Automation of limiting dilution cytotoxicity assays

Limiting dilution analysis is a valuable technique for the quantitation and clonal analysis of immunocompetent cells. However, manual processing of the large number of samples necessary for satisfactory statistical analysis is laborious, and consequently results in inaccuracies reflected as increased standard errors. We describe the application of an automated robotic liquid handling tool to process samples in limiting dilution cytotoxicity assays. Our studies have shown that automated liquid handling is more accurate than manual methods, and that errors are limited. This results in savings of both time and resources. Furthermore, the process may be adapted for the safe, remote handling of sterile cell cultures, and human pathogens.