Lower CV means less variation, which directly reduces reagent waste and operational costs. Precision isn’t a luxury; it’s a financial imperative.
Today’s blog is 340 words long, and a 5 minute read.
Overview
In industries relying on precise liquid handling, reagent costs can skyrocket. Imagine wasting even 1% of your reagents daily—over time, that’s a substantial financial drain. The key? Minimising waste through a low coefficient of variation (CV) in dispensing, especially at volumes ranging from nanoliters to millilitres.
CV That Matters
Why does CV matter? A low CV means your dispensing volumes are consistent, reducing variation that leads to costly reagent waste. Precision isn’t just a technical metric—it directly impacts your bottom line.
Dispensing – The Core of It
Dispensing systems hinge on two core components: the flow source and the dripping mechanism. The choice between positive displacement pumps (like syringe or piston pumps) and pressure pumps defines accuracy and adaptability.
Positive displacement pumps excel in delivering consistent volumes regardless of liquid viscosity. This stability means no recalibration is needed when switching fluids, saving time and reducing error. Pressure pumps, conversely, require recalibration for different viscosities, risking volume inconsistencies that inflate costs.
Contact or Contactless
Next, consider the dispensing method: contact vs. non-contact. Contact dispensing suits larger volumes (microliters to millilitres), ideal for applications where volume precision is critical but droplet placement is less sensitive. Non-contact dispensing shines in micro to sub-microliter ranges, where avoiding contamination and precise droplet control are paramount.
High-quality positive displacement pumps combined with fine control over the dripping mechanism ensure precision across a wide viscosity range and volume spectrum. This synergy reduces reagent waste and enhances throughput.
Modern dispensing platforms also integrate auxiliary features—heating elements, incubation or drying chambers, and real-time data management—to streamline workflows and ensure reproducibility.
What should you consider
In summary, selecting the right dispensing technology is a strategic decision with direct financial implications. Opt for systems that:
- Use positive displacement pumps for viscosity-independent accuracy
- Offer low CV to minimise reagent waste
- Match dispensing type (contact or non-contact) to your volume needs
- Provide modular integration for enhanced process control
Investing in precision dispensing technology isn’t just about accuracy—it’s about optimising operational costs, improving reliability, and accelerating innovation. In a market where reagents are precious and margins are tight, precision pays off.