10
"Choose an instrument you will use
frequently because it makes your
workflow more efficient, thereby
saving you a lot of time and money."
biggest challenges and bottlenecks in your workflow? Setting
costs and budgets aside for a moment, think about what you
need in terms of throughput, speed, sensitivity, robustness
and precision of data.
Be sure to not only think about the immediate needs of
your lab, but also consider what you plan to work on in
the foreseeable future. For example, today, you may be
interested in protein-DNA interactions, but in a few months,
your research may expand to include G-protein-coupled-
receptors. Your work is most important and may require
flexible technology that can support it for years to come.
When you are evaluating a platform for its flexibility, ask
the vendor if the platform's hardware and so ware can be
upgraded. This way, you will get the most from your system
today and in the years to come.
Additionally, you may want to choose an instrument you will
use frequently because it makes your workflow more efficient,
thereby saving you a lot of time and money. Finally, consider
the ease-of-use of the technology, since instruments that are
too complicated to use are o en abandoned by the laboratory
staff once the expert user leaves.
HOW CAN I FIND THE RIGHT SOLUTION?
Once you have a better idea of what you need, it's time to
start searching for information about the various solutions
available. In addition to reading through this guide, there
are many ways to do your due diligence so you can make as
educated a decision as possible.
TO LEARN ABOUT TECHNOLOGIES THAT MEASURE
BINDING AFFINITY, YOU CAN:
• Visit scientific websites
• Visit vendor websites
• Visit online blogs and forums
• Ask colleagues
• Visit vendor booths at conferences
• Attend a webinar
• Call sales representatives
• Look at advertisements and articles in journals (online
and print)
• Listen to the chatter on social media channels
• Explore scientific groups
