SHENZHEN, CHINA, 28 September 2021 – The COVID-19 pandemic continues to place significant pressure on public health systems across Southeast Asia and beyond. Diagnostic testing remains a critical component in controlling outbreaks and limiting transmission. As countries strengthen their pandemic response strategies, expanding nucleic acid testing capacity has become a key priority.
MGI, a global life science technology company, has recently deployed its advanced laboratory automation systems to support COVID-19 testing efforts in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.
To enhance large-scale testing capacity, MGI provided automation solutions to M Diagnostics in Singapore, PCT Laboratory in Thailand and Neoscience in Malaysia. The installations include the MGISTP-3000 Automated Sample Transfer Processing System, MGISP-960 High-throughput Automated Sample Preparation System and MGISP-NE384 High-throughput Automated Nucleic Acid Extractor.
These highly automated systems reduce direct human contact with samples, lowering the risk of contamination and infection while improving workflow efficiency and laboratory safety.
High-Throughput Nucleic Acid Extraction
Extraction of viral nucleic acid is a critical step in COVID-19 testing. The MGISP-NE384 is a high-throughput automated nucleic acid extractor that uses magnetic rod technology to isolate genetic material from clinical samples.
When used with compatible nucleic acid extraction kits, the MGISP-NE384 can process 96, 192, 288 or 384 samples in a single run. The system features built-in HEPA filtration and UV sterilisation to help maintain a safe working environment for laboratory personnel.
Designed for large-scale testing workflows, a single MGISP-NE384 system can process up to 10,000 samples per day, supporting high-volume diagnostic laboratories during pandemic response efforts.
Streamlined Automated Laboratory Workflows
MGI’s automated laboratory systems simplify labour-intensive diagnostic procedures including sample preparation, DNA and RNA extraction and liquid handling. By automating these processes, laboratories can achieve faster turnaround times and more consistent results.
The MGISTP-3000 Automated Sample Transfer Processing System features an intuitive user interface and a 23-inch touch screen, allowing technicians to easily transfer up to 96 samples from sealed tubes into 96-well microplates.
The system can process up to 3,500 samples per day, or up to 10,000 samples in eight hours when batch pooling is used. MGISTP-3000 can also integrate seamlessly with downstream liquid handling systems and nucleic acid extraction platforms.
The MGISP-960 High-throughput Automated Sample Preparation System includes a 96-channel pipetting head and supports a wide range of workflows, including nucleic acid extraction and library preparation. The platform can process 192 samples in approximately 80 minutes, or 32–96 samples in around 55 minutes depending on workflow configuration.
MGISP-960 supports multiple sequencing library preparation kits, including WES, WGS and RNA applications, making it a versatile system for both research and diagnostic laboratories.
Supporting Global Pandemic Response
Founded in 2016, MGI operates in more than 70 countries and regions, with research, manufacturing, training and service centres around the world.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, MGI has supported large-scale diagnostic testing initiatives by improving testing efficiency and helping laboratories maintain safer working environments. To date, MGI automation systems have been deployed in more than 50 countries including Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Serbia and Australia.
Through these initiatives, MGI continues to contribute to global public health efforts and support laboratories responding to infectious disease outbreaks.
