Adapting to PCR Demand: How Breakaway Panels Support Variable Testing Volumes

In some settings, PCR testing demand can be unpredictable. While some weeks may require higher throughput, others may see a reduced need. Some labs also see monthly or seasonal variation. For most labs, this volume fluctuation is a problem—it makes it difficult to maintain efficiency without overcommitting your resources. Some labs try to meet surges in demand by investing in additional infrastructure or equipment, but this isn’t always practical when future testing demands remain uncertain.

If your lab has reached a critical mass of PCR runs, there may be no avoiding the need to purchase additional equipment to increase throughput. However, sometimes, the best solution may be in maximizing the efficiency of your existing capacity and reducing reagent waste—pre-plated, breakaway PCR panels offer a way to do just that. 

These types of panels offer a modular, consumables-based approach to adapting to changing needs. They offer flexibility and can help you minimize overage to remain efficient.

The Types of Labs that Experience Unpredictable Testing Volumes

• Research Labs with Variable Sample Availability – Academic and biotech research labs 
  often see inconsistent sample submission rates.
  
  
• Contract Research Organizations (CROs) – These labs typically handle multiple clients that have varying PCR needs.
  
  
• Public Health and Epidemiology Labs—Surveillance labs often see testing surges during
  seasonal peaks or public health crises, which may be followed by periods of lower demand.

Traditional Plate Prep Doesn’t Accommodate Fluctuating Demands

Unpredictable testing volumes can make it difficult to determine the ideal level of reagent stock, personnel allocation, and equipment usage. Traditionally, PCR preparation methods require you to prep reagents for a full plate. When fewer wells are actually needed, this leads to unnecessary waste and inefficiency, and you may delay experiments in order to justify the full plate.

PCR panels that break away such that unused wells can be set aside can help to minimize this issue. Instead of committing to a full, fixed plate setup, you can flex your well usage based on real-time needs, scaling up and down as needed.

How Breakaway PCR Panels Enhance Adaptability

Breakaway PCR panels offer flexibility by letting you use only the wells you need for each test. This helps in several key areas:

1. Scalable Test Volumes With Less Waste

• Labs can process smaller batch sizes without discarding unused wells.
• Panels can be broken down into smaller sections and reused later, preventing excess 
  reagent consumption.

2. Efficient Resource Utilization

• Reduces the need to use a full plate when only a subset of wells is required.
• Helps control costs by reducing the need to stockpile excess reagents to satisfy surges in demand.
• Supports a more predictable budget by eliminating unnecessary overage.

3. Improved Workflow Adaptability

• Allows quick adjustments to testing schedules, all without requiring any major changes to your protocols.
• Reduces the likelihood that your workflow will be interrupted due to reagent shortages resulting from complex inventory management.

Prepare Your Lab for Shifting PCR Needs

Fluctuating PCR demand doesn’t have to mean inefficiency, excess costs, or wasted reagents. With breakaway PCR panels, labs can not only be responsive to fluctuating volumes but also in a way that is cost-efficient. Consider how they might help your lab prepare for unpredictable demand while maintaining cost control and operational flexibility.