Microplate station, short

QIAsymphony SP and AS modules rely on a compact plate-loading accessory to bring standard microplates into reach of the pipetting head during automated runs. Built by QIAGEN, this short-format microplate station provides a clearly labeled deck where analysts can pre-load sample tubes, reagent troughs, and elution plates, then let the instrument pick them up automatically during each purification or assay-setup protocol. Its reduced footprint suits translational research benches and diagnostic core labs that run moderate batch sizes and want to keep one position free for occasional manual access without giving up walk-away processing.

The accessory docks directly onto the QIAsymphony workstation chassis without additional cabling. Deck positions are mapped in run definitions, so the pipetting head returns to the same coordinates run after run, supporting reproducible plate logistics whether the downstream workflow is PCR, sequencing, ELISA, or cell culture preparation. The powder-coated frame tolerates routine wipe-down with 70% ethanol between batches, and slots accept standard SBS-footprint plates for nucleic acid extraction, normalization, and primary sample handling at room temperature.