31. Laboratory Automation for Finish Sequencing at LLNL 

Stephan Trong, Arthur Kobayashi, David J. Ow, Matt P. Nolan, Tom Slezak, Stephanie A. Stilwagen, Glenda G. Quan, and Jane Lamerdin 
Human Genome Center, Biology and Biotechnology Research Program, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 
trong1@llnl.gov 

The Human Genome Center at LLNL is performing high throughput DNA sequencing of the human genome. In the past year, we have contributed over 8.6 MB of high-quality finished sequencing to the Joint Genome Institute's total of 20.9 MB. This ramp represents an increase of more than 500% over the amount finished by LLNL last year (1.5 MB). One of the contributing factors in achieving this goal was the automation of sample processing through the use of robotic workstations. 

In the finishing phase, we are currently processing an average of 9,000 samples per month with expectations of a 25-50% increase in the coming year. To meet this high volume of sample processing, we have employed the use of Tecan Genesis 150 liquid handling robots to rearray DNA templates into 96-well plates and for setting up sequencing reactions for the rearrayed clones/templates. To integrate this process with our sample-tracking system, we have developed a web-based system to perform the following functions: 

• Finish/Pre-finish clone request and batching for rearray.
• Oligonucleotide ordering and DNA template request and batching for rearray.
• Clone resubmission and rearraying from on-line pcr gel images.
• Shatter library request and batching.
• Transposon bombing request and batching.

This work was performed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy, Contract No. W-7405-Eng-48.