QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments
For fully integrated automation of complete workflows, from sample preparation to assay setup
With a dedicated range of QIAsymphony Kits, the QIAsymphony SP enables sample preparation of DNA, RNA, and bacterial and viral nucleic acids from a wide range of starting materials. The QIAsymphony AS extends the capabilities of the QIAsymphony SP by integrating automated PCR assay setup, which, in combination with the Rotor-Gene Q and QIAGEN real-time and end-point PCR kits, enables you to optimize your PCR workflow and maximize your efficiency.
The QIAsymphony SP is intended to be used only in combination with QIAsymphony Kits indicated for use with the QIAsymphony SP for the applications described in the kit handbooks. If used in combination with QIAGEN Kits indicated for use with the QIAsymhony AS instrument, the QIAsymphony AS is intended for the applications described in the respective QIAGEN Kit handbooks. If the QIAsymphony AS instrument is used with kits other than QIAGEN Kits, it is the user’s responsibility to validate the performance of such product combination for any particular application.
Principle
The QIAsymphony SP can save you time by processing 1–96 samples — in batches of 24 — with sample volumes up to 2 ml. A dedicated range of QIAsymphony Kits increase laboratory efficiency since just a few kits in combination with optimized protocols cover an extensive range of starting materials and applications. QIAsymphony technology combines the speed and efficiency of silica-based purification with the convenient handling of magnetic particles.
Extending the QIAsymphony SP with the QIAsymphony AS results in a fully integrated system that can automate complete sample preparation and assay setup workflows. Manual pipetting steps prone to human error are eliminated, making this system ideal for laboratories that perform complex PCR assays on a day-to-day basis. The QIAsymphony AS provides active cooling of reagents, eluates, and assays, enabling safe and reproducible assay setup. The QIAsymphony AS enables setup of multiple assays per run or sample and supports QIAGEN PCR and RT-PCR kits. A customization service is available for in-house assays. With innovative design features, the QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments deliver exceptional process safety and standardization. Tip guards minimize the risk of cross-contamination and built-in UV lamps provide effective worktable decontamination. Bar code reading of samples and reagents enables full sample tracking throughout the entire purification and assay setup procedure. Chronological electronic documentation of results is provided, including information about sample IDs, their positions, and the lot number and expiry date of sample preparation and PCR reagents. Multi-level user management provides a record of which user was responsible for sample processing. Electronic result files may be automatically printed via a networked printer, or downloaded using a USB stick for archiving purposes. The QIAsymphony Cabinet SP/AS (see figure "QIAsymphony Cabinet SP/AS") is specifically designed for correct positioning of the QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments. The QIAsymphony Cabinet SP/AS comprises two separate parts: one for the QIAsymphony SP and one for the QIAsymphony AS. If you have QIAsymphony SP and QIAsymphony AS instruments, you need both cabinet parts, which are then positioned side by side. If you just have a QIAsymphony SP instrument, only the QIAsymphony Cabinet SP is required. The QIAsymphony Cabinet SP and the QIAsymphony Cabinet AS each contain a waste compartment into which used tips from the worktable can be ejected.
Procedure
The QIAsymphony SP is ready-to-run and requires only minimal installation. Laboratories already operating a QIAsymphony SP can easily upgrade their system onsite with a QIAsymphony AS module. The QIAsymphony AS directly interfaces with the QIAsymphony SP. To reduce manual handling steps and minimize the risk of sample contamination, samples processed on the QIAsymphony SP can be transferred automatically to the QIAsymphony AS (integrated operation). For extra flexibility, the QIAsymphony SP and AS can also be operated independently. Samples that have been processed earlier in the day, or that have been processed on a different QIAsymphony SP, may be manually transferred to the QIAsymphony AS (see figure "QIAsymphony workflows"). Sample preparation and assay setup runs are defined using the touchscreen. Simply load drawers with the required samples, reagents, and consumables. When each drawer is closed, a detailed inventory scan is performed. This ensures that the worktable is correctly set up for the selected protocols. After sample preparation, either remove purified nucleic acids from the eluate drawer or automatically transfer eluates to the QIAsymphony AS via the transfer module for assay setup. After assay setup, assays can be transferred directly to a real-time PCR cycler for analysis. The sample input drawer accommodates a wide range of sample input formats to suit varying workflows and sample preparation requirements. Bar code-labeled primary and secondary sample tubes (diameter 10–16.9 mm), microplates, and blocks are supported. Continuous loading in batches of up to 24 samples plus internal controls, and the option to assign different protocols to each batch, delivers increased efficiency and walkaway time. The QIAsymphony AS enables setup of single or multiple PCRs per run or sample, splitting of eluates for panel testing, and active cooling of eluates, reagents, and PCRs. A choice of output adapters enables use of different real-time PCR cyclers (e.g., Rotor-Gene Q, 96-well cyclers, 32-capillary cyclers). To use the Rotor-Gene Q for subsequent detection, simply set up your PCRs in Strip Tubes or Rotor-Discs. QIAsymphony Kits are safe and exceptionally easy to use. Ready-to-run, bar code-labeled reagent cartridges are prefilled with all reagents required for the purification procedure, including accessory enzymes (see figure "Prefilled, sealed reagent cartridges"). Worktable setup is rapid and saves you valuable time. Simply place up to 2 reagent cartridges in the QIAsymphony drawer. The reagent cartridges can be from the same or different kits, enabling different purification procedures to be performed within the same run of 96 samples. Reagent cartridges are automatically opened by the instrument, and reagent volumes only for the selected number of samples are used, giving you complete cost control.
Applications
The QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments are suitable for laboratories performing applications, such as:
Software
QIAsymphony operating software guides the user step-by-step through setting up a sample preparation or assay setup run, with options to select and adapt standardized protocols. Required volumes of buffers, reagents, master mix, and controls are automatically calculated, and the user is informed of the number and type of consumables to be loaded. Transfer of sample loading information from the QIAsymphony SP to the QIAsymphony AS is convenient and reduces the number of steps required for assay definition. The QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments provide standardized communication interfaces. Work lists and rack files may be imported to the instruments, enabling automatic run definition before samples are received in the laboratory. After assay setup, sample lists can be exported to selected real-time PCR cyclers. This bi-directional data exchange allows integration of QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments into laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
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