Heartland Biotech

The Midwest's Premier Provider of
Laboratory Automation Operations, Safety and Repair Training

"We definitely benefited from the course. We actually did validation on our Tecan last week."

"I enjoyed the class and learned a lot. We are now applying our newly acquired skills upon calibration and fixing tips."

--Comments from Pfizer Scientists

Laboratory robotics and automation are routinely used to accelerate research and increase quality beyond human capabilities in labs at many large organizations and institutions. Now, smaller laboratories in biotech start-ups and academic settings utilize laboratory automation at scales appropriate for their needs and budgets. Scientists new to automation in all settings need to get up to spreed quickly to add their value to the organization as soon as possible. To fill this need, we have created a full-day training course which familiarizes the scientist with types and uses of laboratory automation, terminology and methods of automated liquid handling, optimal aspirating/dispensing techniques, reagent and chemical compatibility, validation/QC testing, and proper decontamination. The highlight of the training is hardware and software demonstration and hands-on use of actual liquid handling robots. A practical test is given at the end of the course and those who pass are issued a certificate of completion.

Who will benefit?
-Scientists interested in hands-on experience with liquid handling robots
-Robotic liquid handler technicians
-Robot maintenance personnel
-QA/QC personnel
-Laboratory automation engineers
-Laboratory managers
-Anyone planning to purchase or use liquid handling equipment

What will you learn?
-Master the terminology & methods of automated liquid handling
-Practice optimal automated pipetting techniques
-Understand reagent & chemical compatibility issues
-Become familiar with validation/QC testing techniques & options
-Learn proper decontamination techniques
-Operate real liquid handling robots with liquids of various viscosities & handling characteristics

Course Overview (Morning session)
Introduction to liquid handling robots
Safety Issues
Liquid handling terminology, issues and techniques
Reagent and chemical compatibility and handling issues
Validation and QC techniques and options
Decontamination protocols

WORKSHOP (Afternoon session)
Hands-on practical with the following robotic liquid handlers:
-Beckman Biomek FX
-Beckman Biomek 2000
-Tecan RSP 200
-Hamilton Microlab STAR*
-Velocity 11 Bravo*
-Gilson 215 (and other models)*
-Caliper Zephyr*
-Other**
Dispensing liquids of varying viscosities
Dispense height
Dispense speed
Air gaps
Mixing techniques
Liquid-level following
Foaming issues and prevention
Environmental containment
Static electricity problems and solutions
Performance measurement

The instruments used for training having been thoroughly decontaminated. However, to maintain a realistic biological laboratory setting gloves are provided and use is encouraged. Please bring protective lab glasses or goggles. Do not wear ties or dangling jewelry which might get caught in the machines. Pocket protectors are acceptable and encouraged if you have a really cool one.

*Available on request. Please inquire previous to enrolling to schedule a specific robot on this list for a specific training session.
** Training is available on other platforms. Please inquire for a specific model . Additional cost may apply.

Instructors:

Thomas Strader, MS-Biotechnology - President of Heartland Biotech consulting, Labautomation 2010 & 2011 Scientific Committee member, founder and president emeritus of Midwest LRIG, guest-editor of June 2008 & October 2010 Journal of the Association of Labautomation issue, former Senior Marketing Manager of Instrumentation at Roche-NimbleGen and Genomics Product Manager at Promega.

Gavin Buehl - Chief Operating Officer at Global Genetechs, instructor of Introduction to Manual Liquid Handling course at BTCI (BioPharmaceutical Technical Center Institute) located on the Promega campus, former Automation Technician at Third Wave Technologies (now Hologic).

Location:
The course is taught in Madison, Wisconsin, at Global Genetechs located at 715 Post Road, Madson, WI. Onsite training is available for groups of 6 or more.

Cost:
Tuition is $998 per student. Group rates, academic and government discounts are available.

-Custom courses can be created on request.
-The monthly course is on Saturday. Other dates are negotiable.
-See enrolllment form for dates of the regularlay scheduled courses.

ENROLL

Laboratory Automation Basic Training Course Info (.pdf)
Laboratory Automation Basic Training Enrollment Form

Heartland Biotech
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
Telephone: (+1) 608-770-7649
Email: info@heartlandbiotech.com