Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The TAL uses advanced, highly automated equipment to process patient samples in an efficient, high-throughput, ethical and fully regulated manner.

To meet regulatory standards, all the equipment is exclusively used for designated assays within the TAL.

All equipment is operated according to highly detailed Standard Operating Procedures by highly-trained, dedicated TAL staff.

To reduce manual handling and processing of samples, the TAL has invested in the extensive use of automation, which promotes harmonization and standardization of processes, reduces error rates, increases capacity, and decreases Turnaround Times (TAT).

All processes are integrated within a Laboratory Information Management System, eliminating the need for manual data entry while maintaining data quality and integrity.

1. Biobanking

The TAL has a state-of-the-art, custom-designed Hamilton STARplus liquid handling “biobanking” robot with a complete workflow to process human samples, isolate and purify viable PBMCs and MNCs, and aliquot samples for long-term cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen for use in future research. We can also store plasma and manually biobank samples such as bone marrow trephine biopsy.

2. Flow Cytometry

The Flow Cytometry section is equipped with 2 Beckman Coulter DxFLEX Flow Cytometers, which are CE-IVD-approved and allow panel design of up to 13 colours. This section of the TAL is committed to providing a high standard, quality service, through investment in training and compliance with ISO 17025:2017 standards. This section can provide previously validated panels, as well as newly bespoke panels, as per the objectives of specific clinical trials.  

3. Next Generation Sequencing

DNA and RNA Extraction:

Gloved hand placing a 96-well plate in a thermocycler© Vit Kovalcik/Shutterstock.com

We provide an automated nucleic acid extraction service for extracting DNA and RNA from human blood, bone marrow, and saliva samples, as well as cell suspensions, using Qiagen QIAsymphony, alongside nucleic acid quantitation and DNA quality control checks.

Automated liquid handling robots (Beckman Biomek i7) are used for a wide range of molecular assays. These feature a fully 'walk-away' solution for the preparation of sequencing-ready targeted libraries from patient DNA, as well as the set-up of PCR reactions, DNA quantitation and normalisation, plate transfers, aliquoting and dilutions and bead-based DNA clean-ups, among others.

To prevent any contamination, there is a strict separation of pre- and post-PCR areas with dedicated machines in each area. 

Sequencing:

Gloved hand with a flow cell for next gen sequencing.© Elpisterra/Shutterstock.com

DNA mutation fragment analysis and Sanger Sequencing can be performed using an Applied Biosystems SeqStudio Genetic Analyzer.

An Illumina NextSeq 550 Next Generation Sequencing instrument is used for various DNA/RNA sequencing applications, such as:

  • Screening of patient samples for disease-causing genetic mutations using targeted gene panels
  • Molecular follow-up and residual disease assessment of patient samples
  • Gene expression analysis using RNA sequencing
  • Testing for genetic and epigenetic biomarkers of disease severity and therapy response