QIAsprint modular system: Automated pathogen DNA and RNA extraction

The QIAsprint workflow for pathogen nucleic acid isolation from body fluids is a modular, magnetic-bead–based solution for automated purification of pathogen DNA and RNA. The worfklow enables streamlined processing on the QIAsprint Connect, supporting both onboard and offboard lysis. Dedicated modules can be combined as needed to accommodate different sample types and workflow preferences.

For pathogen DNA and RNA isolation from body fluids, swabs or transport media, we recommend the following modules:

QIAsprint Pathogen PrepSet (384): Designed for efficient lysis of pathogens in complex, inhibitor-rich sample materials. The PrepSet enables the addition of Proteinase K, sample and lysis/binding chemistry either directly into the sample plate for onboard lysis or as a pre-incubation step for offboard lysis.

QIAsprint Essential Kit A (384): Provides the magnetic beads and optimized wash chemistry required for the efficient removal of inhibitors commonly present in pathogen samples. The bead-based technology ensures reliable recovery of low-abundance pathogen DNA and RNA.

All modules are optimized for the fully automated processing of up to 384 samples on the QIAsprint Connect. Depending on the selected workflow, lysis can be performed onboard the instrument for true walk-away automation or offboard to increase flexibility.

The QIAsprint Pathogen PrepSet in combination with QIAsprint Essential Kit A delivers robust, fully automated purification of pathogen DNA and RNA from complex body fluid and swab samples.

Two validated workflow options provide flexibility depending on laboratory priorities: the onboard lysis workflow enables automation, with all steps performed on the QIAsprint Connect without user interaction, whereas the offboard lysis workflow enables flexible workflow adaptation and competitive processing times (see  QIAsprint pathogen workflow).

For pretreatment of difficult-to-lyse bacteria, mechanical and chemical lysis using bead beating efficiently helps release bacterial nucleic acids. For this type of lysis, Pathogen Lysis Tubes S (cat. no. 19091, including Reagent DX) or Pathogen Lysis Tubes L (cat. no. 19092, including Reagent DX) can be used. Alternatively, the PowerBead Pro Tube (cat. no. 19301) or the PowerBead Pro Plate (cat. no. 19311) are recommended. The choice of Pathogen Lysis Tube variant, PowerBead Pro Tube or Plate depends on the pathogen target.

Performance data generated in QIAGEN internal studies comparing the QIAsprint workflow with commonly alternative pathogen nucleic acid extraction kits demonstrate reliable nucleic acid recovery across diverse pathogen types and challenging sample matrices. Consistent linear RT-qPCR performance is observed for viral RNA and DNA across various sample types, confirming effective inhibitor removal (see  RT-qPCR performance from different starting materials). Digital PCR comparison with a platform from a different supplier demonstrates equivalent or improved recovery performance across viral titers (see  Competitor comparison by dPCR).

The QIAsprint Pathogen PrepSet combines the speed and efficiency of silica-based nucleic acid purification with the convenient handling of magnetic particles. The purification procedure is designed to ensure safe and reproducible handling of potentially infectious samples. The purification procedure comprises four steps: lyse, bind, wash and elute. Proteolysis of viruses and bacteria in the samples is performed under highly denaturing conditions at elevated temperatures. Lysis is performed in the presence of Proteinase K and lysis buffer, which ensures digestion of viral coat proteins, bacterial membrane proteins and inactivation of RNases.

In addition to combining different modules, nearly all buffers and reagents used within the system are available as standalone items, offering additional customization options for specialized workflows (see QIAsprint sets and consumables finder).

The QIAsprint pathogen workflow uses a modular magnetic-bead-based approach for the automated purification of pathogen nucleic acids from cell-free body fluids.

The procedure combines the QIAsprint Pathogen PrepSet for optimized pathogen lysis with QIAsprint Essential Kit A, which provides magnetic beads and wash chemistry to remove inhibitors commonly present in body fluids or transport media.

Depending on workflow preference, lysis can be performed:

• Onboard the instrument by adding Proteinase K, sample and lysis/binding mix directly into the sample plate
• Offboard by incubating the sample with lysis reagents prior to loading onto the instrument

In both cases, nucleic acids bound to magnetic beads are automatically transferred through multiple wash steps and are finally eluted as highly pure DNA and RNA suitable for sensitive downstream detection (see  QIAsprint pathogen workflow).

Pathogen DNA and RNA purified with the QIAsprint pathogen workflow are ideally suited for sensitive downstream detection methods such as RT-PCR, qPCR, digital PCR (dPCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS).