ESTREAM®

Automated PCR setup from easyMAG® eluates

The ESTREAM instrument is a compact pipetting instrument for any laboratory requiring fully automated setup of real-time PCR amplification reactions and sample traceability.

The system can prepare a 96-well PCR reaction plate from nucleic acid eluates in either easyMAG vessels or storage tubes, or a combination of both, in ~35 minutes.

ESTREAM Overview

The ESTREAM instrument is a compact pipetting instrument for any laboratory requiring fully automated setup of real-time PCR amplification reactions and sample traceability. The system can prepare a 96-well PCR reaction plate from master mixes and nucleic acid eluates presented in either easyMAG vessels or storage tubes, or from both, in about 35 minutes.

ESTREAM is designed to prepare multiple quantitative and qualitative real-time PCR assays. Intelligent pipetting from a test request file allows processing of samples requiring varying subsets of master mixes without re-programming the instrument.

The system includes a barcode reader, UV light for decontamination, and provides a positive pressure HEPA-filtered atmosphere.

ESTREAM Uses

  • ESTREAM is designed to prepare multiple quantitative and qualitative real-time PCR assays.
  • Enables more productivity from your personnel
  • Less demanding workflow for your staff
  • Frees prep time that can get the thermocycler started earlier
  • Provides traceability to support accreditation and peace of mind

 

Supported thermocyclers and associated consumables
Life Technologies (ABI) 7500: MicroAmp® Optical 96-Well reaction Plate
7500: FastMicroAmp® Fast Optical 96-Well Reaction Plate
Bio-Rad Laboratories CFX96 Real-Time: Hard-Shell® Low-Profile Thin-Wall 96-Well Skirted PCR Plates
Roche LightCycler 480 II: LightCycler® 480 Multiwell Plate 96, white
QIAGEN Rotor-Gene Q: Rotor-Disc 72, Strip Tubes and Caps, 0.1 ml, PCR Tubes, 0.2 ml

 

ESTREAM Features

  • Combine multiple quantitative and/or qualitative real-time assays per plate
  • Supports frequently-used thermocycler consumables from ABI, Roche, BioRad and Qiagen
  • Software that thinks like you do: combine samples plus master mixes to create reactions
  • Intelligent pipetting from .csv files: daily workflow involves no re-programming
  • Flexibility to run commercial assays and your laboratory-developed tests
  • Magnetic racks hold easyMAG eluates stable during pipetting
  • UV sterilization: UV light system for desk sterilization under closed lid conditions
  • HEPA-Filter: High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter system provides positive pressure
  • Cooled Reagent and PCR Plate Holders

ESTREAM Specifications

  • Compact benchtop automated liquid handler
  • 23.6” W x 20.3” D x 18.5” H
  • Disposable aerosol-barrier tips, 50 μl and 200 μl
  • 5 - 190 μl pipetting range
  • Single channel, air filled
  • Uses magnetic racks that hold ESTREAM eluates stable during pipetting.
  • Up to 6 easyMAG vessels = 48 input eluates/per plate (in standard configuration)
  • 24 passively-cooled positions for master mixes or controls
  • Cooled position for PCR reaction plate
  • Additional 64 tube positions for additional input elutes or destination storage tubes
  • Supports frequently-used thermocycler consumables from ABI, Roche, BioRad and Qiagen

 

Parameters ESTREAM
Year Introduced to Market 2014 (Europe); 2015 (US)
Technology Type Air based pipetting system + pLLS (pressure Liquid Level Sensing)
Instrument Footprint
(W x D x H)
Width = 600 mm - Depth = 515 mm - Height = 470 mm
Weight 45 Kg
Operating Ambient Humidity Relative humidity : 20 to 80%
Operating Temperature Range 18 to 25°C
Electrical 100-250 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 60 watts
Maximum Altitude Installation 1000 m
Noise Output in Decibels (dB) 42,5 dB(A)
Table Capacity 9x microplates full positions and 3 reagent racks positions
Pipetting head Single channel , exchangeable head
Pipetting tips 96 racked filtered tips : 50µl, 200 µl
Accuracy Single dispense (50µl tips; dry_well transfer):  5µl from 1.5 mL Microtubes (Trueness < 6% ; CV < 6 %)
10μl from 1.5 mL Microtubes (Trueness < 5% ; CV < 3 %)
10 μl from easyMAG vessels (Trueness < 1% ; CV < 3 %)
Single dispense (200µl tips; dry_well transfer):  180 μl from 1.5 mL Microtubes (Trueness < 2% ; CV < 1 %) 
Multi dispenses (200µl tips; dry_well transfer):  15 μl from ARGENE Master mix tubes (Trueness < 1% ; CV < 3 %) (specific pre-characterized Sarstedt tubes)
Master mix on board Up to 3 x 8 cooled reagents/control tube positions. For ARGENE assays or similar, up to 3 quantitative assays, up to 6 qualitative assays
Time to Result (minutes) 35 min (depending of the number of master mixes used)
Walkaway Time in Minutes 30 min
On-board Sample Capacity 96 eluates
Add Samples with no Pause No
Minimum / Maximum Sample Volume From 15 to 1500 µl
Type of Tubes accepted easyMAG vessels, 0,2 to 1.5 mL microtubes
Dead Volume easyMAG vessels: < 10µl
master mix Simport tubes: < 40µl for multidispense 
QS Simport tubes: <15 µl 
Pre-characterized & approved microtubes 1.5 ml: < 15 µl
STAT Handling Method No
Carryover/Contamination Prevention Force Tips change option  
HEPA Filter
UV Lamp
Sample/PCR mixes Clot Detection Not applicable (eluate)
Sample Liquid Level Sensing Yes
On-board Reagent Refrigeration No – Cooling blocks available for certain reagent vessels and PCR microplates
Auto Calibration No
Software Inventory Management No
Automatic Maintenance Procedure No
Daily Maintenance (min) < 10 min
Technical Support via Modem or Intranet Possible (Vilink)
Remote Diagnostics No
On-Line User's Manual Yes (bioMérieux technical library)

 

ESTREAM Performance

ESTREAM vs. manual pipetting comparison

Quantification Standard EBV (5x104 copies/reaction)

Manual vs. ESTREAM pipetting comparison

 

Pioneering Diagnostics