EZ1 Adv. XL DNA Buccal Swab Card

QIAGEN offers a preprogrammed protocol card that enables purification of DNA from buccal swabs using the EZ1 DNA Tissue Kit on the EZ1 Advanced XL workstation. Users insert the card with the desired protocol into the instrument's card slot to start the run, with no manual data entry required. As the range of applications expands, additional cards can be purchased to broaden purification protocols without retraining or costly instrument modifications.

The card belongs to the EZ1 Advanced XL Card family, which targets low-to-medium-throughput laboratories. The EZ1 Advanced XL processes 1–14 samples per run in less than 20 minutes, and up to four EZ1 Advanced instruments can be connected to a single computer, expanding throughput to up to 56 samples per run. The workstation delivers walkaway automation: prefilled, foil-sealed reagent cartridges remain sealed until the instrument door is closed and the protocol is started, reducing the risk of contamination during setup. Purified nucleic acids are collected in 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tubes at a concentration suited to downstream applications.

Operation is performed through a keypad with information shown on the VFD (vacuum fluorescent display). Bar code reading enables complete tracking of samples and reagents, including reagent lot numbers and expiration dates, and the instruments generate pdf and csv files compatible with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). An integrated UV lamp decontaminates the inner surface of the workstation to help eliminate sample carryover between runs.