Automated and safe sample purification

QIAsymphony SPTM is a fully automated system that purifies DNA, RNA, bacterial and viral nucleic acids. It can be set up in just a few minutes and processes up to 96 samples in continuous batches of 1-24 samples. The system uses magnetic bead technology to purify the nucleic acids from a wide range of starting materials. It can purify intact long DNA (>25 kb). The system consistently delivers high yields at high recovery rates with exceptional purity, so that the samples are ready to be used for different downstream applications. Contamination is prevented by tip and magnetic head guards as well as UV light while full traceability is ensured by the bar codes used for the samples and reagents.

Outstanding flexibility

The QIAsymphony SPTM is easy to integrate in existing workflows due to its flexibility. Instrument can handle various type of samples, such as tissues, blood, cell-free body fluids as well as food testing samples. Furthermore, the instrument can accommodate both small and big sample batches, and depending on the application it can be set up for elution volumes ranging between 50 and 500 µl. The setup of the runs also allows considerable flexibility, where up to 4 different protocols can be used in each run Samples can be loaded in-process allowing for urgent samples to be prioritized when necessary. Two different purification kits can be placed it the system at the same time and different protocols, dedicated to these kits, can be used. This means that every batch of samples is run by a defined protocol linked to the dedicated installed Kits.

QIAsymphony has 4 Channels and maximum of 4 extraction protocols can be defined per run. They will be executed one after another (e.g 10 RNA samples first run, 20 samples Blood genomic DNA etc, they will be processed one after another. Alternatively it is possible to programe all 4 Channels to useone protocol in the case of high throughput needs (e.g. 96 samples for extraction of genomic DNA from blood). or

Seamless workflow

The automated steps performed by the QIAsymphony SPTM include the whole purification process, i.e. sample transfer, lysis, shaking, binding, washing and elution. For ease of use and safety and further speed up of the process, it utilizes prefilled reagent cartridges, provides automatic labeling and holds a touchscreen featuring intuitive software. Once the samples have been purified by the QIAsymphony SPTM module, they are ready to be used for a number of downstream applications. If they are to be used specifically for PCR, the most convenient approach is to automatically transfer the samples from QIAsymphony SPTM to the QIAsymphony ASTM module for a PCR assay setup.

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Case Study QIAsymphony

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The Challenge

Decentralized molecular testing by enabling medium throughput laboratories. Molecular testing is largely centralized in specialized laboratories, reference labs and large hospitals. Sample types are very diverse, come in very different containers and need to be tested for a broad range of diseases.

The Goal

Build a system that accommodates for the immense variety of setups of medium throughput testing labs. All samples types and input formats will be accepted by the system. 1 to 96 samples, input volumes from 100 ul to 1 ml and processing of any type of PCR assay gives the operator highest flexibility. Despite its flexibility, the system will be set up in less than 15 min. and run from start to finish without user intervention.

The Approach

In order to accommodate the various setups and demands of the laboratories a modular system design with sample preparation, assay setup and analysis was chosen. Ease of use and quick setup of the system was achieved with a disposable, pre-filled reagent cartridge design loaded into an easily accessible drawer. The sample input and output area can be loaded with individual tubes or microplates. The system is operated via touchscreen. The core sample processing module can be extended with either an assay setup module or an automated PCR cycler unit for up to 140 analyses per run.

The Result

2000 units have been sold globally so far. QIAsymphony is the undisputed standard in automated nucleic acid sample processing for the medium throughput laboratory.

Case Study QIAsymphony Cartridge

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The Challenge

Biological samples are extremely divers requiring a large number of methods and chemistries to purify nucleic acids and provide them in a format for further processing.

The Goal

Build a low cost disposable, pre-filled, IVD compliant cartridge that accommodates dozens of different magnetic bead chemistries. The cartridge is filled, assembled and sealed in an automated production. Will be opened automatically by the QIAsymphony system and can be resealed if not completely used. The shelf life of the cartridge is > 1 year. Productions cost are equal to or lower than comparable spin column products.

The Approach

Individual troughs are deep-drawn and heat sealed for low cost and long-term storage. The heat seal withstands aggressive chemicals for an indefinite storage period. Troughs are held together with a frame for easy handling. A 2D barcode will identify the individual troughs. A plastic disposable piercing device is used to punch holes to allow the pipetting head to pick up reagents. Low volume enzymes are stored in a separate rack for cold storage and can be attached to the through rack to build one handling unit.

The Result

The QIAsymphony cartridge is an extremely cost-effective and reliable reagent storage container used thousand-fold in diagnostic laboratories around the world.

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