New digital tools in the laboratory

Analysts in the lab of Wageningen Bioveterinary Research will soon be working side by side with a robot that can read the results of virus neutralisation tests of various viruses. The ‘BioTek Cytation 1 Cell Imaging Multi-Mode Reader’ measures the amount of antibodies in blood that can neutralise a specific virus. This reader has a robotic arm attached that can retrieve the plates and place them on the reader.The resulting measurement reveals whether an animal or human has sufficient defence against the virus, either through a previous infection or a vaccination.

Heather Graham, veterinary microbiologist in training at Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, is working on the robotisation and digitisation of the lab. The purchase of the robot is an important step. “Until now, we have been conducting serological measurements of antibodies with a microscope. Each test requires a lot of manpower; two readers who spend an average of 2 to 4 hours per person per test. Thanks to the robot, this will soon require only 15 minutes per person. Moreover, the use of the robot will also result in more reliable readings.”