In molecular diagnostics, DNA extraction is the foundation of all subsequent analysis. However, when dealing with a single sample, labs often face the challenge of minimizing reagent waste while maintaining high-quality DNA yields. Whether you're working with a rare sample or dealing with precious clinical material, learning how to extract DNA from a single sample without wasting valuable reagents is crucial. In this blog, we’ll explore the best practices for single-sample DNA extraction, the technologies that help conserve resources, and why automation plays a key role in improving efficiency.

Why Single-Sample DNA Extraction Matters

Single-sample DNA extraction is often required in clinical diagnostics, forensic science, and research, where only limited amounts of biological material are available. For example, testing rare samples, such as biopsies, blood spots, or archived tissue, requires careful handling to prevent loss of genetic material. Additionally, these tests are typically high-stakes, with results impacting crucial medical decisions or legal proceedings.

Labs are forced to use manual extraction methods, where inconsistency reigns. The common drawback of manual processes is variability: human error in pipetting, mismanagement of reagents, or contamination can all lead to skewed results. With such high stakes, the inefficiency of manual extraction is no longer acceptable.

Manual DNA extraction presents another obstacle: reagent waste. When a single sample is being processed, the tendency is to over-prepare reagents to ensure enough material for the extraction. However, this is inefficient and leads to substantial reagent waste—especially in processes that involve complex protocols like tissue lysis or protein removal. According to studies such as the one published by the American Journal of Clinical Pathology, nearly 30% of manual extractions fail due to issues like miscalculated reagent volumes, pipetting inaccuracies, or contamination during preparation.

Additionally, reagent costs in DNA extraction are not trivial. For many labs, particularly those dealing with rare or clinical samples, the cost of reagents and the potential for waste is a major concern. Reagents must be prepared to exact specifications, and when you're working with a single sample, there is no room for error. Over-preparing reagents or mismanaging their use means that every run comes with a hidden cost in wasted material—something that can be avoided with automation.

Why Manta is the Ideal Solution for Single-Sample DNA Extraction

When the Cambrian team set out to build an automated system, this bottleneck, especially for oncology labs, was a big driving factor.

Manta addresses this head-on by using pre-filled cartridges that have just the right amount of buffer for each extraction. This means that whether you're processing a single sample or a larger batch, you're never wasting any reagents. If you have one sample, you load one cartridge. If you have five samples, you load five. And if you need to process up to 32 samples, Manta can handle that too, with no waste involved.

Manta designed to work with your lab, not the other way around. It gives labs the flexibility to scale up or down depending on the number of samples they need to process, all while ensuring consistent, reliable results every time.

As Cambrian Bioworks' CEO Vaibhav Hegde puts it:

"The system should adapt to the workflow, not the other way around."

Manta helps labs do just that—improving efficiency while keeping results accurate, without unnecessary waste or hassle.

Learn more about how Manta can help your lab here.