New Automation Platform Standardizes DNA and RNA Extraction Across Clinical Workflows

QIAGEN has introduced QIAsymphony Connect, an in vitro diagnostic (IVD)-compliant platform for automated clinical nucleic acid extraction. The system builds on more than 3,300 cumulative placements of the established QIAsymphony platform and uses the same QIAsymphony kits and consumables. It is designed to help laboratories harmonize extraction across diverse assay workflows while delivering highly concentrated DNA and RNA for sensitive downstream assays.

The technology integrates liquid handling with prefilled IVD reagent cartridges, automated load checks, and guided workflow setup to minimize run-to-run and operator-to-operator variability. Automated barcode reading of primary sample tubes and eluates, along with built‑in audit trails and onboard process controls, provides complete sample traceability and strengthens process safety.

QIAsymphony Connect processes up to 96 samples in four independent batches to support routine throughput. A novel bead collection and elution approach, together with input volumes from a few microliters up to 10 mL, is intended to produce highly concentrated nucleic acids. Supported applications include liquid biopsy, oncology, and infectious disease diagnostics.

Regulatory milestones include completion of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) listing and the EUDAMED listing in Europe for QIAsymphony Connect as the platform enters broader commercial availability. Backward compatibility with existing QIAsymphony reagent kits and consumables is intended to facilitate a smoother migration for current users. The system also introduces enhanced usability, digital connectivity, and workflow standardization for laboratories implementing new molecular testing applications.

Initial customer orders have already been received. Early users have highlighted intuitive guided workflow setup, comprehensive sample traceability, reduced hands-on time, consistent extraction performance, and simplified run setup as key advantages for routine clinical testing across both established and newly implemented workflows.

"Clinical laboratories need automation solutions that combine proven extraction performance with the standardization, traceability and productivity needed for today's molecular testing workflows," said Nitin Sood, Senior Vice President and Head of Product Portfolio & Innovation at QIAGEN.

“The commercial launch of QIAsymphony Connect reflects our continued investment in automated sample preparation and strengthens our Sample to Insight portfolio by helping laboratories improve consistency and efficiency across clinical molecular testing," added Sood.