Integra Vialab Experience

Does anyone have experience with these systems like the Assist Plus? I’ve seen their demo booth, but I would appreciate any first-hand experience with these tools for operator-accessible sample dilutions.

Really good affordable solution. Programming is easy and it’s pretty robust so far. We’ve been developing on it since the beginning of this year and so far no complains. Their new software release v3.3 makes it simple to perform cherry picking. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

1 Like

Thanks I’m glad to hear it. We’re looking to make some standard curves and perform sample dilutions from worklists. Our keys for this would be robustness in method/liquid class settings, operation, and quality review systems. We want to find something where we do not have a pile of input worklists and run logs to review for one set of samples.

The Integra is capable of all those processes that you’ve listed: making standard curves and sample dilutions from worklists.
For methods, this is where there are limitation. In order to use the worklist functionality, there are extra steps needed to make it work. First you would need to upload that worklist into the Integra software then upload that onto the pipettor. So in a way, you are modifying the method with each run.
For liquid class development, there are limitations. For aspiration/dispense speeds, there are only 10 default settings. You do not have an infinite range of speeds to work with.
Traceability wise, it’s a simple device, so there’s no logs unless it you run it from the computer vs pipettor. I’ve seen some glitches when running directly from the computer (e.g. computer hiberates)
Hope that helps.

1 Like

Yes that’s helpful feedback thank you.

Hey @Sean_M i have numerous years of experience working with both the ViaLab and ViaLink programming platforms! Feel free to let me know if you have any questions or want me to share some tips/tricks about the Assist Lis or even how to program ViaFlow96/384, single channel electronic pipettes, or multichannel pipettes.

The com port is unfortunately a huge downside to the native assist plus software as the disconnection errors are definitely present. There is a API/SDK for single level commands which makes the assist plus perfect for tinkering! I might ask @Stefan if we can get an Integra (Assist Plus, ViaLab, ViaLink) category on here.

This platform is perfect for small scale projects like assisting with standard curve creations, and other really cool projects (even some end to end workflows)!

2 Likes

@zachary.milot do you have any more info/documentation about the API/SDK for the assist plus? Very interested.

https://www.integra-biosciences.com/united-states/en/support/laboratory-integration here is the site with a cool video on their integrations, I reached out to my contact at integra to see if I can share the link to the documentation!

1 Like