TECAN EVO100 Integrated Nucleic Acid Extraction and PCR Setup Workstation

Overview

The TECAN EVO100 Integrated Nucleic Acid Extraction and PCR Setup Workstation is an OEM-configured, fully automated liquid handling platform engineered for end-to-end molecular workflow consolidation in diagnostic, research, and clinical laboratory environments. Built upon TECAN’s proven Freedom EVO® architecture, this system implements a dual-phase protocol grounded in magnetic bead-based nucleic acid isolation (using downward magnetic attraction) followed by precise reagent dispensing for PCR or qPCR master mix assembly—all on a single deck without manual intervention. Its core operational principle leverages air displacement pipetting with integrated temperature-controlled modules to ensure consistent binding, washing, elution, and enzymatic reaction setup under defined thermal and mechanical conditions. Designed for reproducible, walk-away operation, the EVO100 meets the functional requirements of ISO 15189-accredited laboratories and supports alignment with CLIA, CAP, and EU IVDR pre-analytical process guidelines.

Key Features

• Modular deck architecture with 20 standardized positions accommodating deep-well plates, PCR strips, magnetic stands, and consumable carriers—enabling flexible assay configuration and future expansion.
• High-precision air displacement pipetting with adjustable aspiration/dispense speeds and tip touch-off logic, supporting volumetric accuracy across the full range of 0.5–5000 µL (per ISO 8655-6).
• Integrated active reagent cooling module maintaining onboard reagents at 4–10 °C during extended runs, minimizing thermal degradation of enzymes, primers, and magnetic beads.
• On-deck heating-shaking module capable of simultaneous temperature control (30–95 °C) and orbital agitation (200–1200 rpm), optimized for lysis, binding, and wash steps in magnetic bead protocols.
• Embedded barcode scanner for bidirectional traceability: reads tube/plate barcodes at load-in and logs consumable lot numbers, expiration dates, and operator IDs into the audit trail.
• Pre-validated method templates for common extraction chemistries (e.g., QIAGEN QIAamp, Thermo Fisher MagMAX, Roche MagNA Pure kits) and downstream PCR/qPCR setups—including no-template controls, standard curves, and multiplex configurations.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The EVO100 is validated for direct processing of primary clinical specimens including anticoagulated whole blood (EDTA, citrate), plasma, serum, buccal swabs, nasopharyngeal swabs, urine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. All liquid handling steps comply with CLSI EP15-A3 and EP05-A3 guidelines for precision and carryover assessment. The system supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures, audit trails with immutable timestamps, and role-based user access control. Instrument qualification documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ) packages are available upon request and align with GMP Annex 11 and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for automated systems used in regulated testing.

Software & Data Management

Controlled via TECAN’s FluentControl™ software (v5.3+), the workstation provides graphical workflow design, real-time run monitoring, and integrated error logging with root-cause tagging. Method files include embedded metadata (reagent lot numbers, calibration dates, maintenance logs) and support version-controlled deployment across multiple instruments. Raw log data export conforms to ASTM E2500-18 and HL7 FHIR R4 standards, enabling seamless integration with LIMS (e.g., STARLIMS, LabVantage) and ELN platforms. Audit trails record every pipetting event, module status change, and user action with SHA-256 hashing for integrity verification.

Applications

• High-throughput viral RNA/DNA extraction from respiratory and blood-derived samples for SARS-CoV-2, influenza, RSV, HIV, HBV, and HCV testing.
• Automated preparation of NGS library prep reactions following Illumina TruSight or Thermo Fisher Ion Torrent workflows.
• Companion diagnostics sample processing requiring strict chain-of-custody documentation and regulatory traceability.
• Research-scale epigenetic studies involving cfDNA isolation and bisulfite conversion setup.
• Reference laboratory implementation of parallel extraction + RT-qPCR workflows compliant with UK NEQAS and CAP proficiency testing schemes.

FAQ

Does the EVO100 support third-party magnetic bead kits?
Yes—method scripts can be customized to accommodate non-TECAN extraction chemistries, provided they follow standard 96-well plate formats and magnetic separation timing parameters.
Is remote monitoring and troubleshooting supported?
The system includes optional TECAN Remote Assist (TRA) connectivity, enabling secure, encrypted remote diagnostics and software updates under ITAR-compliant infrastructure.
What validation documentation is included with the instrument?
Standard delivery includes Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) reports, electrical safety certification (IEC 61010-1), and a base set of performance verification protocols for pipetting accuracy, temperature uniformity, and magnetic field strength.
Can the EVO100 be integrated into a larger automation ecosystem?
Yes—it features RS-232, Ethernet/IP, and OPC UA interfaces for interoperability with robotic arms (e.g., Hamilton Microlab STAR), incubators, and centrifuges in end-to-end lab automation lines.
How frequently does the system require preventive maintenance?
TECAN recommends quarterly PM service visits covering pipette calibration verification, magnetic head cleaning, and cooling module performance validation—documented per ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.4.5.