QIAvac Vacuum Systems

• Reduces sample handling and accelerates processing
• Allows parallel sample processing

QIAGEN QIAvac vacuum systems enable fast and efficient vacuum processing of up to 24 spin columns using the QIAvac 24 Plus, of 96-well plates using the QIAvac 96 and up to 6 HiSpeed Mega or Giga Columns using the QIAvac HiSpeed LS Vacuum.

For optimal results, we recommend using the QIAvac 24 Plus and QIAvac 96 together with the QIAvac Connecting System and a Vacuum Pump. The QIAvac 24 Plus must be used together with the QIAvac Accessories. For optimal results, we recommend using the QIAvac HiSpeed LS together with a Vacuum Pump.

Vacuum-driven liquid processing is faster than centrifugation and still gives high, reproducible yields (see figure  "High, reproducible yields of genomic DNA").

QIAvac vacuum systems are for vacuum purification using QIAGEN spin kits. Vacuum-driven liquid processing facilitates sample handling and reduces hands-on preparation time by eliminating the tedious loading and unloading of spin columns into a centrifuge and subsequent removal of flow-through during binding and washing procedures (see flowchart  "Vacuum-driven liquid processing on vacuum manifolds"). Preventing cross-contamination is especially critical when purifying nucleic acids from sensitive samples. To overcome this, QIAGEN columns are inserted into disposable VacConnectors, preventing direct contact of the column with the manifold. VacValves ensure constant vacuum pressure. With the QIAvac HiSpeed LS, the sample flow-through, containing possible infectious material, is collected in separate waste bottles. In combination with the QIAvac Connecting System (vacuum connecting system) (see figure  "An integrated system for various applications"), the QIAvac 24 Plus can be used as a flow-through system. The sample flow-through, containing possible infectious material, is collected in a separate waste bottle.

For vacuum processing in 96-well format, the 96-well purification plate sits in the QIAvac 96 top plate, allowing samples and buffers to be efficiently drawn through the wells. The QIAvac 96 base holds an additional module, a waste tray, or collection vessels such as Collection Microtubes or a 96-well microplate during processing. This allows samples to be drawn from one module to the next, avoiding time-consuming labeling and transfer steps.

Simply insert 1–6 columns into the QIAvac HiSpeed LS or 1–24 columns into the QIAvac 24 Plus, add the samples or buffers and turn on the vacuum source (see table “Examples of plasmid kits that can be used with the QIAvac 24 Plus”). For high-throughput vacuum processing using the QIAvac 96, place the waste tray inside the QIAvac base, then place the QIAvac 96 top plate squarely over the QIAvac base. Simply place a QIAGEN 96-well purification plate in the QIAvac 96 top plate, making sure that the plate is seated tightly and turn on the vacuum source. Samples and buffers are drawn efficiently through the columns or wells, facilitating multiple loadings of large sample volumes and eliminating the need to discard flow-through.

Examples of plasmid kits that can be used with the QIAvac 24 Plus

QIAvac Vacuum Systems enable fast and efficient vacuum processing of QIAGEN columns and 96-well plates and are ideally suited to laboratory research. Vacuum-driven liquid processing is an attractive alternative to centrifugation that minimizes the hands-on time needed for sample preparation.