitive use in research field. Removable tips in tip block gives option of choosing which wells to dispense to. SPTlabtech has continued to provide excellent customer service for all our Apricot instruments.

Review Date: 6 Apr 2023 | SPT Labtech

Apricot S3 is very intuitive and easy to use. Versatile enough to support most types of (cell-based) assays in 96w and 384w format. Great for small scale automation and limited footprint.

Review Date: 3 Mar 2023 | SPT Labtech

The Apricot s3 serves as an easy-to-use machine for bridging our laboratory into assay automation. It's simple to program, flexible for liquid handling applications, and has great customer service when facing any difficulties.

Review Date: 20 Feb 2023 | SPT Labtech

The Apricot S3 delivered high level of precision and accuracy in pipetting when we had it for the demo, the %CV was around 1.5%. It's nice to have a instrument that can pipet 0.5 uL to 125 uL in one pipet tray, which greatly facilitates our workflow. It is very easy to use and methods are easily written.

Review Date: 9 Feb 2023 | SPT Labtech

User friendly software. Easy to do quick setup but also offers many different functions and options for more extensive assays. Reproducibility was very good in a time-saving manner. Instrument allows for mid to high throughput assays.

Review Date: 16 Sept 2022 | SPT Labtech

5/5 easy to import, create or edit workflows / protocols. Our Apricot S3 works really well for NGS protocols. 5/5 easy to calibrate and re-initialize. 5/5 great after sales care & customer services. We really appreciate your help for troubleshooting and technical training. Overall, we are very satisfied with our Apricot S3. It did make everyone's life easier in the lab. The instrument reduces pipetting variations and provides us highly replicable datasets. The only thing confuses us is the "double-click & drag button" design when adjusting depth/speed. It's great to have this drag and move function but it does require some practice. As far as I know, no one can get this button work smoothly on the first try... And it's just harder to use with your gloves on.

Review Date: 22 Aug 2022 | SPT Labtech