Semi-automation of the polymerase chain reaction for laboratory confirmation of meningococcal disease.

Demand for accurate high-throughput detection and characterisation of medically important bacteria has increased dramatically within research and clinical laboratories. Liquid-handling robots have been developed to achieve high levels of accuracy and reproducibility. Assay automation can play a key role in the modern diagnostic laboratory and the data presented here shows that automated PCR is comparable with manual methods. Importantly, automation is preferred when high-quality results cannot be guaranteed using manual methods. This is particularly important when results are required quickly for public health management.