The COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge public health systems across China. MGI’s advanced genetic sequencing platforms* and laboratory automation systems have provided powerful tools to support surveillance, research, and outbreak control nationwide.
The MGI DNBSEQ-G50 sequencer* offers flexibility and efficient traceability, adapting to the diverse needs of provincial and municipal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCs). MGI sequencing platforms have been instrumental in identifying, monitoring, and tracking COVID-19 variants in multiple regions, including Guangdong, Sichuan, Guangxi, Guizhou, Ruili, Hohhot, Liaocheng, and Alxa League.
Guangdong – Dongguan
By 20 March, the DNBSEQ-G50 sequencer* had assisted Dongguan CDC in tracing over 60 positive cases. The MGISP-100 automated sample preparation system further streamlined sample processing, enabling a highly efficient workflow.
Sichuan – Yibin
On 14 March, two asymptomatic imported cases were detected in Gongxian County, Yibin City. Viral genome sequencing at Yibin CDC identified both as the Omicron BA.2 variant, closely matching genomes reported outside the province. The DNBSEQ-G50 platform* has been installed at Yibin CDC since 2021 and is highly regarded for its flexibility, efficiency, and data quality.
Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region – Fangchenggang & Qinzhou
Fangchenggang, a coastal border city, relied on the DNBSEQ-G50 sequencer* and MGISP-100 to trace over 60 COVID-19 samples between late February and mid-March. In Qinzhou, MGI engineers responded promptly on 16 March to deploy the same platforms, helping identify an Omicron variant closely linked to imported cases.
Anhui – Ma’anshan & Tongling
On 14 March, MGI deployed two Automated & Integrated Nucleic Acid Detection Mobile Platforms and seven nucleic acid detection vehicles across multiple CDCs and hospitals in Anhui Province. Engineers completed equipment debugging overnight to support Ma’anshan’s COVID-19 response.
MGI’s mobile platforms feature high-efficiency lab automation systems, including:
– MGISTP-7000 high-throughput automated sample transfer system
– MGISP-NE384 high-throughput automated nucleic acid extractor
– MGISP-960 high-throughput automated sample preparation system
– ZLIMS laboratory information management system
These platforms simplify the workflow from barcode identification, sample preparation, DNA/RNA extraction, liquid transfer, fluorescence quantitative PCR testing, to report distribution. The mobile units can process 50,000 single samples per day—or up to 500,000 per day using 10-in-1 batch testing—significantly improving Ma’anshan’s testing capacity.
MGI previously supported pandemic control in Lu’an and Fuyang, Anhui Province, providing complete mobile platforms to rapidly enhance nucleic acid testing capabilities.
Fujian – Quanzhou
On 14 March, multiple mobile platforms arrived at the Quanzhou Strait Sports Center, forming Fujian Province’s first joint mobile testing centre. All equipment was installed and debugged by MGI. According to Xu Guoyang, MGI after-sales engineer, “These mobile platforms, equipped with high-throughput automation systems, continue to support national COVID-19 testing efforts. Last September, our engineers were stationed in Fujian for 23 days, contributing to mass testing.”
The Quanzhou platforms can process 100,000 single samples per day—or 1 million per day using 10-in-1 batch testing.
Shandong, Guangxi & Hebei
Since March, MGI systems have supported cities including Yantai, Weifang, Qingdao, and Dezhou in Shandong Province, processing over 300,000 single tubes per day, or 3 million samples per day with 10-in-1 batch testing. Automation systems have also enhanced testing capacity in Langfang, Hebei Province.
Nationwide Impact
MGI sequencing platforms* and lab automation systems have supported 24 Chinese cities, including Hubei, Beijing, Tianjin, and Shenzhen. Globally, MGI has contributed to COVID-19 testing in more than 70 countries, including Sweden, UAE, Canada, Serbia, and Australia, improving testing efficiency while ensuring safer lab environments.
*Unless otherwise stated, StandardMPS and CoolMPS sequencing reagents and sequencers for use with such reagents are not available in Germany, USA, Spain, UK, Hong Kong, Sweden, Belgium, Italy, Finland, Czech Republic, Switzerland, and Portugal.
