In clinical laboratories today, DNA and RNA are isolated and extracted using both manual and automated protocols.
Manual extraction generally involves use of a commericial kit, is time consuming and is a labor intensive procedure requiring reconstitution of reagents, incubation of sample at different time points and temperatures. Such factors introduce the risk of contamination, errors, and efficiency ie-different technologist performing the same assay will yield slightly different results. Due to the high complexity, manual extraction is not ideal for mid-to-high volume laboratories.
Automated extraction has benefits over the traditional manual methods and is preferred for higher volume laboratories. The automated extractor is equipped with pre-programmed protocols and is designed for use with pre-dispensed reagent cartridges specific for nucleic acid extraction. With its ease of performance and moderate complexity, the automated extractor affords a greater number of laboratory professionals to perform testing with less hands on time, quicker turnaround times, decreased risk of contamination, and efficiency of extraction.