QIAsymphony mericon Bacteria Kit

The QIAsymphony mericon Bacteria Kit is specifically designed for use on the QIAsymphony SP and optimized for use with the mericon Pathogen Detection real-time PCR assays. Up to 96 samples can be loaded onto the QIAsymphony SP at a time. The samples are processed in batches of 24 with a 53-minute processing time per batch.

Each kit contains reagents and accessories for 360 reactions. The reagents are provided in resealable reagent cartridges for maximum flexibility.

The kit was specifically designed for use on the QIAsymphony SP, which is a sample preparation instrument that is part of the modular QIAsymphony RGQ system. The automated protocol allows the isolation of bacterial DNA from primary enrichment cultures of food, animal feed, and environmental samples. Bacteria concentrated by filtration can also be used as a starting material. The protocol is based on proven magnetic-particle technology that allows the isolation of DNA from both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

The DNA extraction technology of the QIAsymphony SP instrument combines the speed and efficiency of silica-based nucleic acid purification with the convenient handling of magnetic particles. The protocol involves a short thermal lysis procedure that includes an inhibitor removal step. This is followed by a highly effective and streamlined process of binding, washing, and elution, using silica-based magnetic particles in combination with optimized buffers. The isolated DNA is ready for use in downstream applications, such as real-time PCR-based pathogen detection.

A complete, automated workflow is possible on the QIAsymphony RGQ, as the eluates containing the purified pathogen DNA can be automatically transferred to the assay setup module (QIAsymphony AS). These assay plates can then be transferred to the Rotor-Gene Q thermal cycler for real-time PCR and data analysis.

No pretreatment of the bacterial enrichment culture or filtration-concentrated bacteria is needed. Samples are extracted directly from the culture and loaded onto the QIAsymphony SP along with the reagents and plasticware. The instrument performs all of the steps of the pathogen DNA isolation procedure and can process up to 96 samples in a single run. The protocol comprises 4 steps: lysis, binding, washing, and elution. Worktable setup is rapid and the instrument allows continuous sample loading, which minimizes hands-on time for increased productivity.

The QIAsymphony mericon Bacteria Kit is for automated pathogen DNA isolation from primary enrichment cultures of food and environmental samples as part of a real-time PCR-based pathogen detection workflow.