How do I replicate samples?

This article provides a step-by-step walkthrough of how to create a Replicate Samples step on the Microlab Prep.

The Replicate Samples step is available in software version 2.0 or later. Download the latest software for access to all the latest features on the Prep.

Requirements

If your labware is available, load it on the deck of the Prep so it can be auto-detected. If the labware is not available, you can still design the protocol by selecting labware options manually in the procedure.

• Tips
• Source labware
• Target labware

Procedure

1. Tap New Protocol to get started. If you are adding a Replicate Samples step to an existing protocol, skip to step 4.
2. If your labware is available, place it on the deck and tap Detect. The Prep's camera will scan the labware on the deck and identify it. A model of the deck layout will appear, with either the detected labware or empty sites where labware can be added.
   
   If the camera is not being used to detect labware, tap the Add button to manually select each piece of labware for the deck.
3. Confirm the detected labware. Some detected labware may need to be defined with more detail, especially tips. To select the specific variant of a piece of labware, tap any site that is labeled “Select labware” and select which labware you loaded. If the correct labware is not listed, tap “Other…” to manually select from the full list of labware.
   
   If the camera was not used to detect labware, tap empty sites to add labware manually. When the list of labware appears, use the filters on the left side of the page to narrow down the list. If favorite labware has been added, the “Show only favorites” option will automatically be enabled. If your labware is not available, learn about requesting new labware
4. When the protocol overview appears, tap New Step, Advanced, then select Replicate Samples.
5. Select which pipetting tool to use for this step and tap Next. Keep any restrictions based on factors like the number of samples, the labware, and the arrangement of the replicas in mind. For example, the 8 MPH may not be used with tubes.
6. Select the source tubes/wells and tap Next. All source labware must be of the same general labware type. For example, sources all be on plates or all on tubes, but not a mixture of both.
7. Select the replication method before adding replicas. The replication method does not directly impact the order replicas are pipetted, but they can make selecting and arranging the replicas easier.
   
   Keep in mind that replicas can only be added for sources when they share the same general labware type. For example, a column of sources on a tube rack cannot be replicated on a microplate.
   • By number (channels only): Enter the number of replicas per target labware, then set the order and arrangement of the sources and replicas. Both sources and replicas can be pipetted by row or by column respectively, starting from the top-left container. The replicas can also be interleaved or grouped together by enabling or disabling the interleave setting (respectively) below the source and replica order radio buttons.
     
     Each source container will flash in sequence with its replicas to preview the order they will be pipetted, and where the replicas will go.
   • Columns: Replicate columns from source labware. Empty spaces in the source columns will also be replicated.
   • Rows (channels only): Replicate rows from source labware. Empty spaces in the source rows will also be replicated.
   • Plate: Replicate all containers from source labware. Zoom selection is unavailable for this method, so empty spaces on the source labware will also be replicated.
   • Custom selection: Add a custom number and arrangement of replicas for each source container.
8. Select each source in the list on the right and add replicas, unless you are replicating by count. Tap Next when you have added replicas for each source.
9. Enter the required pipetting settings. At minimum, you need to specify the tip type, volume per well, and the dispense type.
10. Adjust the default settings in the Tip, Aspirate, Dispense, and Liquid tabs (optional). In most cases, the default settings will be sufficient for replicating samples.
11. Tap Finish to complete the step. Verify the protocol to check for errors. All changes are saved automatically, so you can exit the protocol without losing progress after finishing the step.