Automated workflow

The EchoLUTION technology from ­BioEcho relies on single-step nucleic acid isolation, different from the bind-wash-elute nucleic acid extraction methods available on the market. This technology retains all impurities such as cellular debris and allows the DNA and RNA to pass through the matrix without further interactions. Additionally, the ­BioEcho products do not use organic solvent substances like ethanol, avoiding DNA and RNA denaturation. The result is a nucleic acid product free of contaminating reagents in a shorter time. The EchoLUTION Viral RNA/DNA Swab Kit is CE-IVD-marked and compatible with dry swabs and swabs in transport medium.

An automated protocol was developed for the Hamilton Microlab STAR liquid handling system. This workflow allows the extraction of viral RNA from 384 patient samples, including PCR setup, in less than one and a half hours. Furthermore, this protocol is compatible with the extended Hamilton STAR systems like the Hamilton STARlet.

When combined with the automated system from Hamilton, the EchoLUTION technology allows processing 4 × 96 samples, including PCR setup in one hour 30 minutes for dry swabs and swabs in UTM, excluding primary tube handling (see figure). The tailored protocol allows the PCR setup in 96 or 384-well plates, allowing customers to increase precision and sample throughput.

The automated workflow was validated for both swab types. Sensitivity of the product and method with lyophilized SARS-CoV-2 samples was obtained from an interlaboratory comparison trial (organized by INSTAND e.V., Düsseldorf, Germany). Furthermore, we confirmed that no cross-contamination occurred. Sensitivity and cross-contamination results are available in an application note.

Speed up diagnotics
The EchoLUTION Viral RNA/DNA Swab Kit provides a rapid and reliable solution for diagnostic laboratories, allowing them to conduct large-scale tests for COVID-19 diagnosis in a shorter time. The automated workflow is based on instant virus lysis without incubation, followed by one-minute single-step centrifugation for purification. It is the basis for reliable, reproducible, sensitive, and traceable results without cross-contamination and makes it possible to extract 348 samples, including PCR setup, in less than one and a half hours. “This automated RNA extraction workflow allowed us to process the large volumes of samples we received from hospitals and others much faster.”, states Dr Thomas Fenner, Managing Director of the Fenner laboratory. “The most important thing in fighting the Corona pandemic, especially at the beginning, was not to be able to send a positive result days later, but within 24 hours.”

Contact us:
BioEcho Life Sciences GmbH
news@bioecho.de
www.bioecho.de

This article was originally published in European Biotechnology Magazine Spring Edition 2022.