GeneReader NGS System

The GeneReader is designed to perform next-generation sequencing (NGS) applications by integrating highly parallel fluorescence-based sequencing chemistry with detection of the corresponding fluorescent signal templates that have been clonally amplified using the GeneRead QIAcube.GeneReader software provides a wizard for setting up the sequencing run, data storage management, and the functionality for base calling and generation of FASTQ files.The GeneReader has been verified with the GeneReader NGS System.The GeneReader workflow includes the following 6 processes: sequencing primer hybridization, flow cell preparation, reagents preparation, experiment set-up in QCI Analyze, flow cell loading and run start, and post-run maintenance wash. The GeneReader sequencing chemistry consists of a unique terminator-dNTP sequencing-by-synthesis paradigm that ensures highly accurate and cost-effective NGS runs.After DNA library construction, DNA clonally amplified using the GeneRead QIAcube is immobilized via direct bead-slide interaction and exposed to a DNA sequencing primer to produce a high-density array on a GeneReader Flow Cell. To read out the sequence of each of the beads, the array of fragments is first subjected to reagents containing uniquely engineered DNA bases that include a removable fluorescent dye and an end cap. These bases attach themselves to the end of the growing strand of DNA in accordance with the base on the complementary strand. The array is scanned by a high-resolution electronic camera and the fluorescent output of each of the four dye colors at each array position is measured and recorded. The color indicates which base (A, C, G or T) was incorporated onto the DNA fragment from the previous step. Finally, the array is exposed to cleavage chemistry to break off the fluorescent dye and end cap that will then allow additional bases to be added. This cycle is then repeated on the GeneReader.

The GeneReader system consists of the GeneReader instrument, the workstation, the GeneReader software and a handheld bar code scanner that connects to the workstation for scanning bar codes of kits and buffers, which are then automatically entered into the GeneReader software. The GeneReader software provides a FASTQ file of sequence information that is ready for QCI Analyze, which automatically runs an optimized workflow for GeneReader panels and generates an analysis-ready report (VCF file).

The GeneReader is intended to be used only in combination with QIAGEN kits indicated for use with the GeneReader.