MGI DNBSEQ Platforms Support Rapid COVID-19 Control in Xiamen
Xiamen, Fujian Province, cleared all medium- and high-risk COVID-19 areas on 8 October 2021, following a resurgence of cluster infections. By 10 October, Xiamen CDC had processed over 875,000 nucleic acid tests with zero new cases in a short period, thanks to the dedication of local healthcare workers and the deployment of advanced automation systems and high-throughput gene sequencers.
DNBSEQ platforms enable virus transmission analysis
High-throughput sequencing complements RT-PCR testing by improving positive detection rates, identifying co-infections, and providing detailed genomic information. Sequencing can reconstruct viral genomes, trace infection sources, monitor mutation trends, and study pathogenic mechanisms.
During the large-scale testing campaign, Xiamen authorities also sequenced imported and early local cases to rapidly identify virus origins and transmission chains. Fast genome sequencing supports epidemiological investigations and virus origin tracing.
MGI, one of only three companies worldwide capable of mass-producing clinical high-throughput sequencers, provided crucial support during the Xiamen outbreak with its proprietary DNBSEQ-G50* Genetic Sequencer.
DNBSEQ-G50: Flexible and high-performance sequencing
The DNBSEQ-G50* is a compact benchtop sequencer offering flexibility and reliability. It features two Flow Cell types: FCS (small) for rapid turnaround of STAT samples and FCL (large) for lower cost per sample. It supports single-end or paired-end sequencing with 3–4 read length options and produces 10–150 GB per run to suit diverse throughput and budget needs.
The platform has previously supported Jinan CDC (Shandong) in sequencing cold-chain coronavirus strains and Foshan CDC in building a municipal epidemic prevention platform. MGI sequencers also contributed to virus tracing in Hebei, Guangdong and Heilongjiang, providing valuable experience for Xiamen’s outbreak control.
Emergency and on-site sequencing
In addition to the DNBSEQ-G50*, MGI delivered three small portable sequencers to Xiamen CDC. These units are easy to operate and designed for emergency on-site sequencing. Combined with the ATOPlex ultra-high multiplex platform, MGI’s one-stop sequencing solution can complete whole-genome coronavirus sequencing and tracing in approximately 14 hours.
MGI’s high-throughput and portable sequencing platforms have provided essential support for timely virus detection, tracing, and COVID-19 containment in Xiamen.
