Qiagen QIAsymphony SP/AS Instrument
The QIAsymphony SP performs fully automated purification of nucleic acids using magnetic particle technology. Samples can be processed in batches of up to 24 samples. The instrument controls integrated components, including a lysis station, a 4-channel pipette system, a robotic gripper and a series of magnetic rods protected by rod covers. These rods can pick up or release magnetic particles into the wells of a sample preparation cartridge, depending on whether the magnetic rods are inserted into the rod covers or not.
The QIAsymphony SP is pre-installed with various protocols and associated assay control kits for the purification of RNA, genomic DNA and viral and bacterial nucleic acids. The user loads reagents (in pre-filled, sealed reagent cartridges) and consumables into the appropriate tray, loads the samples and selects a protocol via the touch screen. The user then starts the protocol, which provides all the necessary commands for lysis and purification of samples. A fully automated stock scan (either after closing the individual trays or before the run begins) helps ensure that the QIAsymphony SP is set up correctly for the protocol.
The QIAsymphony AS performs a fully automated assay setup using a 4-channel pipette system and is controlled via the built-in touchscreen on the QIAsymphony SP. The QIAsymphony AS is turned on with the on/off switch on the QIAsymphony SP. During assay setup, the touch screen displays the assay setup user interface with information about the assay runs, including their progress. Single or multiple assays can be set up in one assay run and the master mix can be pre-mixed or prepared by the instrument. The QIAsymphony AS features pre-defined protocols designed specifically for use with QIAGEN kits. These protocols are called assay definitions. Assay parameter sets define the parameters for a protocol. These files, including other QIAsymphony AS files (e.g. cycler files, result files, loading information), can be transferred to/from the QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments via the USB ports on the QIAsymphony SP.
When an assay run is defined using the touch screen, the software automatically calculates the bench requirements for a defined run (e.g. number and type of filter tips, volume of reagent).
An automated inventory scan (performed when trays are closed or before an assay run begins) ensures that each tray is correctly set up for the defined assay run. It is possible to reload filter tips during a run.
There are 2 modes of system operation to suit your workflow requirements - integrated and independent. In integrated mode, samples processed on the QIAsymphony SP are transferred
directly to the QIAsymphony AS via an internal transfer module, reducing manual operations and documentation. For additional flexibility, the QIAsymphony SP and QIAsymphony AS can also be operated independently in independent mode.