In 2008, we acquired a Little Dipper from SciGene to automate our post-hybridization slide washing and drying process. We found that the Little Dipper Processor reduced variability between arrays and lowered our labor costs, which allowed us to discontinue all manual washing of microarrays. Our technicians love the machine’s walk-away automation, which improves their ability to multi-task and be more efficient...The instrument eliminates variability between technologists that can result from differences in technique or experience. We also use the NoZone Workspace in conjunction with the Little Dipper which allows us to protect our arrays from the harmful effects of ozone.

We normally limit technologists to processing 8 patient samples at a time to ensure test reliability. In 2010, as our sample volume continued to increase, we investigated additional ways to automate our array processing, opting with the ArrayPrep Target Preparation System from SciGene. Now each technician can process up to 48 patient samples; dramatically increasing our sample processing capacity. 
 
Christa Lese Martin, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Operations Director
Emory Genetics Laboratory
Department of Human Genetics
Emory University
Atlanta, GA

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