QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments

• Purification of high-quality genomic DNA, pathogen DNA/RNA, cell-free circulating DNA and cellular RNA
• 1-96 samples in 4 batches, from smallest forensic samples to 10 ml sample volumes
• Standardized protocols for diagnostic, routine, research and forensic applications
• Flexible loading of new samples during a run
• Protocols customizable (protocol steps, labware, etc.) on demand
• Traceability and LIMS compatibility
• Compatible with most commonly used sample tubes and elution tubes and plates
• Compatibile with QIAsymphony DSP kits for diagnostic workflows.

The QIAsymphony SP is a versatile nucleic acid purification instrument providing high-quality nucleic acids compatible with with most common downstream assay technologies, such as real-time PCR, digital PCR, and next generation sequencing (NGS). The large range of a dedicated QIAsymphony kits enables optimized purification of genomic DNA, cell-free circulating DNA, RNA, 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 can save you time by processing 1–96 samples — in batches of up to 24 — with sample volumes up to 10 ml. The dedicated range of optimized QIAsymphony kits and protocols guarantees best purification efficiency and nucleic acid quality and increases laboratory capabilities/flexibility with a single instrument. Customization service is available for adjusting standard protocols to your specific needs and specifications.

More information on QIAsymphony Kits and QIAsymphony Accessories>

Extending the QIAsymphony SP with the QIAsymphony AS results in a fully integrated system that can automate sample preparation and assay setup workflows without manual interference. Manual pipetting steps prone to human error are eliminated, making this system ideal for laboratories that perform complex 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 supports setup of multiple assays per run or sample. A customization service is available for in-house assays.

The QIAsymphony SP and the QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments deliver state-of-the-art process safety and standardization features. 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 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 QIAlink software which is available separately (?) can handle communication with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

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 both QIAsymphony SP and QIAsymphony AS instruments, you need both cabinet, which are positioned side by side. If you have only 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.

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.

The QIAsymphony SP is an optimal nucleic acid purification system for most applications and workflows

• In combination with QIAsymphony DSP Kits (shown above) it automates nucleic acid purification in research and IVD (in vitro diagnostic) workflows.
• Supported non-IVD applications include the following:
  • Life science, including academic, and biomedical research
  • Human identity testing
  • Veterinary applications
  • Quality control in pharmaceutical environments, e.g., for residual host nucleic acid contamination

As an integrated system in combination with the QIAsymphony AS, the QIAsymphony SP can automate workflows from sample to PCR setup ready for amplification.

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).

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.