This transcript details the transformative impact of the Aven Edge automated liquid handling system at a Precision Medicine Center. Facing significant challenges with manual preparation of thousands of tumor samples annually, the center became the first clinical research laboratory worldwide to adopt the Aven Edge. The system proved remarkably easy to implement and validate, in stark contrast to prior experiences with other automation. It successfully cleared a substantial sample backlog, enabled near 24/7 workflow for enhanced throughput and capacity, and dramatically improved reliability and reproducibility. Key benefits highlighted include its pre-optimized barcoded reagents, end-to-end tracking, and robust quality control, which fostered confidence in processing critical low-volume samples like ctdNA and freed staff for higher-value research initiatives.
Summarizing the Aven Edge System at the Precision Medicine Center
0:00 Manual Processing Challenges: The Precision Medicine Center (PMC) annually tests approximately 3,500 tumor samples using a genomic approach. Manual preparation by three staff members was a significant and risky bottleneck for the project.
0:31 Aven Edge Implementation: The PMC was the first clinical research laboratory globally to install the Aven Edge automated instrument, with implementation and validation initiated in January 2022.
0:49 Easy Setup and Validation: Unlike previous automated liquid handlers that took years to resolve reproducibility issues, the Aven Edge system was found to be very straightforward to set up and validate, with installation and initial training completed in just two weeks.
1:31 Clearing Backlogs and Boosting Capacity: The Aven Edge allowed the PMC to clear a backlog of samples within 14 months, a feat impossible with manual methods within the project's timeline and available staff resources.
1:47 Enhanced Automation Features: The instrument offers validated research protocols, end-to-end sample and consumable tracking, and onboard quality control. Its "walk-away" operation eliminates repetitive manual tasks, enabling 24/7 sequencing workflows, which significantly increases lab throughput and capacity while improving reliability and reproducibility and reducing staff pressure.
2:18 Streamlined Reagent Handling: The system utilizes pre-optimized, plug-and-play, barcoded kits, eliminating the 30-40 minutes typically spent daily on master mix preparation. It automatically calculates and guides the user on loading necessary reagents and tips, performing pre-analytical checks to prevent errors before a run.
2:56 Exceptional Reliability: The Aven Edge is lauded as the best system seen for tracking samples and reagents in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows, with its reliability described as "faultless." The PMC plans to transfer more manual prep workflows and sequencing projects to it.
3:16 Confidence with Critical Samples: The system has successfully processed over 200 ctdNA samples, which are extremely small and allow only one library preparation attempt. The Aven Edge's proven reliability provides high confidence for handling such critical, low-volume samples.
3:49 Increased Team Productivity: By automating sample preparation, the Aven Edge frees up team members to focus on other parts of the project or new initiatives, adding significant value to the PMC's overall operations and genomic research.