Automating Viral RNA Genotyping System Streamlines PCR Workflow

A new polymerase chain reaction (PCR) viral genotyping system provides rapid, effective, and efficient automated genetic sequencing of viruses. The new system has been shown to sequence automatically 40 RNA samples across 192 genes in just 11 hours.

Agilent Automation Solutions (Santa Clara, CA, USA) has released a new applications bulletin that describes an automated system for rapid characterization of pathogens, including, for example, the influenza A virus (H1N1).

Using Agilent VWorks dynamic scheduling software, the system can sequence a minimum of 10,000 influenza viruses per year. In situations where viral outbreak reaches pandemic proportions, the throughput of the system can be doubled by running two shifts per day.

Designed and built for researchers at Los Alamos U.S. National Laboratories (Los Alamos, NM) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA; USA)--the new BioCel system used in this application, comprising a variety of Agilent liquid-handling options and third-party devices including thermal cyclers, incubators, and plate storage devices, is a dual robot system designed to optimally address the two steps of the PCR workflow. One side of the dual robot system is for reaction preparation and cleanup, the other side for running the actual PCR reaction. The system can be extended to address other components of the workflow including the upstream nucleic acid extraction step.

The Agilent BioCel System automates any microplate-based protocol providing maximum walk-away time and throughput, all in the most compact design. With modular cells, options for various enclosures, and environmental control, BioCel Systems can be customized to the user's individual needs. Operated by Agilent VWorks software, BioCel systems provide the longest walk away time and throughput of any integrated system.

From stand-alone units to fully integrated systems, Agilent Automation Solutions teams key sample preparation and creative walk-away automation approaches with personalized service to provide complete solutions for your laboratory. Agilent designs and manufactures equipment for processes that are revolutionizing pharmaceutical, biotech, and genomic research.

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Download the applications bulletin