The Impact of COVID-19 on PCR Liquid Handling Procedures

The emergence of SARSCoV2 created an unprecedented need for scalable PCR testing, prompting laboratories around the world to adapt quickly. While the early stages of the pandemic were challenging, the rapid response also accelerated innovation in PCR-based diagnostics and liquid handling workflows. Many of these improvements continue to benefit labs today.

Evolving Development of COVID-19 Liquid-Handling Techniques

As testing demand increased, laboratory teams worked swiftly to enhance and expand their PCR workflows. Public health laboratories and private facilities worked together to bring new diagnostic capabilities online, supported by guidance and primer sequences provided by global health organizations.

Meeting Resource Challenges with Collaboration and Expertise

One of the initial hurdles for many labs was securing the supplies and technical expertise required for high volume PCR testing. From consumables and reagents to skilled technicians, laboratories were challenged to adapt quickly.

To support rising demand, many organizations built collaborative networks to share resources, knowledge, and best practices. Labs with experience in large scale PCR workflows provided valuable insight to teams transitioning from smaller scale, manual processes. At the same time, supervisors worked to maintain safe environments and uphold evolving regulatory guidelines for sample handling and contamination control.

Adopting New Techniques to Support Workflow Efficiency

To support growing testing needs, many laboratory directors turned to new technologies that could improve throughput and optimize available space. Minimizing person to person interaction while maintaining efficiency prompted creative redesigns of existing lab layouts and processes.

Liquid Handling Solutions to Support for qPCR Workflows

Whether you're performing gene expression analysis, pathogen detection, or other PCR-based applications, reliable liquid handling is essential for consistent results. Explore Gilson solutions, application-specific resources, and workflow guidance designed to support accurate, efficient qPCR sample preparation.

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Automation helped laboratories increase sample capacity, validate new instruments, and streamline preparation steps. By automating routine pipetting, sample prep, and PCR setup, labs were able to scale their workflows while maintaining precision and consistency.

A Complete Sampling Solution from Gilson

Automated liquid handling systems that support repeatable, hands-off processing have become a valuable asset in many laboratories. PIPETMAX® 268 and PIPETMAX® 278 provide efficient, consistent assay preparation with application-configured systems for workflows such as qPCR, NGS library preparation, and bioassays. Designed to support laboratories of different throughput needs, both platforms include predeveloped, validated protocols to help simplify implementation.

For laboratories with unique requirements, PIPETMAX 268 and PIPETMAX  278 can also be customized to support specific workflows, helping deliver accurate, reproducible results while freeing scientists to focus on higher-value tasks.

Beyond automation, our experts can help you build a comprehensive COVID-19 testing workflow—including sample transport, RNA extraction, sample tracking, guided pipetting, and more. Our testing workflow resources highlight where Gilson solutions can support each step of the process.

Looking Ahead

When it comes to liquid handling solutions, Gilson is a trusted partner for public health and private labs worldwide.

Gilson is a trusted partner for public health and private laboratories worldwide. As testing strategies continue to evolve—from antibody research to monitoring vaccine effectiveness—efficient and reliable pipetting workflows remain essential.

While skilled laboratory professionals are irreplaceable, automated liquid handling systems can help teams work more efficiently, adapt to changing needs, and continue delivering high-quality-results.

Let Us Help You Strengthen Your Testing Workflows

We’re committed to supporting laboratories with dependable sample prep technologies and workflow expertise. Contact us to learn how we can help you streamline your testing processes and scale your operations effectively.

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