Home Analytical Chem Sample collection for surveillance and ongoing research is critical
Steps
  1. 1 Understand sample collection challenges 00:32
  2. 2 Select non-invasive saliva collection kit 01:38
  3. 3 Implement automated sample preparation workflow 02:38
  4. 4 Configure KingFisher Apex purification system 03:46
  5. 5 Transfer samples using KingFisher SpeciaTrax 04:18
  6. 6 Extract nucleic acids and detect virus 05:06
Analytical Chem Thermo Fisher Scientific

Sample collection for surveillance and ongoing research is critical

Protocol
Difficulty
intermediate

Steps

1
Understand sample collection challenges

The presenter identifies critical needs for COVID-19 sample collection across surveillance and research contexts, including recurring testing in institutions and one-time testing for travel and events. Current nasopharyngeal and anterior nasal swab methods are invasive and can cause discomfort or complications.

▶ 00:32
2
Select non-invasive saliva collection kit

Thermo Fisher offers two saliva-based collection options: SpeciMax for raw saliva requiring heat inactivation with 5-day storage at 4°C, and SpeciMax Stabilized for room-temperature storage up to 7 days with built-in viral inactivation. Both kits include funnels and collection tubes with simple instructions.

▶ 01:38
3
Implement automated sample preparation workflow

Automated sample preparation reduces laboratory variability and increases throughput consistency. Thermo Fisher offers KingFisher automation systems ranging from low-throughput DuoPrime (6-12 samples) to medium-throughput Flex/Apex (96-240 samples) to ultra-high-throughput Presto systems compatible with robotic liquid handlers.

▶ 02:38
4
Configure KingFisher Apex purification system

The KingFisher Apex is a cloud-enabled magnetic particle processor with heating/cooling capabilities, barcode scanning, UV decontamination, and an intuitive touchscreen interface for writing or editing protocols directly on the instrument. It enables efficient magnetic particle-based nucleic acid extraction.

▶ 03:46
5
Transfer samples using KingFisher SpeciaTrax

The KingFisher SpeciaTrax automated sample transfer system uncaps and recaps collection tubes, performs barcode-based sessioning, uses a robotic arm for contamination-free sample movement, and includes dual pipette headers with fluid-sensing tips for accurate aliquoting. It is optimized for SpeciMax saliva collection devices.

▶ 04:18
6
Extract nucleic acids and detect virus

Process transferred samples using KingFisher magnetic particle processors (Apex or Flex) with MagMAX nucleic acid extraction kits. Perform detection using TaqMan chemistries on Applied Biosystems QuantStudio real-time PCR instruments for COVID-19 identification.

▶ 05:06
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