Pacific Biosciences of California (PACB) Status Update summary

Overview of PacBio HiFi sequencing and automation

• HiFi sequencing offers long, accurate reads, enabling comprehensive genome analysis, phasing, and direct methylation detection.

• Library prep for HiFi sequencing is a streamlined five-step process, with automation now possible for high-quality results.

• Automated workflows can match manual performance, producing high-yield, high-quality libraries with minimal hands-on time.

Core lab challenges and automation needs

• Genomics core labs face scaling challenges due to high sample diversity, staff turnover, and complex protocols.

• Existing automation platforms often lack flexibility, have high failure rates, or are not compatible with diverse sample types and batch sizes.

• Automation is needed to free up staff, ensure reproducibility, and support a growing array of sequencing technologies.

Evaluation and implementation of Callisto platform

• Callisto supports flexible batch sizes (1–24 samples), is technology- and application-agnostic, and requires minimal user training.

• Installation and validation were rapid, with successful 24-sample runs completed in under a day.

• Callisto uses half the reagent volume and one-third the pipette tips compared to manual prep, reducing costs and consumable use.