The Benefits of Automating Sample Preparation

Importance of the Topic

The preparation of samples is a pivotal step in analytical chemistry, directly influencing accuracy, sensitivity and instrument uptime. In chromatographic analyses such as LC-MS/MS and GC-MS, matrix components can suppress or mask target analytes, making pre-analysis cleanup and concentration indispensable. As laboratories face growing sample volumes, demand faster turnaround and aim to control costs, automating sample preparation emerges as a strategic solution to mitigate bottlenecks and enhance overall analytical performance.

Study Objectives and Overview

This white paper examines the rationale for automated sample preparation, surveys traditional and modern techniques, highlights challenges of manual workflows and quantifies the benefits of automation. It also outlines key criteria for selecting an automation platform and addresses integration into regulated environments following Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).

Methodology and Instrumentation

Manual workflows commonly employ:

• Soxhlet, accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), pressurized liquid extraction or microwave/ultrasound-assisted extraction for solids
• Solid-phase extraction (SPE), supported liquid extraction (SLE), liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and protein precipitation (PPT) for liquids

Automated platforms integrate liquid-handling modules, SPE cartridges or 96-well plates, filtration or precipitation stations and evaporation units. On-line SPE coupled directly to the chromatograph represents the highest level of integration, while stand-alone liquid handlers offer flexibility without occupying analytical instruments.

Main Results and Discussion

Comparative studies show automation can reduce SPE processing time for 96 samples by 33%. Coefficients of variation (CV) are significantly lower in automated versus manual extraction (e.g., CV reduced from 8–10% to 2–4%). Automation virtually eliminates human errors related to sample handling, boosts recovery rates above 90%, and diminishes instrument downtime by delivering cleaner extracts.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Key advantages of automated sample preparation include:

• Increased throughput and faster turnaround by parallel processing
• Enhanced precision and reproducibility through consistent pipetting and timing
• Lower cost per sample by redeploying skilled staff to data analysis and minimizing consumable waste
• Improved data quality and fewer reruns, supporting robust QA/QC charts

These benefits apply across pharmaceutical, environmental, food safety and forensic laboratories.

Future Trends and Applications

Emerging developments include modular automation platforms capable of switching between SPE, SLE, LLE and PPT with minimal user intervention. Integration of artificial intelligence for method optimization, real-time monitoring of sample integrity and cloud-based data management will further streamline workflows. High-throughput formats, such as 384-well plates and continuous-flow systems, are expected to gain traction in regulated labs seeking full GLP compliance.

Conclusion

Automation of sample preparation transforms a traditional bottleneck into a high-efficiency process, yielding more accurate, reliable and cost-effective analyses. By carefully evaluating sample type, throughput needs and desired level of integration, laboratories can select the optimal automated solution to support scientific rigor and operational excellence.

Reference

1. Majors E., LCGC 9(1), 16–20 (1991).
2. Youssef M. et al., Poster P211, Society of Forensic Toxicology (SOFT), San Antonio, TX (2019).