Recently, China has faced a new wave of the Omicron variant in major cities and provinces, including Xi’an, Tianjin, Zhuhai, Shenzhen, Zhongshan and Henan. In response, MGI has deployed high-efficiency sequencing platforms, lab automation systems and 5G-powered robotic ultrasound systems to support detection, monitoring, surveillance and tracing of the new variant.
MGI Automation Systems Boost Large-Scale Testing
On 8 January, following reports of COVID-19 cases in Tianjin, MGI deployed multiple automation systems, including MGISTP-7000 high-throughput automated sample transfer processing system, MGISP-NE384 high-throughput automated nucleic acid extractor, and MGISP-960 high-throughput automated sample preparation system, to enhance large-scale testing capacity.
“MGI lab automation systems can operate 24 hours non-stop, minimise labour, reduce human errors and significantly shorten test turnaround times, improving testing efficiency and capacity,” said Xie Yuxiong, MGI Engineer.
“Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2019, we have focused on upgrading our platforms to standardise diagnostic labs with higher data capacity and automation. A single MGISP-960 can process 32 samples in nine minutes, and MGISP-NE384 can process 384 samples in 15 minutes, handling up to 10,000 samples per day,” said Zou Liangying, Senior Product Manager of Automation Products at MGI.
Multiple Nucleic Acid Detection Vehicles and Mobile Container Laboratories have been delivered to Anhui, Henan, Shanxi and Hunan provinces to support local large-scale testing.
MGI 5G-Powered Robotic Ultrasound System Supports Non-Contact Diagnosis
On 6 January, MGI’s MGIUS-R3 robotic ultrasound system arrived at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University to support COVID-19 efforts. The system, consisting of a doctor end and a patient end deployed in isolation areas, enables real-time remote ultrasound diagnosis via 5G, reducing cross-infection risk and easing medical resource shortages.
MGIUS-R3 has also been deployed at Shenzhen Luohu People’s Hospital and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, providing remote diagnosis for nearly 2,000 patients. The system has extensive frontline experience, including supporting Wuhan’s Leishenshan Hospital and Huangpi Cabin Hospital.
Virus Genome Sequencing Strengthens Surveillance
Virus genome sequencing is a vital tool for COVID-19 diagnosis and control. MGI’s DNBSEQ™ sequencing platforms have been instrumental in the identification, surveillance and tracing of COVID-19 cases, supporting over 100 healthcare institutions and CDCs in cities across China, including Xiamen, Ruili, Haikou, Jinan and Shijiazhuang.
