An assessment of the Kemble Star 700 sample processor for the automation of complement fixation and ELISA tests in a microbiology laboratory.

A Kemble Robotic sample processor was programmed to perform routine serological tests for microbiology. Accuracy of dispensed volumes was assessed and precision of dilutions was compared with manual methods. An appraisal of time taken to perform complement-fixation and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays by manual and automated methods was undertaken. Labour requirements were reduced when processing large numbers of samples and the reproducibility of more demanding tests was improved by the greater accuracy of the robotic manipulations.