Lab Matters Fall 2024 | Page 15

INDUSTRY MATTERS

By Anna Bennett , PhD , science writer , Promega automated extraction systems process from 1 to 48 samples in an easy , loadand-go workflow . We have developed all-in-one , ready-to-use reagents , minimizing contamination , maximizing consistency and efficiency . Finally , recognizing laboratory space constraints , our most compact instrument fits comfortably in a BSL-2 hood .

The Maxwell ® RSC Instrument in a BSL-2 cabinet . Photo : Promega / Dana Brecklin on Promega ’ s campus in Madison , WI

The primary goal of public health laboratories is to detect and track emerging and reemerging diseases . Yet , beneath this surface challenge lies a secondary obstacle : laboratories are confronted with staffing shortages and budget constraints , limiting their ability to expand capacity and train researchers on new technologies . Furthermore , regulatory requirements and funding allocations differ from one jurisdiction to another , adding to unpredictability in resources and emphasizing the need for a cost-effective , standardized solution . The inherent pressure to deliver precise results under tight timelines exacerbates these challenges and amplifies the complexities of managing public health . The global diversity of pathogens — shaped by geographic , environmental and social factors — underscores the urgency for reliable and rapid testing methods . To effectively manage global diversity , public health laboratories rely on versatile , adaptable technologies to deliver accurate results .

Standardized Solutions with Flexibility

Recognizing variety in both pathogens and conditions under which public health laboratories operate , the paradigm is shifting towards a more agnostic approach to laboratory solutions . This approach enables the integration of various testing kits and technologies , thereby offering adaptability in a rapidly evolving field . To address the range of needs in a public health laboratory , Promega has developed automated and flexible solutions that support variety in sample type , volume and target . Our instruments support efficient extraction of both DNA and RNA from both viral and bacterial samples — including human and animal samples ( e . g . whole blood , bone marrow and buccal swabs ). Our instruments can also handle food , plants and environmental samples with diverse genetic profiles like soil , water and more .

To maximize scalability , our solutions permit precise extraction from sample volumes as small as 50 microliters to 1 milliliter , ensuring that even limited or precious samples yield reliable data . Because public health laboratories require adaptable workflows , our nucleic acid extraction and purification technologies are compatible in both manual and highthroughput settings .

To keep up with resource and time limitations , the technologies we offer are both scalable and efficient . Designed with simplicity and flexibility in mind , our

Our commitment to flexibility and standardization extends from instruments through to the supply chain . Our infrastructure is poised to offer flexible options while maintaining quality control standards . Over 85 % of our products are manufactured in-house and over half of our external suppliers are located within 50 miles of our primary manufacturing facility . The benefits of product manufacturing taking place internally are twofold : 1 ) we can offer a high level of product customization to meet the ever-changing needs of public health laboratories ; and 2 ) we can maintain quality control standards to ensure every product shipped is ready-to-use .

Public health laboratories require technologies that are built on standardized platforms and allow for flexibility in applications to meet new challenges . Our solutions — designed to be scalable and adaptable while meeting high-quality standards — ensure these crucial institutions can quickly and effectively respond to public health demands in a constantly changing healthcare landscape . g

Promega is an APHL Platinum Level Sustaining Member .