FlexSTAR
FlexSTAR+
Our FlexSTAR workflow increases both the quality and productivity of genomic DNA isolation with its (+/Plus) integration, offering simplified, pure gDNA isolation from primary sample tube to DNA storage tube.
- Load up to 30 samples from a variety of primary tube sizes directly onto the instrument
- Includes protocols for 0.5 to 10ml whole blood
- Includes our newly released Oragene® and Isohelix Saliva protocol allowing you to process up to 30, 4ml saliva tubes at a time
- Plus protocols for buffy coats derived from 10ml (30 at a time) or 20ml (15 at a time)
- Automated sample transfer from primary tubes with linear and 2D barcode scanning, and LIMS/LIS integration
- Additional protocols for cultured cells, packed cells, PBMC, and more
GeneFiX is a trademark of Cell Project Limited
Oragene is a registered trademark and DNA Genotek is a trademark of DNA Genotek, Inc.
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
Specifications
Instrument Dimensions: 63.3″ W x 30″ L x 60.4” H ((890mm W x 715mm D x 1535mm H)
Weight: 1,047lbs (200Kg)
Power:
- Voltage: Single-phase AC 100-230V
- Capacity: 0.5kVA, 50/60Hz
Blood Collection Tube Size
- 2ml φ13 x 75mm (special adapter required)
- 6ml φ13 x 100mm (special adapter required)
- 10ml φ16 x 100mm
Bar Code Available For Blood Collection Tube
- One or two dimensions (maximum of 24 digits; one-byte numeric character only)
- One dimension: JAN/EAN/UPC, ITF, Codabar, Code39, Code128, EAN128, RSS
- Two dimensions: DataMatrix (ECC200), PDF417, MaxiCode, QR code, Micro QR, Micro PDF, Composite, AztecCode
Pipette Tip: 1.2ml specially designed tip
- 96 pieces x 2 plates can be mounted
Liquid Transfer Volume: 100μl-10ml
Dispensing Accuracy: 1ml upon liquid transfer 5% or less (purified water)
Available Storage Tube: 96 x 2 plates or 48 x 2 plates
- 0.5ml, 0.75ml, 1ml, 2ml, and 1.4ml matrix tubes of Thermo Fisher are recommended
- 2 ml honeycomb and linear tubes from Thermofisher and Abgene