SPT Labtech, a global leader in the design, development and manufacture of automated instrumentation and consumables for life science applications, announces new developments to its firefly® all-in-one genomics liquid handling platform, specifically targeted to address the bottlenecks of NGS library preparation in Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs).

Since its launch in February 2022, firefly has been transforming NGS library preparation for genomics researchers by bringing together capabilities for accurate pipetting, non-contact reagent dispensing, shaking and incubating within a compact benchtop design. Automating repetitive and menial liquid handling tasks enables laboratories to overcome throughput challenges by significantly increasing the quality and quantity of output data. The firefly platform offers unrivalled efficiency over competing automation solutions, with significantly less reagent dead volume required for automating NGS library preparation due to the integrated positive displacement non-contact dispensing capability in a highly compact footprint with intuitive, easy-to-use software. Laboratories choosing firefly not only benefit from fast and precise liquid handling, but also get access to SPT Labtech’s dedicated reliance® service and support team to sustain high-throughput operations and aid in new protocol development.

The enhancements to firefly come after recognizing what is paramount for clinical laboratories offering LDTs when implementing any solution: rapid setup, minimized downtime, versatility, robustness, and user-friendly and consistent operation. Key firefly features and recent updates that address these needs include:

• Compact design: Maximizing functionality by exploiting vertical space, meaning that labs don’t need to sacrifice premium footprint.
• User access control: Providing individual accounts with set privileges, ensuring no ambiguity in operations and maintaining accurate, up-to-date records.
• Easy-to-use protocols: Protocols can be built using the intuitive and visual user interface, with no coding knowledge required.
• Open access software: Unrestricted software versions and compatibility with any computer.

These additional features, designed to optimize firefly for regulated environments, are timed to address the increasingly complex nature of LDTs and alleviate the increased operational burden they represent.

“These enhancements exemplify the customer-centric nature that we strive for at SPT Labtech. After listening to and understanding the needs of laboratories working in clinical settings, I’m proud to say that we have delivered a solution that truly supports the rigorous demands around throughput and compliance,” says David Newble, CEO at SPT Labtech. “firefly will enable laboratories to remain agile and adaptive as NGS-based LDTs become more prevalent.”

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