Revvity LabChip GX Touch HT Nucleic Acid Analyzer

Overview

The Revvity LabChip GX Touch HT Nucleic Acid Analyzer is a benchtop microfluidic electrophoresis platform engineered for rapid, high-resolution analysis of DNA and RNA samples. Utilizing proprietary LabChip® microfluidic chip technology, the system replaces traditional slab-gel electrophoresis with a fully automated, capillary-based separation process performed within disposable polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chips. Electrophoretic separation occurs under controlled voltage gradients across nanoliter-scale channels, enabling precise sizing (down to single-base resolution for fragments <1 kb) and quantitative fluorescence detection via integrated CCD imaging. The platform operates on the principle of sieving electrophoresis in polymer matrix-filled microchannels, delivering reproducible fragment sizing and concentration data in as little as 30 seconds per sample — significantly accelerating QC steps upstream of next-generation sequencing (NGS), PCR validation, and gene expression profiling workflows.

Key Features

• Ultra-low sample consumption: Requires ≤150 nL per assay, preserving precious clinical or low-input genomic material
• Touchscreen-integrated interface: Fully standalone operation with intuitive graphical user interface; no external PC required for routine runs
• Two throughput configurations: Standard 24-sample cartridge format for targeted QC; optional 384-well plate-compatible configuration for high-throughput labs
• Integrated quantification metrics: Automated calculation of RNA Integrity Number (RIN)-equivalent scores and DNA degradation indices based on electrophoretic profile morphology
• Pre-calibrated chip formats: Optimized for dsDNA (10–10,000 bp), ssRNA (100–5,000 nt), and specialized applications including small RNA and amplicon analysis
• Robust architecture: Temperature-controlled chip station and precision fluidic dispensing ensure inter-run consistency and long-term calibration stability

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LabChip GX Touch HT supports native, denatured, and enzymatically treated nucleic acid samples without requiring purification or cleanup beyond standard extraction protocols. It accepts inputs from spin-column, magnetic bead, and phenol-chloroform isolation methods. Sample matrices include FFPE-derived RNA, cfDNA, CRISPR-edited amplicons, and sheared genomic DNA. All chip consumables are manufactured under ISO 13485-certified conditions and supplied with lot-specific performance validation reports. The system complies with GLP documentation requirements and supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trails when paired with Revvity’s optional enterprise software suite, including electronic signatures, user access controls, and immutable run log archiving.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and analysis are managed through the embedded LabChip GX Touch Software v5.x, which provides real-time electropherogram visualization, automatic band calling, molecular weight calibration, and concentration interpolation using internal ladder standards. Export formats include CSV, PDF, and XML for integration with LIMS and bioinformatics pipelines (e.g., FastQC pre-processing). Raw image files (.lch) retain full pixel-level intensity metadata for retrospective reanalysis. The software includes built-in templates aligned with common QC checkpoints defined in ISO/IEC 17025 and CAP-accredited molecular pathology laboratories.

Applications

• NGS library QC: Assessment of adapter ligation efficiency, fragment size distribution, and presence of primer dimers or over-amplification artifacts
• qPCR/ddPCR assay validation: Verification of amplicon specificity and absence of non-specific products prior to quantification
• Transcriptomics workflow monitoring: Evaluation of RNA integrity pre- and post-library prep to mitigate bias in stranded RNA-seq
• CRISPR editing confirmation: Detection of indel patterns and HDR/NHEJ ratios via fragment size shifts in T7E1 or Surveyor assays
• Biobanking and clinical trial sample triage: Rapid stratification of nucleic acid quality to prioritize limited sequencing resources
• Process development support: In-process monitoring of enzymatic fragmentation, end-repair, and A-tailing steps in automated library prep systems

FAQ

What chip types are compatible with the LabChip GX Touch HT?
The system supports LabChip GX 5K, GX 12K, GX RNA, and GX Small RNA chips — each pre-loaded with separation matrix and ladder, validated for specific size ranges and nucleic acid chemistries.
Can the instrument be integrated into automated liquid handling workflows?
Yes — the 384-well HT configuration features standardized deck footprint and API-enabled communication (RS-232/Ethernet) for bidirectional control with Hamilton STAR, Tecan Freedom EVO, and other Class I automation platforms.
Is method transfer supported between LabChip GX Touch and legacy LabChip GX II instruments?
Method parameters (voltage, run time, detection threshold) are cross-platform compatible; however, chip-specific calibration curves require re-validation due to updated optical and thermal subsystems in the Touch HT generation.
How does the system ensure traceability for regulated environments?
Each run generates a timestamped, digitally signed report with embedded instrument ID, chip lot number, operator ID, and environmental sensor logs (ambient temperature/humidity), satisfying ALCOA+ data integrity principles.