VENLO, The Netherlands, September 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- QIAGEN N.V. today announced the launch of its highly flexible automated solution QIAsymphony RGQ(R). This novel, integrated system sets new standards for molecular testing and incorporates all workflow steps from sample to detection. QIAsymphony offers many features which create exceptional flexibility, such as continuous loading, random access, open channels for user-developed tests, the broadest menu of commercial assays as well as the ability to process an almost unlimited range of sample types. QIAsymphony thus provides laboratories with a system that transforms their work in the emerging field of molecular diagnostics.

This new and complete workflow solution is comprised of modules that can be used as stand-alone systems or combined into a fully integrated system. The QIAsymphony RGQ system comprises the physical and data integration of the modules QIAsymphony SP for sample preparation, QIAsymphony AS for assay setup, and the Rotor-Gene(R) Q real time PCR thermocycler. QIAsymphony also provides the broadest available PCR-based assay menu, including the artus(TM) real time PCR kits for the detection of HIV, HCV, HBV, and a transplantation panel with CMV, EBV, HSV, VZV and BKV(1). A large pipeline of further tests will be launched in the coming months, including therascreen(R) EGFR, KRAS, as well as artus Influenza, CT, CT/Ng and an extended transplantation panel (1). Many more tests are in development as well as the ability to integrate detection options such as pyrosequencing, and multiplexing solutions.

Dr. Mark Wasner, at the MVZ fur Mikrobiologie, Labordiagnostik und Hygiene Dessau GmbH, a private medical laboratory in Dessau, Germany, is among the first users of the novel QIAsymphony RGQ. The advantage of the QIAsymphony RGQ is the broad spectrum of applications for medical laboratories, such as the option to combine in-house and IVD applications, said Dr. Wasner.

The complete CE-IVD-compliant workflow of the standardized system enables reliable pathogen detection with the flexibility to process multiple input formats and a varying number of 1-72 samples per run. The QIAsymphony RGQ also offers workflow optimization through the option for parallel runs and flexible batch sizes and intuitive, easy-to-use software.

Our new integrated and validated QIAsymphony RGQ system has been developed to meet the testing needs of molecular diagnostic laboratories now and in the future, said Peer Schatz, QIAGEN's Chief Executive Officer. Following the launch, QIAGEN will continue to expand the menu and the features of the QIAsymphony series and customers can expect very powerful additions in respect to sample input and processing, instrument performance and continuous expansion of the exceptional instrument testing panel that is available already today.

Find out more about the QIAsymphony RGQ including a video on the European websites at http://www.qiagen.com/mc/QIAsymphonyRGQ. For a high resolution image please contact us at marc.egelhofer@qiagen.com.

About QIAGEN:

QIAGEN N.V., a Netherlands holding company, is the leading global provider of sample and assay technologies. Sample technologies are used to isolate and process DNA, RNA and proteins from biological samples such as blood or tissue. Assay technologies are used to make such isolated bio-molecules visible. QIAGEN has developed and markets more than 500 sample and assay products as well as automated solutions for such consumables. The company provides its products to molecular diagnostics laboratories, academic researchers, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and applied testing customers for purposes such as forensics, animal or food testing and pharmaceutical process control. QIAGEN's assay technologies include one of the broadest panels of molecular diagnostic tests available worldwide. This panel includes the digene HPV Test, which is regarded as a gold standard in testing for high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer, as well as a broad suite of solutions for infectious disease testing and companion diagnostics. QIAGEN employs more than 3,500 people in over 30 locations worldwide. Further information about QIAGEN can be found at http://www.qiagen.com/.

1 - Test kits and the RGQ instrument are not currently available in the US for in-vitro diagnostic use. Consult your local QIAGEN representative to determine availability of the various test kits in your country for in vitro diagnostic use.

Contact: Global: Dr Marc Egelhofer QIAGEN GmbH +49-2103-29-11741 e-mail: marc.egelhofer@qiagen.com US: Cassie Knapp QIAGEN GmbH +1-240-686-7686 e-mail: cassie.knapp@qiagen.com

SOURCE: QIAGEN

CONTACT: Contact: Global: Dr Marc Egelhofer, QIAGEN GmbH,+49-2103-29-11741, e-mail: marc.egelhofer@qiagen.com; US: Cassie Knapp,QIAGEN GmbH, +1-240-686-7686, e-mail: cassie.knapp@qiagen.com