IDBS provides bespoke software to Cancer Research Technology to streamline plate correction

BOSTON & LONDON - Aug 10, 2016 - IDBS and Cancer Research Technology (CRT), the commercialization arm of Cancer Research UK, have collaborated to streamline plate correction in high throughput screening (HTS). The algorithm, developed by IDBS in response to CRT requirements and soon to be offered to all customers, enables ActivityBaseusers to correct data within acceptable margins in seconds. It improves data quality and reduces the number of results that would otherwise need to be corrected manually or reworked, resulting in significant time and cost savings.  

Dr Fabrice Turlais and Cristina Alli from the screening group at CRT said, “In HTS it isn’t uncommon to find small anomalies in assays, especially systematic signal distortions caused by environmental conditions or errors from automated liquid handling apparatus or plate readers. The algorithm helps with post-assay data correction: our analysis after an HTS campaign would usually take 4-5 days and we expect to be able to reduce that by at least 15% with the new tool.”

The ActivityBase template enables the automated correction of fifty plates in two seconds, with researchers able to view and store both ‘before’ and ‘after’ data. The functionality is compatible with data containing control wells as well as for multiple plate layouts.

“This is a great example of the collaborative approach we deliver in support of our customers’ requirements,” said Laurence Painell, Vice President, Product Management & Marketing, IDBS. “We worked closely with CRT, listened to feedback from the organization and provided a solution which has already seen amazing results in terms of streamlining plate correction. The time and cost savings projected are significant and are testament to what can be achieved via a partnership approach.”