Instruments
The FlexSTAR+ (FlexSTAR workflow with (+/Plus) integration) is our fully automated solution for gDNA extraction and isolation from large volumes of blood, saliva, buffy coats, and more. Our FlexSTAR+ is the first and only totally automated system utilizing Qiagen’s FlexiGene chemistry to isolate genomic DNA free of RNA and other contaminants. The FlexSTAR+ also offers full sample tracking and LIS interfacing. This proven precipitation chemistry produces pure, high molecular weight gDNA ready for immediate use and long-term storage.
Principle & Procedure
- Lysis buffer is added to the sample (e.g. blood) and cell nuclei and mitochondria are pelleted by centrifugation
- The pellet is resuspended and incubated in denaturation buffer containing a chaotropic salt and QIAGEN Protease – efficiently removing contaminants (e.g. proteins)
- DNA is precipitated by the addition of isopropanol, recovered by centrifugation, washed in 70% ethanol, dried, and resuspended in hydration buffer (10mM Tris·Cl, pH 8.5)
Instrument Features
- 100% automation – aspirating from primary input tubes to output tubes/storage plate
- Uses Qiagen’s proven precipitation chemistry for pure genomic DNA, free of RNA contamination
- Produces high molecular weight DNA ready for immediate use or long-term storage
- Blood protocols for processing 0.5 to 10ml from primary tubes
- New Oragene® and Isohelix Saliva protocols allowing labs to process up to 30, 4ml saliva tubes at a time
- Process culture cell samples, up to 30 samples of 80 million cells each
- Additional flexibility for processing buffy coats derived from 10 ml (30 at a time) or 20 ml (15 at a time)
- Samples from a variety of primary tube sizes and incorporates full sample tracking
- Integrates full liquid level detection and clot detection for seamless pipetting using positive air pressure that sense, measures, and records the original starting volume in our sample tracking software
- Flexibility to transfer eluate into a variety of SBS format storage plates
Tracking & Reporting Features
- Full sample tracking seamlessly communicates with LIS, offering primary tube and eluate tracking
- Tracks samples through the extraction process easily allowing for a restart in the event of an error
- Sends emails or text alerts when the run is complete
Sample Type/Protocols
- Large volume blood
- Oragene DNA saliva
- Buffy coats derived from large volumes of blood
- Cells
- PBMCs
- Bone marrow
- Human/animal tissue
Liquid Handling Capabilities
- Plate replication
- Blood aliquot storage
