bioMérieux launches EMAG^®, a new generation automated system for the extraction of DNA and RNA

bioMérieux, a world leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics, has announced the launch of EMAG®, its new molecular biology platform for the extraction of nucleic acids (DNA, RNA).

EMAG® builds on the quality, robustness and ease of use that have made the NucliSENS® easyMAG® platform so successful. The new EMAG® features automation from the primary sample tube, greater traceability and higher throughput, in addition to an unparalleled degree of flexibility, not previously available on an automated system for the extraction of nucleic acids.

Extraction is the first step of molecular biology testing, making it possible to obtain purified nucleic acids that will subsequently be amplified and detected. The efficiency of the extraction of nucleic acids from a sample therefore has a decisive impact on the quality of a diagnostic test’s final result. Because there may be various sample types, this step is particularly complex.

EMAG® uses BOOM^® technology, the gold standard in the field of molecular diagnostics, for the extraction of DNA and RNA.

The new EMAG® system may be used with a broad variety of biological samples: whole blood, plasma, serum, stool, respiratory samples and cerebrospinal fluid. With the new EMAG® system, it is possible to obtain excellent quality purified nucleic acids using a standardized extraction protocol.

EMAG® can extract 48 samples in 90 minutes directly from a primary sample, and handles all sample types in a single series. The enhanced flexibility and traceability of this automated, high throughput platform allow laboratories to monitor patients as soon as this becomes necessary, regardless of the sample type.

“As pioneers of diagnostics for over 50 years, we are proud to provide our customers with high medical value automated solutions that meet their needs for improved laboratory workflow, optimization, traceability and efficiency,” said Randy Rasmussen, CEO of BioFire Diagnostics and VP Molecular Biology at bioMérieux. “The remarkable flexibility of EMAG®, its high throughput, and the extraction performance illustrate our commitment to high quality molecular solutions for the diagnosis of infectious diseases.”

EMAG® is CE-marked and available on the European and United States markets. A program to gradually launch the system in other countries will be rolled out in early 2017.