In our continuing coverage of the work done by BD application specialists, we are happy to feature Melanie Duenas. Based out of Spain, Melanie works with our clinical customers, helping them get the most out of BD’s lab automation portfolio. Here is what Melanie had to say to us.
1. What do you do as an application specialist in BD?
I help our customers with our clinical diagnosis solutions. This means I train and support them with using our clinical products, like flow cytometers, sample preppers or reagents. It is a gratifying but challenging job. Each day brings surprises to this job. I have learned about a lot of different types of customer challenges that I never knew before. The customer knows his/her requirements and I have the expertise in flow cytometry. We often work in tandem to achieve the best results for the customer.
2. Tell us something about BD’s lab automation portfolio.
Our lab automation portfolio includes the BD FACSDuet™ Sample Preparation System and the BD FACSLyric™ Flow Cytometer. The BD FACSuite™ Clinical Application, which is one of the two software applications that control the BD FACSLyric™ Flow Cytometer, supports specific BD CE-IVD assays with assay templates. The BD FACS™ Universal Loader is an optional automated loading system that delivers samples to the BD FACSLyric™ Flow Cytometer for acquisition. It allows loading of samples in tubes and microtiter plates made by different manufacturers. The BD FACSDuet™ Sample Preparation System is more efficient through its automated processing compared to manual sample preparation. The BD FACSDuet™ Sample Preparation System can either work separately or be physically integrated with the BD FACSLyric™ Flow Cytometer. When the two systems are physically integrated, they offer a walk-away, sample-to-answer solution. It is quite amazing to have seen the evolution and all the advances in technology that have gone into this system!
3. How can our customers get the best out of the BD FACSDuet™ Sample Preparation System– BD FACSLyric™ Flow Cytometer? Any tips and tricks you recommend?
My advice is that the customers should consider physically connecting the automated BD FACSDuet™ Sample Preparation System and the BD FACSLyric™ Flow Cytometer for the best experience. This will enable them to load more samples into the system and perform multiple runs in parallel. They will also be able to obtain quicker results this way.
Our customers can also use the BD FACSDuet™ Sample Preparation System for automated antibody cocktailing. Using this system, reagent cocktails can also be prepared for other flow cytometry systems. When a lot of colors are used, it can be difficult to pipet all the antibodies manually.
4. How did your work change during the covid crisis?
My work changed from face-to-face interactions with the customers to helping them through calls, answering their emails and providing remote assistance. Our team in BD worked hard to assist customers during this time, so their work could go on unhindered.
5. How do you tailor the training needs to suit different customers?
I prepare the training according to the needs and the requirements of the customers. If I have a less-experienced customer, I try to simplify the information they have to learn and show them practical examples to better understand the training topics. Experienced customers need more in-depth information.
6. How can customers contact BD Application Support?
help.biosciences@bd.com for our scientific support team
BDB.Training@bd.com for training requests
Or via the contact page on our website: https://www.bdbiosciences.com/en-eu/contact-us
