QIAcube Connect MDx

For fully automated nucleic acid extraction with QIAGEN’s spin-column kits in molecular diagnostic and clinical research applications

Products

The QIAcube Connect MDx is designed to perform automated isolation and purification of nucleic acids in molecular diagnostic and/or molecular biology applications. The system is intended for use by professional users, such as technicians and physicians trained in molecular biological techniques and the operation of the QIAcube Connect MDx system.
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QIAcube Connect MDx

Cat. No. / ID:  9003070

Instrument, 1-year warranty on parts and labor
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QIAcube Connect MDx System FUL-2

Cat. No. / ID:  9003071

Instrument and service agreement package: includes installation, application training, Full Agreement for two years with a two business day response time and two inspection service visits.
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QIAcube Connect MDx System FUL-3

Cat. No. / ID:  9003072

Instrument and service agreement package: includes installation, application training, Full Agreement for three years with a two business day response time and three inspection service visits.
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QIAcube Connect MDx System PRV-1

Cat. No. / ID:  9003073

Instrument and service agreement package: includes installation, application training and one preventive maintenance visit. One-year warranty on labor, travel and parts also included.
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QIAcube Connect MDx Device PRV-1

Cat. No. / ID:  9003074

Instrument and service agreement package: includes one inspection service visit. One-year warranty on labor, travel and parts are also included. Does not include installation and training.
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QIAcube Connect MDx System PRM-1

Cat. No. / ID:  9003075

Instrument and service agreement package: includes installation, application training, Premium Agreement for 1 year with a next business day response time and 1 inspection service visit.
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QIAcube Connect MDx System FUL-1

Cat. No. / ID:  9003076

Instrument and service agreement package: includes installation, application training, Full Agreement for one year with a two business day response time and one inspection service visit.
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Features

  • Automates selected QIAGEN DSP and non-DSP kits and the PAXgene Blood RNA Kit
  • Offers two software environments for specific user needs: IVD mode (for validated IVD applications) or Research mode (for research applications)
  • Automated DNA, RNA and protein sample processing for a large range of clinical sample types
  • Generates standardized results perfectly suited for IVD requirements when used with QIAGEN DSP kits

Product Details

QIAcube Connect MDx is expanding the benefits of automated sample processing to IVD protocols with advanced digital capabilities, connectivity and full IVD compliance. QIAcube Connect MDx allows research and diagnostic labs to fully automate and track their trusted QIAGEN spin-column extraction and purification protocols – at the push of a button. The dual software environments provide users with application versatility and increased confidence in valuable insights.

As the next generation QIAcube for IVD nucleic acid extraction, QIAcube Connect MDx offers a flexible system with over 150 standard protocols, including several IVD protocols. Users can access the largest and most dynamic range of protocols related to different IVD and research applications, which can be seamlessly integrated with downstream assays.

Performance

The QIAcube Connect MDx expands the benefits of automated sample prep to all molecular routine diagnostic and clinical research laboratories. The plug-and-play instrument simplifies and streamlines your purification procedures by fully automating the trusted QIAGEN spin-column kits. No change of chemistry is required, assuring fast startup and immediate results in IVD and molecular biology applications. With advanced digital capabilities and full IVD compliance, the innovative QIAcube Connect MDx enables you to use proven QIAGEN spin-column kits, standardize your results and obtain valuable insights for diagnostic and research settings.

Principle

QIAcube Connect MDx enables continued use of trusted QIAGEN spin-column kits and eliminates the need for tedious manual steps. The innovative QIAcube Connect MDx controls integrated components including a centrifuge, heated shaker, pipetting system, UV LED and robotic gripper. This enables the QIAcube Connect MDx to fully automate more than 150 standard protocols, including several IVD protocols. (See  "The QIAcube Connect MDx worktable").

The QIAcube starter pack provides everything you need to use your kits on the instrument (i.e., rotor adapters, filter tips and reagent bottles).

UV light decontamination

We understand that IVD experiments require the highest safety procedures. With the QIAcube Connect MDx’s UV light decontamination feature, you can achieve convenient and efficient worktable decontamination. This will greatly decrease the likelihood of carryover between samples, allowing a single instrument to purify DNA, RNA, pathogen nucleic acids and proteins from a vast array of sample types. (See  "The QIAcube Connect MDx UV light").

New IVD software environment

You can now run IVD protocols in addition to MBA protocols on the QIAcube Connect MDx. Simply select which software environment you need before starting your protocol. At the bottom of the touchscreen, the system shows which software mode is in use. The touchscreen will guide you step-by-step through the correct loading of the work deck and selection of the protocol. (See  "The QIAcube Connect MDx IVD software environment").

Traceability and process control

The QIAcube Connect MDx has improved run reports that show you the important information you need for your experiments, such as kit expiration dates, sample status, sample location and instrument maintenance information. These detailed reports help you track samples and maintain process and quality control to meet stringent IVD requirements.

User management

The QIAcube Connect MDx provides managed user access for tracking of use and data protection. You can set up multiple users with two different roles: administrator and operator. Access to both software modes (Research mode and IVD mode) can be selected for an operator, or a restricted access to only one software mode.

See figures

Procedure

QIAcube Connect MDx enables purification of nucleic acids or proteins using a simple lysis, bind, wash and elute procedure. Depending on the chosen application, the procedure may be alternated, or steps may not be required. No change in purification chemistry is required for laboratory automation, as you simply continue to use trusted QIAGEN spin-column kits.

Unparalleled ease-of-use

The QIAcube Connect MDx takes ease-of-use to a new level. A large integrated touchscreen simplifies protocol selection and clear on-screen messages guide the user through worktable setup. To increase ease-of-use and high process safety, labware and accessories fit onto the worktable only in the correct orientation. In addition, a fully automated load check helps to ensure that samples, reagents and labware are loaded correctly before a run is initiated.

QIAGEN kits for IVD and for research applications

The QIAcube Connect MDx is designed to automate selected QIAGEN DSP and non-DSP kits and the PAXgene Blood RNA Kit. Kits are currently available for purification of RNA, genomic DNA and viral RNA. For a selection of non-DSP kits rotor-adapters are supplied with the kits and pre-loaded with spin columns and elution tubes, delivering greater convenience and time saving. Fully automated purification of nucleic acids using QIAGEN spin kits on the QIAcube Connect MDx eliminates the need for tedious manual steps. Sample preparation on the QIAcube Connect MDx follows the same steps as the manual procedure (i.e., lysis, bind, wash and elute). No change in purification chemistry is required.

Remote connectivity

With the new QIAcube Connect MDx, you can spend less time preparing your sample prep run and waiting around for your results, and more time thinking about your research! The QIAcube Connect MDx comes with a connectivity package that provides you with status updates on the progress of your run. Furthermore, the QIAcube Connect MDx comes with a barcode scanner. Simply scan the barcode of your sample prep kit, and all the necessary kit information will immediately appear on your screen.

Applications

QIAcube Connect MDx is highly suitable for routine diagnostic labs and clinical research laboratories performing column-based nucleic acid extraction using QIAGEN spin column technology in modular and moderate throughput workflows. QIAcube Connect MDx is also suitable for academic research laboratories as well as pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and biomedical research laboratories performing applications, such as:

· Infectious disease (or assays for pathogen detection and viral load monitoring)

· Sequencing/sequencing analysis

· Genotyping

· Gene expression analysis

· Microbiome research

· And many more…

Services

Have your throughput demands increased? Do you want to expand your application range or further streamline workflows? Do you need to manage more complex samples? Do you need improved connectivity?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then QIAGEN’s trade-in/trade-up program is just right for you!

QIAGEN makes it easy to keep up to speed with the latest automation and sample processing technologies. Simply exchange an old instrument for a new one. Improve your efficiency by trading in a competitor instrument or trading up with an older QIAGEN instrument.

Learn more about trade-in/trade-up opportunities.

Supporting data and figures

Specifications

FeaturesSpecifications
AltitudeUp to 2000 m (6500 ft)
Centrifuge10,640 rpm maximum, 12,000 x g maximum, swing-out rotor maximum 45°, 12 rotor positions
Environmental class3K20 (IEC 60721-3-3)
Instrument dimensionsDimensions (hood closed): width 65 cm (25.6 in.), height 58 cm (22.8 in.), depth 62 cm (24.4 in.); Dimensions (hood open): width 65 cm (25.6 in.), height 86 cm (34 in.), depth 62 cm (24.4 in.); Mass: QIAcube Connect MDx: 71.5 kg (157.6 lb.), Accessories: 3 kg (6.6 lb.)
Operating temperature20 to 25ºC (68 to 77ºF)
Pipetting systemSyringe size 1 ml, pipetting range 5–900 µl
Place of operationFor indoor use only
Pollution level2
Relative humidity20–75% (noncondensing)
ShakerSpeed 100–2000 rpm, amplitude 2 mm, heating range of ambient temperature to 70°C (158°F), ramp-up time of <5 minutes from ambient temperature to 55°C (±3°C). Difference in the temperature detected by the internal sensor and the temperature of the sample liquid is approximately –2°C.
SoftwareQIAGEN protocols are pre-installed on the QIAcube Connect MDx or can be downloaded in the Resources section below
Storage conditionsTemperature: 5ºC to 40ºC (41ºF to 104ºF) in enclosed location; Relative humidity: Max. 75% (non-condensing)
Table capacityUp to 12 samples per run
Technical dataPower: 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 650 VA Mains supply voltage fluctuations are not to exceed 10% of nominal supply voltages. Note: The apparent power can exceed 650 VA for up to 2 seconds during the centrifuge acceleration and can reach an approximate value of 1000 VA.; Fuse: 2x T6.3A L 250V; Overvoltage category: II
Touchscreen10.4” TFT Touchscreen, active area 211.2 x 158.4 mm, resolution 800*600 SVGA
UV lampWavelength: 278nm; Optical power: 200-300mW

Service Plans

QIAcube Connect, Premium Agreement

Cat. No. / ID:  9245209

On-site QIAcube Connect instrument repair, including travel, labor and parts, for a period of 1 year. Response time of next business day. Includes 1 Preventive Maintenance or Inspection Service during the Premium Agreement period.
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QIAcube Connect, Full Agreement

Cat. No. / ID:  9245208

On-site QIAcube Connect instrument repair, including travel, labor and parts, for a period of one year. Response time of two business days.
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QIAcube Connect, Core Agreement

Cat. No. / ID:  9245260

For the QIAcube Connect, one on-site repair service and one on-site Preventive Maintenance or Inspection Service, including travel, labor and spare parts for a period of one year. Response time of five business days. Includes a 10% discount on additional repair service during the Core Agreement period.
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QIAcube Connect, Installation & Training

Cat. No. / ID:  9245211

This service combines Installation with Applications Training to help customers gain hands-on experience of hardware, software, applications using QIAGEN platforms and facilitates professional qualifications of laboratory staff.
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QIAcube Connect, IQOQ Service

Cat. No. / ID:  9245232

QIAcube Connect Installation Qualification and Operational Qualification (IQOQ) verifies that instrument is installed and operating according to manufacturer’s specifications. IQ/OQ allows labs to comply with highest quality standards and ensures the accuracy and precision of the instrument. Certificates are issued to facilitate the qualification of the instrument and the operator.  
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Resources

Operating Software (6)
For more information on the installation of language files and translated protocol files, please refer to sections 4.5.1. (System Configurations, Step 7) and 5.11.1 (Installing new protocols) of the QIAcube Connect MDx User Manual. The protocol files have not changed, but after software update to version 1.0.1. IVD, protocol and language files have to be re-loaded.
For more information on the installation of language files and translated protocol files, please refer to sections 4.5.1. (System Configurations, Step 7) and 5.11.1 (Installing new protocols) of the QIAcube Connect MDx User Manual. The protocol files have not changed, but after software update to version 1.0.1. IVD, protocol and language files have to be re-loaded.
For more information on the installation of language files and translated protocol files, please refer to sections 4.5.1. (System Configurations, Step 7) and 5.11.1 (Installing new protocols) of the QIAcube Connect MDx User Manual. The protocol files have not changed, but after software update to version 1.0.1. IVD, protocol and language files have to be re-loaded.
For more information on the software changes and the installation process, please refer to the customer information letter which can be found on the QIAcube Connect MDx product page under the "Technical Information and Important Notes" tab of section "Resources".
For more information on the installation of language files and translated protocol files, please refer to sections 4.5.1. (System Configurations, Step 7) and 5.11.1 (Installing new protocols) of the QIAcube Connect MDx User Manual. The protocol files have not changed, but after software update to version 1.0.1. IVD, protocol and language files have to be re-loaded.
For more information on the installation of language files and translated protocol files, please refer to sections 4.5.1. (System Configurations, Step 7) and 5.11.1 (Installing new protocols) of the QIAcube Connect MDx User Manual. The protocol files have not changed, but after software update to version 1.0.1. IVD, protocol and language files have to be re-loaded.
Instrument User Manuals (2)
Protocol Files (1)
For more information on the installation process, please refer to Section 5.11.1 (Installing New Protocols), of the QIAcube Connect MDx User Manual.

Brochures & Guides (1)
Software Release Notes (1)
Safety Data Sheets (1)
Certificates of Analysis (1)

FAQ

Do I need to discard partially used QIAcube tip racks?
No. The QIAcube is equipped with an optical sensor, which determines the tip size and the number of tips loaded onto the worktable prior to starting a run.

The QIAcube can use partially used tip racks from previous runs, provided that the racks contain sufficient tips to process the number of samples loaded for the current run.







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Can the QIAcube rotor and/or buckets be removed for cleaning?
Yes, rotor and/or buckets can be removed from the QIAcube for cleaning. For information on how to remove these parts, refer to the QIAcube Connect MDx User Manual.

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Are run reports and/or log files available on the QIAcube?
Yes. At the end of each protocol run on the QIAcube, a report file is generated that contains important information such as number of samples, liquid volumes measured during the load check, and run time. A log file is also generated that contains information about instrument actions, such as movement of the robotic arm. 



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Can QIAcube Connect MDx protocol runs be interrupted, and subsequently be continued to completion?
You can stop a QIAcube Connect MDx protocol if there is an emergency by pressing “Cancel”. To confirm that you want to stop the protocol run, press “OK”. To cancel the 'stop protocol' command, press “Cancel”.

Note: If a protocol run is stopped, the run cannot be restarted.





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Do I need to buy special kits for the QIAcube Connect MDx?
The corresponding manual kits can be used for all available protocols on the QIAcube Connect MDx. 

In addition to the purification kit, Rotor Adapters (10 x 24), cat. no 990394, and the required disposable tips:
Filter-Tips, 200 µl (1024), cat no. 990332,
Filter-Tips, 1000 µl (1024), cat no. 990352,
Filter-Tips, 1000 µl wide-bore (1024), cat no. 990452,

need to be ordered separately. To find out which filter-tips are required for a specific application, refer to the instructions provided on the touchscreen during the run setup or to the corresponding protocol sheet. 

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Can I run life science and custom protocols on a QIAcube Connect MDx?
Yes, it is possible to run life science protocols as well as custom protocols on a QIAcube Connect MDx in the Research mode of the software.





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Can the QIAcube be connected to a laboratory information management system?
No, it is not possible to connect the QIAcube with laboratory computer networks.


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How can I get software updates for the QIAcube Connect MDx?
New software or software updates can be accessed via the product page of the QIAcube Connect MDx at https://www.qiagen.com/products/qiacube-connect-mdx in the Product Resources section. If you need support to check your current software version and/or find for new software updates, contact your local Technical Support department.




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How can I decontaminate the QIAcube Connect MDx system?
Please refer to section 6.8, “Decontaminating the QIAcube Connect MDx”, of the QIAcube Connect MDx User Manual.






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Can the QIAcube Connect MDx heater/shaker be used independently from protocol runs?
Yes. The heated shaker on the QIAcube Connect MDx can be operated independently if the QIAcube Connect MDx is not performing a protocol run. For instructions on how to operate the shaker, refer to section 5.9, "Independent heater/shaker operation", of the QIAcube Connect MDx User Manual.

The shaker can be used to heat and shake samples simultaneously, shake samples without heating, or heat samples without shaking.







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Can purification columns from other suppliers be processed on the QIAcube Connect MDx?
No. The QIAcube is designed for fully automated processing of up to 12 samples using QIAGEN spin-column kits. Do not use spin columns manufactured by other suppliers with the QIAcube. Damage caused by use of other types of spin columns will void the instrument warranty.
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What dedicated QIAcube Kits are available?
Dedicated QIAcube kits are the RNeasy Mini QIAcube kit, QIAamp DNA Mini QIAcube Kit, the QIAamp DNA Blood Mini QIAcube Kit, and the QIAamp Viral RNA Mini QIAcube Kit. These kits contain preloaded rotor adapters for a fast setup. These kits are intended for molecular biology applications and can be used with the QIAcube Connect MDx system and the research mode of the software. 






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How can I load new protocols onto the QIAcube Connect MDx?
Visit the Resource page of the QIAcube Connect MDx product page to search for protocols. Then, refer to section 5.11.1, "Installing new protocols", of the QIAcube Connect MDx User Manual.







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Can the QIAcube Connect MDx centrifuge be used independently from protocol runs?
Yes. The QIAcube Connect MDx centrifuge can be operated independently if the QIAcube Connect MDx is not performing a protocol run. For instructions on how to operate the centrifuge, refer to section 5.10, “Independent centrifuge operation”, of the QIAcube Connect MDx User Manual.






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What applications are offered on the QIAcube Connect MDx instrument?
For an up-to-date list of available protocols in the QIAcube Connect MDx, visit https://www.qiagen.com/products/qiacube-connect-mdx and check the Product Resources tab. 
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Can the QIAcube rotor adapters be autoclaved?
No. Autoclaving the rotor adapters will cause the plastic to deform and the rotor adapters will no longer fit properly into the centrifuge buckets.

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What are the dimensions and weight of the QIAcube Connect MDx?
The QIAcube Connect MDx has the following weight and dimensions:

Weight: 71.5 kg (157.6 lb.)

Width: 65 cm (25.6 in.)
Depth: 62 cm (24.4 in.)
Height: 58 cm (22.8 in.) (hood closed)
Height: 86 cm (34 in.) (hood open)





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Can I program my own protocols for the QIAcube Connect MDx?
No. Modified QIAGEN protocols or custom protocols developed to meet your specific requirements can be requested and purchased from QIAGEN. Please note that customized protocols are for molecular biology applications only and can be run exclusively in the Research mode of the QIAcube Connect MDx software.

1. Go to https://www.qiagen.com/products/qiacube-connect-mdx and fill out the request form for customized protocols. If our Application Specialists require additional information, they will contact you directly.
2. You will be informed by e-mail when your customized protocol is ready for download.
3. Click the link in the e-mail to go to the download page. 

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Is it necessary to place the lids of the elution tube and column into the slots of the rotor adapter during processing on the QIAcube?
Yes, this is absolutely necessary. If the lids are not securely fixed in the rotor adapter slots during processing on the QIAcube, they will become detached from the elution tubes and columns during centrifugation and will collect at the bottom of the centrifuge chamber.




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Can I ask QIAGEN to upgrade my current QIAcube Connect Life Science instrument to make it an MDx instrument?
No, an upgrade is not possible. The QIAcube Connect MDx is manufactured in accordance to international quality standards applicable to IVD instruments. Therefore, the IVD-Software alone is not sufficient to make the instrument an IVD status.





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