Qiagen QIAsymphony AS, Operating Manual

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QIAsymphony SP/AS Consolidated Operating Guide 12/2017 95
10 QIAsymphony AS Features
The QIAsymphony AS performs fully automated assay setup using a 4-channel pipetting system,
and interfaces directly with the QIAsymphony SP, enabling automation of complete workflows.
During assay setup, the touchscreen displays the assay setup user interface, providing information
about assay runs, including their progress.
Single or multiple assays can be set up in a single assay run, and master mix can be premixed or
can be prepared by the instrument. The QIAsymphony AS is provided with predefined protocols,
specifically designed for use with QIAGEN real-time and end-point PCR 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), can be transferred to/from
QIAsymphony SP/AS instruments via the USB ports on the QIAsymphony SP.
When an assay run has been defined, the software automatically calculates the worktable
requirements for a defined run (e.g., number and type of filter-tips, volume of reagent). An
automated inventory scan (performed when the drawers are closed or before an assay run starts)
ensures that each drawer 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 — independent and
integrated. For detailed information, see Sections 12.1.1 and 12.1.2.
Refer to the instructions for the transfer module in Section 8.3.3.
10.1 QIAsymphony AS principle
An assay setup run using the QIAsymphony AS usually consists of 3 main steps — master mix
preparation, master mix distribution, and transfer of templates (e.g., samples, assay controls, and
assay standards).
1. Master mix is prepared with the required reagents. The volume of each master mix component
depends on the number of reactions to be set up. After preparation, a mixing step is
performed to ensure that the master mix is homogeneous.
Note : If using ready-to-use master mix, the mixing step will not be performed. If the extracted
samples already contain internal control, a master mix must be provided for assay controls
and assay standards that contain internal control as well as for samples without internal
control.