Common issues & fixes
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Variable replicates | Inconsistent small-volume dispense | Validate <5 µL dispense vs. manual; degas master mix. |
| Contaminated NTCs | Carryover | Confirm fresh-tip-per-transfer (default); separate template and mix positions. |
| Low signal | Degraded mix or template | Check reagent age; verify template concentration. |
| Bubbles in wells | Fast dispense | Lower dispense speed; ensure proper sealing. |
When not to automate this
For one-off single reactions, manual setup is faster. For sub-microliter reaction volumes, confirm dispense accuracy meets your assay's tolerance before relying on automation.
Verification: this protocol is reviewed — simulation-verified and scientist-checked, but not yet vision-verified on hardware. Validate against your controls on first run.