INTEGRA has published a new customer video from the Institute of Clinical Chemistry research group at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), in which researcher Christina Thomas reviews how the VOYAGER multichannel pipette has accelerated their sample screening and genotyping assays.

As laboratories need to process more and more samples per day, they are facing the challenge to increase their throughput in the most efficient and economical way. Especially screening applications require handling and manipulating many samples between different formats.  Traditionally this process often involved the use of single channel pipettes which is slow, inefficient and prone to errors. 

Using INTEGRA’s VOYAGER handheld pipette, with variable tip spacing, has enabled TUM scientists to profit from the productivity of a multichannel pipette through the entire assay, processing samples a lot quicker than with a single channel pipette. Compared to the investment in a fully automated solution, the VOYAGER can be used without special training as well as providing easy access and seamless interchange between different formats of microplates and tubes. 

Genotyping biological samples using PCR is a standard practice in many TUM laboratories. Traditionally scientists have used single channel pipettes to interchange samples between PCR gels, 96-well microplates and microcentrifuge tubes - a slow, labour intensive process.  Switching to the VOYAGER handheld multichannel pipette - researchers have benefited from being able to quickly change the distance between the tips to match different PCR gel pockets. With this useful facility - TUM scientists find it easy to transfer the reaction mix from tubes or from a plate directly onto the gel.

The Technische Universität München, or Technical University of Munich (TUM), is a research university with campuses in Munich, Garching and Freising-Weihensstephan, Germany. The TUM is one of the most research-focused universities in Europe and has been ranked 11th in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2014.  The TUM features a strong, characteristic profile in the fields of Science and Engineering. Alongside the traditional key areas addressed by technical universities, powerful links have been also established with the life sciences, ranging from nutrition and food sciences, biotechnology and bioinformatics through to medicine. Much of its innovative research and teaching has emerged from collaborations between the disciplines.

INTEGRA Biosciences is a leading provider of high-quality laboratory tools for liquid handling, media preparation, sterilization and cell cultivation. The company is committed to creating innovative solutions which fulfil the needs of its customers in research, diagnostics and quality control within the life science markets and medical industry. Today, INTEGRA innovative laboratory products are widely used all around the world. More than ninety distribution-partners form a worldwide sales network providing responsive and competent services to customers. These distribution partners are supported by a highly motivated and experienced team of specialists at the company headquarters in Zizers, Switzerland and Hudson, NH, USA.  INTEGRA is an ISO 9001 certified company.

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