Lu Xiangyi’s centrifuge provides crucial support for the production of COVID-19 RNA nucleic acid testing and detection reagents, bolstering prevention and control efforts.

　　The principle behind viral nucleic acid testing, simply put, is that the novel coronavirus is an RNA-only virus with a unique genetic sequence. By using a gene-sequencing instrument, the entire genome sequence of the virus can be decoded. For each suspected patient, their viral genetic sequence is determined and then compared with the known genome sequence of the novel coronavirus. If the sequences match, it confirms that the patient is infected with the novel coronavirus. This method boasts high accuracy.

　　In the gene sequencing industry, based on business scope, there are four major categories (see the figure below). Detailed descriptions are provided below:

　　The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) equipment is a complete set of instruments that must be placed in a PCR laboratory. Enzymes are essential materials in the gene sequencing process. The PCR equipment includes a pipetting set (capable of dispensing volumes from 0.5 µl to 1000 µl—where 1 µl is one-thousandth of a milliliter) and a TGL-16.5M. Desktop High-Speed Refrigerated Centrifuge (Reference data: http://www.lxylxj.com/lixinji/TGL-16.5M.html), gene analyzers, ultrapure water systems, fluorescence quantitative PCR instruments, thermostats—these instruments are all high-end, precision devices, and their performance is critical to sequencing results.

Desktop High-Speed Refrigerated Centrifuge Picture

The desktop high-speed refrigerated centrifuge is a complementary instrument for extracting COVID-19 viral RNA nucleic acid. Recently, Peking Union Medical College Hospital released guidelines for handling the COVID-19 virus, which serve as a reference for laboratories that meet the necessary conditions. Operators must follow the established experimental procedures when entering the reagent preparation area or a separate clean laboratory.

　　1. Reagent Preparation: Wash Solution AW1, Wash Solution AW2, and Carrier RNA

　　According to the instructions, add 130 mL of anhydrous ethanol to AW1 and 160 mL of anhydrous ethanol to AW2. After adding the anhydrous ethanol, promptly label the containers. To prepare the Carrier RNA solution, add 310 μL of AVE to 310 μg of Carrier RNA, then invert and mix thoroughly until the Carrier RNA is completely dissolved. This completes the preparation of Wash Solution AW1, Wash Solution AW2, and the Carrier RNA solution. Subsequently, these solutions should be transferred to the sample processing area via the pass-through window, or delivered directly to the nucleic acid extraction laboratory by designated personnel.

　　2. Lysis of the sample

　　Using a 1.5 ml sterile EP tube, pipette 560 μl of AVL lysis buffer, add 5.6 μl of Carrier RNA, and then add 140 μl of the inactivated nucleic acid sample to be tested. Vortex for 15 seconds, then let the mixture stand at room temperature for 10 minutes. Place the above EP tube into a centrifuge and briefly centrifuge it to remove any lysis products that may have remained on the lid of the EP tube, thus preventing contamination. After lysis is complete, add 560 μl of anhydrous ethanol, vortex vigorously for 15 seconds, and then briefly centrifuge the EP tube again to remove any residual lysis products that may have adhered to the lid, thereby avoiding contamination.

　　Add 630 μl of the lysate to the centrifugal column and centrifuge at 8,000 rpm for 1 minute. If the centrifuge is located outside the biosafety cabinet, disinfect its external surface before each use. After replacing the waste collection tube, carefully remove the centrifugal column from the centrifuge, transfer the upper portion of the column into the new collection tube, and then add the remaining 630 μl of lysate to the column. If the sample volume exceeds 140 μl, repeat this step until all the lysate has been passed through the column. Centrifuge at 8,000 rpm for 1 minute, then carefully transfer the centrifugal column into a fresh collection tube.

　　Add 500 μl of AW1 to the centrifugal column (Note: When adding the sample, be sure to gently touch the pipette tip against the inner wall of the centrifugal column and add the sample slowly). Centrifuge at 8,000 rpm for 1 minute. Carefully remove the centrifugal column and replace it with a new collection tube.

　　Add 500 μl of AW2 to the centrifugal column, centrifuge at 14,000 rpm for 3 minutes. Carefully remove the centrifugal column, replace it with a new centrifugal column, and place it back into the centrifuge. Centrifuge at the maximum speed for 1 minute to ensure that any residual liquid in AW2 is completely removed.

　　Using a sterile 1.5 ml EP tube, collect the nucleic acids. Carefully place the top end of the spin column into the 1.5 ml EP tube. Add 40–60 μl of elution buffer AVE to the spin column (note: the elution buffer should completely cover the membrane of the spin column). Cover the spin column with the EP tube cap, then use sterile scissors to remove the original spin column cap.

　　Allow the sample to stand at room temperature for 1 minute, then place it in a centrifuge and spin at 8,000 rpm for 1 minute to recover the nucleic acids. Discard the centrifugation column; the nucleic acids obtained will be contained in the EP tube. Be sure to label and record the sample properly.

　　Recently, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has once again granted emergency approval to one rapid nucleic acid detection product for COVID-19, further supporting the needs of epidemic prevention and control. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NMPA has already granted emergency approval to 23 novel coronavirus detection products, including 15 nucleic acid detection reagents and 8 antibody detection reagents.

　　To produce more COVID-19 testing reagents faster and with greater accuracy, major companies are racing against time to ramp up production. Shanghai Luxiangyi has launched the GL-21M. High-speed refrigerated centrifuge (Reference data: http://www.lxylxj.com/lixinji/GL-21M.html) Give a helping hand to COVID-19 reagent manufacturers.

High-speed refrigerated centrifuge image

The GL-21M high-speed refrigerated centrifuge is specially designed for customers with high-speed requirements. It is widely used in fields such as clinical medicine, bioengineering, genetic engineering, pharmaceuticals, and higher education institutions. This machine features an integral sealing ring made of food-grade silicone rubber that complies with GMP certification standards, thereby ensuring the safety and effectiveness of reagents.