Table III.

Example of Fully Automated Workflow for LBA

User loads samples from −80°C freezer (automated or standard) and updates inventory database (laboratory information management system).

User and system prepare assay plates (AP) for assay.

User selects assay and enters run parameters (coating, blocking, etc.).

User loads reagents, samples, controls, standards and labware, and starts run.

System moves AP to dispenser and runs dispense protocol to add capture reagent (target, anti-id etc.).

System moves AP to incubator for x min.

System moves AP to washer and runs wash protocol.

System moves AP to dispenser and runs dispense protocol to add blocking reagent.

Plates are stored until needed for assay.

User selects samples to be analyzed from the database.

User selects assay and enters run parameters (dilutions, etc.).

User loads reagents, samples, controls, standards and labware and starts run.

System performs dilutions of sample, control, and standards.

System performs AP loading.

System performs assay steps.

System moves AP to incubator for x min for sample incubation.

System moves AP to washer and runs wash protocol.

System moves AP to dispenser and runs dispense protocol for detection reagent (conjugated antibody, e.g., biotinylated antibody).

System repeats the incubation, wash, and reagent steps for additional reagents (e.g., HRP-streptavidin, substrate).

System moves AP to reader and runs data acquisition protocol.

System creates output files (data file, results exported from data acquisition software, plate map file, run report).