
COBAS AMPLICOR System Laboratory
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CONTENTS
- Laboratory Setup
- Pre-PCR Reagent Preparation Supplies
- Pre-PCR Specimen Preparation Supplies
- Post-PCR Amplification and Detection Supplies
- Tips for Optimising Laboratory Workflow
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Laboratory Setup
Sample Laboratory Design -- Because the COBAS AMPLICOR Analyser reduces
operator intervention and manual steps in PCR procedures, a simplified laboratory design
is possible.� The sample laboratory design outlined below depicts the entire PCR
process.
- Dead-air Box.
- Reagent Refrigerator.
- Biological Safety Hood.
- Standard Clinical Centrifuge and/or Microfuge.
- Dry-heat Temperature Block.
- Specimen Refrigerator.
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- Post-PCR Refrigerator.
- Computer.
- Printer.
- COBAS AMPLICOR Analyser.
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Pre-PCR Reagent Preparation Supplies
These supplies and equipment should be dedicated to each pre-PCR activity. �
Some items are not necessary for all COBAS AMPLICOR Analyser Automated PCR tests.
Reagent Preparation
- If using one room, a dead air box with an optional ultraviolet (UV) light or, if using
two rooms, a clean, dedicated area should be used for reagent preparation.
- Dedicated pipettors with plugged (aerosol-barrier) tips, dedicated positive-displacement
pipettors and tips or a repeat pipettor.� RNase-free plugged tips are necessary for
RNA tests such as AMPLICOR HIV-1 MONITOR and AMPLICOR� HCV tests.
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- COBAS AMPLICOR Analyser consumables/parts (A-rings, A-ring Holder).
- Vortex Mixer.
- Screw-cap tube racks (to hold Master Mix tubes).
- Refrigerator.
- Laboratory coat.
- Gloves (protective, latex, powder-free).
- Safety glasses.
- Biohazard container.
- 0.5% sodium hypochlorite*, for decontamination, prepared fresh daily.
70% ethanol, for decontamination.
* Commercial liquid household bleach typically contains a concentration of 5.25% sodium
hypochlorite.� A 1:10 dilution of bleach will produce 0.5% sodium hypocholorite
solution.
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Pre-PCR Specimen Preparation Supplies
These supplies and equipment should be dedicated to Pre-PCR.
Specimen Preparation
- Biological Safety hood.
- Standard clinical tabletop centrifuge and/or microcentrifuge (min. RCF 12,500 x g),
refrigerated high-speed centrifuge (min. RCF 24,000 x g).
- Dedicated pipettors with plugged RNase-free (aerosol-barrier) tips or dedicated
positive-displacement pipettors and tips. RNase-free plugged tips are necessary for RNA
tests such as AMPLICOR HIV-1 MONITOR and AMPLICOR� HCV tests.
- Sterile fine-tipped transfer pipets.
- Serological pipets.
- Vortex mixer.
- Sterile screw cap tubes and rack(s).
- Refrigerator/freezer.
- Dry-heat temperature block(s).
- Timing device.
- COBAS AMPLICOR Analyser parts (A-ring holder).
- Laboratory coat.
- Gloves (protective, latex, powder-free).
- Safety glasses.
- Biohazard container.
- 0.5% sodium hypochlorite*, for decontamination, prepared fresh daily.
70% ethanol, for decontamination.
- Isopropanol, for specimen preparation.
70% ethanol, for specimen preparation.
* Commercial liquid household bleach typically contains a concentration of 5.25% sodium
hypochlorite. A 1:10 dilution of bleach will produce 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution.
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Post-PCR Amplification and Detection Supplies
These supplies and equipment should be dedicated to Post-PCR.
Amplification and Detection
- COBAS AMPLICOR Analyser.
- Optional AMPLILINK Software or Laboratory Information System (LIS).
- Printer and paper.
- COBAS AMPLICOR Analyser consumables/reagents/parts (D-cups, wash buffer, generic
and specific reagents, reagent racks and maintenance supplies).
- Vortex mixer.
- Refrigerator.
- Serological pipets (5 or 10 mL).
- Graduated cylinder (or other suitable container for preparing working wash buffer).
- Laboratory coat (different from the one worn in Pre-PCR).
- Gloves (protective, latex, powder-free).
- Safety glasses.
- Biohazard container.
- 0.5% sodium hypochlorite*, for decontamination, prepared fresh daily.
70% ethanol, for decontamination.
* Commercial liquid household bleach typically contains a concentration of 5.25% sodium
hypochlorite. A 1:10 dilution of bleach will produce 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution.
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Tips for Optimising Laboratory Workflow
These suggestions will help maximize efficiency in the COBAS AMPLICOR
ANALYSER AUTOMATED PCR TEST laboratory.
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- To minimize Analyser programming, use preprogrammed profiles and racks.
- Enter A-ring worklists as far in advance as possible.
- Use barcode scanner for easy entry of A-ring ID, specimen ID, reagent rack ID, cassette
ID, QS and control values.
- To automate creation of A-ring orders and results collection, consider connecting the
AMPILINK Software to the COBAS AMPLICOR Analyser.
- Aliquot Master Mix into A-rings and store refrigerated in resealable plastic bags for
the time specified in the Method Manual for the COBAS AMPLICOR Analyser.
- Prepare specimens for the first run of the day during the prior afternoon or evening.
� Samples for additional runs should be prepared while the COBAS AMPLICOR
Analyser is in the amplification process.
- Prepare working wash buffer in bulk and store in a container for use within two weeks
(store at room temperature).
- Add working wash buffer to the wash buffer reservoir and empty the waste container at
the end of the day.
- Use the basic run mode for overnight runs, especially for tests with longer
amplification times.
- Identify specific laboratory needs and constraints and use the tips above to improve
workflow.�
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Laboratory Needs
- Test mix.
- Total number of tests to be run.
- Frequency of testing.
- Results reporting method.
- Labor availability.
- Routine clinical vs. Research laboratory.
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Laboratory Considerations
- Hours of operation.
- Systems available.
- First sample availability.
- Frequency of results reporting.
- Workflow restrictions.
- Laboratory organization.
- Labor availability.
- Laboratory space/layout.