Efficiently handling samples is essential for any lab, especially in diagnostics, molecular diagnostics, core labs, and testing labs. Whether you’re processing patient specimens with PCR machines or using liquid handlers for high-throughput screening (HTS), accurate and streamlined lab sample processing is key. To manage processing lab samples effectively, more labs are turning to Scispot Labflows and its AI agent Plato, a platform designed to simplify multi-well plate workflows while optimizing sample management.

In this blog, we’ll dive into what makes the best sample processing software and why it’s a must-have for labs looking to boost efficiency and accuracy.

‍

Why Lab Sample Processing Needs to Be Streamlined

Processing lab samples involves multiple steps—receiving samples, labeling, running tests on instruments like LCMS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry), storing data, and generating reports. Without an organized system, these processes can become chaotic, leading to lost samples, delays, or inaccurate results.

For labs working with multi-well plates, the complexity increases. This is where Plato, Scispot’s specialized AI agent for multi-well plate workflows, steps in. Plato automates everything from plate setup to real-time data analysis, integrating seamlessly with instruments like Clariostar, Tecan, and Hamilton. By leveraging Plato, labs can handle large volumes of samples more efficiently while reducing errors.

Here’s why optimized lab sample processing and multi-well plate automation are critical:

• Faster Results: Labs, especially in diagnostics, operate under tight deadlines. Fast sample processing means quicker results, which is vital for patient care and research timelines. Plato’s ability to instantly transform data into actionable insights enhances this speed even further.
• Improved Accuracy: Organized workflows reduce errors. For example, using Scispot Labflows and Plato to track samples across PCR machines or multi-well plates ensures every step is monitored and optimized for accuracy.
• Compliance and Traceability: Many labs must meet strict regulations like CLIA or ISO. The best sample processing software provides audit trails to keep every step traceable, ensuring compliance while minimizing human error.

‍

Key Features of the Best Sample Processing Software

When choosing software, look for features that enhance lab efficiency and streamline workflows. Here are key aspects to consider:

1. Automated Sample Tracking and Accessioning

Manual tracking can be time-consuming and error-prone, especially in high-volume labs. The best sample processing software automates this process, from receiving samples to final reporting. Scispot Labflows uses barcodes and automatic labeling to ensure every sample is traceable from start to finish, reducing the risk of misplaced or misidentified samples. For labs using multi-well plates, Plato offers automated plate layout design tailored to specific assays, further optimizing the workflow.

2. Seamless Instrument Integration

Your lab sample processing software should integrate easily with your lab’s existing instruments, whether you’re using Agilent HPLC systems, PCR machines, or liquid handlers like Hamilton Microlab Star. Scispot Labflows and Plato integrate with instruments like Clariostar and qPCR, ensuring data flows seamlessly from instruments into the platform. This eliminates manual entry and significantly reduces errors during multi-well plate experiments.

3. Real-Time Dashboards for Monitoring

Real-time visibility is essential for labs managing large sample volumes. Scispot Labflows offers operational dashboards where lab managers can track the status of each sample, whether they are being processed by an LCMS or awaiting results from an ELISA reader. With Plato, labs can also monitor multi-well plate experiments in real-time, receiving instant feedback on data and error predictions to prevent disruptions. This allows managers to quickly identify delays, streamline workflows, and ensure on-time delivery of results.

4. Customizable Workflows for Sample-Centric Labs

Each lab has unique workflows. Scispot Labflows allows you to customize your processes based on your lab’s needs, whether you're processing tissue samples on a QIAcube or running DNA sequencing on Illumina systems. For multi-well plate workflows, Plato further enhances customization by designing optimal plate layouts and automating data analysis, minimizing manual effort. This means labs can focus more on analysis and less on setup, making high-throughput workflows more efficient.

5. Compliance and Regulatory Features

For labs operating in highly regulated environments, compliance is non-negotiable. Scispot Labflows maintains detailed audit trails for each step, ensuring compliance with CLIA, ISO, and other industry regulations. With Plato, error prevention features also help labs reduce the risk of non-compliance due to incorrect data entry or sample handling. From sample intake to final reporting, Scispot helps you meet regulatory standards effortlessly.

‍

How Scispot Labflows and Plato Simplify Sample Processing

Scispot Labflows and Plato offer an all-in-one solution that simplifies lab sample processing by automating tedious tasks and reducing manual effort. Here’s how these tools help sample-centric labs, particularly those in diagnostics and testing environments:

1. Automated Sample Management

When samples arrive in the lab, Scispot Labflows assigns a unique barcode, which tracks the sample throughout its journey. Whether it’s moving through PCR machines, flow cytometers, or multi-well plates on instruments like Tecan or Clariostar, every sample is processed accurately and in real-time. Plato further enhances this by automating the setup of multi-well plates, optimizing the plate layout for specific assays, and ensuring that the data is transformed into actionable insights instantly.

2. Seamless Data Integration with Instruments

Scispot Labflows and Plato integrate effortlessly with lab instruments, automatically syncing data from liquid handlers, DNA sequencers, and multi-well plate readers. This eliminates manual data entry and significantly reduces the risk of transcription errors. Whether you're handling hundreds or thousands of samples, Scispot ensures your lab operates efficiently, while Plato adds an extra layer of precision and error prediction.

3. Real-Time Monitoring Dashboards

Lab managers can use Scispot’s customizable dashboards to monitor the status of each sample in real-time. Whether samples are awaiting analysis from a PCR machine or results from an ELISA reader, lab managers have full visibility into the entire process. With Plato, they can also monitor multi-well plate workflows, ensuring optimal performance and receiving real-time feedback on data quality and potential issues. This allows them to resolve bottlenecks quickly and keep everything running smoothly.

4. End-to-End Compliance and Reporting

Scispot Labflows is designed with regulatory compliance at its core. For labs needing to adhere to strict regulations, the platform provides automated audit trails and quality control checks to ensure every step is documented and traceable. Plato further ensures that labs using multi-well plates meet compliance standards by automating error prevention and delivering accurate data for every sample processed.

‍

Why Efficient Sample Processing Matters

Efficient lab sample processing is key for diagnostics, molecular diagnostics, and testing labs. Using the best sample processing software can have a dramatic impact:

• Reduce Errors: Automated sample tracking minimizes the risk of mislabeling or losing samples, especially when processing large volumes on high-throughput systems like Tecan liquid handlers. With Plato, error prediction capabilities ensure that even multi-well plate workflows run smoothly.
• Boost Productivity: By automating routine tasks, your lab staff can focus on more meaningful work, like analyzing data and driving research forward.
• Improve Turnaround Times: Faster sample processing means quicker results for patients or research projects, a crucial advantage for diagnostics labs.
• Ensure Compliance: With audit trails and automated quality control, Scispot Labflows and Plato ensure your lab meets regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of costly penalties.

‍

Conclusion

Choosing the best sample processing software is essential to improving the efficiency, accuracy, and compliance of your lab’s operations. Whether you’re processing blood samples with PCR machines or handling high-throughput workflows with multi-well plates, the right software can transform your operations.

Ready to improve your lab’s sample processing? Book a demo today to learn how Scispot can help your lab operate more efficiently.

‍

‍