QIAmini Pathogen Kit

The QIAmini Pathogen Kit (48) contains reagents and single-use prefilled cartridges for purification of viral DNA and RNA, and bacterial DNA from plasma, serum and cell-free body fluids and additional sample materials using QIAmini. Samples are lysed with Proteinase K and Buffer ACL before loading the instrument. Difficult-to-lyse pathogens and samples types may require additional upfront pretreatment such as mechanical disruption or extended homogenization. Additional pretreatment protocols have been developed for the purification of nucleic acids from urine, respiratory samples and difficult-to-lyse bacteria.

After lysis QIAmini uses magnetic beads to purify high-quality nucleic acids free of proteins, nucleases and other impurities. Purified nucleic acids are eluted in RNase-free water, ready for sensitive applications such as qPCR, RT-qPCR, digital PCR and other enzymatic amplification reactions.

The QIAmini Pathogen Kit is designed for research laboratories looking for a kit that has complete lysis and easy-to-use, walk-away and standardized nucleic acid purification.

Confidence in sample lysis: Tests performed rank Buffer ACL as “limited virucidal according to EN 14476” under the conditions of a 15-minute incubation at 20°C, meaning that under the previously state conditions it is effective against enveloped viruses. For full details please see the supporting document: Evaluation Report For Virucidal Activity Of Lysis Buffer ACL according to DIN EN 14476:2025.

The QIAmini Pathogen Kit together with QIAmini efficiently extracts high-quality viral DNA and RNA at different titers from various samples such as plasma, blood, viral transport medium (VTM) and PBS that can be accurately measured using (RT)-qPCR or dPCR  Consistent linearity of viral DNA and RNA extraction across virus titers and sample types, assessed by qPCR and dPCR. Serial dilutions of samples prior to purification demonstrate linear responses, showing that the QIAmini Pathogen Kit together with QIAmini extracts viral RNA and DNA accurately and proportionally from high to low viral loads  Reliable and linear quantification of viral nucleic acids across plasma dilutions. Furthermore, nucleic acid purifications were performed on plasma samples using the QIAmini Pathogen Kit together QIAmini, a trusted manual spin column kit or automated kits and platforms from alternative suppliers. qPCR consistently show the highest yields (lowest Cqs) for the QIAmini Pathogen kit in both viral RNA (HCV) and viral DNA (HBV) purification  Extraction efficiency for low- and high-titer viral DNA and RNA compared with manual and automated workflows from an alternate supplier.

The QIAmini Pathogen Kit has protocols for both combined or fractionated viral and bacterial nucleic acid extractions. By fractioning the pellet from the supernatant, the target analyte (e.g. bacterial DNA) can be significantly concentrated for an improved downstream analysis. Depending on the target, the pellet protocol may be preferable, while viral extraction can still be performed from the supernatant of the same sample without compromising detection  A flexible workflow for combined or fractionated viral and bacterial nucleic acid extraction. Finally, the QIAmini Pathogen Kit together with QIAmini greatly reduces the time you spend actively performing purifications in comparison with manual spin columns  Processing time comparison to the QIAmini Pathogen Kit.

The QIAmini Pathogen Kit can be used to purify nucleic acids from a broad range of DNA and RNA viruses and bacteria. Samples are lysed with Proteinase K and Lysis Buffer ACL, which together support digestion of viral coat proteins and bacterial membrane proteins as well as inactivation of RNases. Difficult-to-lyse pathogens with, for example, robust or complex cell envelope structures may require additional pretreatment such as mechanical disruption or prolonged homogenization to achieve efficient cell lysis and optimal nucleic acid recovery. For optimal mechanical disruption efficiency we recommend Pathogen Lysis Tubes S, Pathogen Lysis Tubes L (sold separately) or, alternatively, the PowerBead Pro Tube (sold separately). For all tube formats we recommend to choose a suitable homogenization method by either a Vortex Adapter for 24 (1.5–2 mL) tubes, or high-powered bead beating using the TissueLyser III in conjunction with a 2 mL Tube Holder Set or the Plate Adapter Set. The choice of Pathogen Lysis Tube variant or PowerBead Pro Tube depends on the pathogen target. For pretreatment of difficult-to-lyse bacteria, urine or respiratory samples additional buffers need to be purchased separately. Please see QIAmini Pathogen Instruction for Use for more detailed information.

After lysis, the prepared sample is transferred to the QIAmini Pathogen cartridge. For elution, the cartridge is filled with one of two default options of RNase-free water (125 µL for viral nucleic acids or 75 µL for bacterial DNA). QIAmini performs the following steps completely hands-free. Nucleic acids bind to the silica surface of the magnetic particles under optimized binding conditions. While viral and bacterial nucleic acids remain bound to the magnetic particles, contaminants are efficiently removed during a sequence of wash steps. Finally, purified nucleic acids are eluted in RNAse-free water.

For samples containing very few viral RNA target molecules, the QIAmini Pathogen contains lyophilized carrier RNA which enhances viral nucleic acid binding to the silica surface of the magnetic particles, reduces the risk of viral RNA degradation in the rare event that RNases are not denatured by the chaotropic salts and detergent in the lysis buffer.

This cartridge-based protocol simplifies reagent handling and reduces manual pipetting during nucleic acid purification.

The simple and intuitive protocols require only a few preparation and loading steps before fully automated purification begins (see  QIAmini Pathogen workflow):

1. Prepare samples by lysis with Proteinase K and lysis buffer. Further mechanical disruption or extended homogenization supporting efficient lysis.
2. Transfer the lysate supernatant into the prefilled cartridge.
3. Load the cartridge onto the QIAmini workdeck and start the protocol.*
4. QIAmini performs binding, washing, genomic DNA digestion and elution.
5. Recover purified viral nucleic acids and bacterial DNA from the elution well.

Viral nucleic acids and bacterial DNA purified using the QIAmini Pathogen Kit can be used in downstream applications including:

• (RT)-qPCR
• Digital PCR (dPCR)
• Sequencing