Redbud NA1
Redbud NA1 is the most convenient, reliable sample prep platform in the world.
So small and light, it goes anywhere. With no calibration, and no pipette tips to load, you're up and running in minutes. It has no required maintenance, no sample- or reagent-contacting parts, and an included 2-year warranty.
Built for the frontier of molecular testing, from virology to mycology, from the core lab to high containment.
<5 minutes
Set up
40 min
Walk-away automation
“Setup was super simple and faster than 5 minutes to set up the instrument from the box. It felt like Christmas morning.”
The details
This is sample prep you'll look forward to.
Redbud NA1 is built on microfluidics, not bulky and finicky robots, enabling a streamlined experience that will change how you think about nucleic acid extraction.
Goes anywhere. Weighing under 24 pounds (11 kg), Redbud NA1 can move to meet your workflows. It even has a built-in handle. Run automated extractions inside a biosafety cabinet, on the benchtop, or wherever your laboratory needs it.
Anyone can use it. Plug it in, turn it on, and you're ready to run. With Redbud NA1, your team can self-train to run extractions in under 15 minutes. Make your molecular workflows more consistent and your workforce more resilient.
Shortest hands-on time. With no reagents to aliquot, nothing on the instrument to set up, and no software menus to navigate, extractions on Redbud NA1 take half the hands-on time of other automated extractors. Just load the cartridge and press Start.
Gold-standard chemistry. Redbud NA1 automates magnetic bead workflows in a microfluidic cartridge. It's a streamlined version of the same gold-standard chemistries you already trust to prepare your nucleic acids for PCR or sequencing.
No maintenance. No sample- or reagent-contacting components. No pipetters. No gantries or o-rings. Microfluidic technologies make Redbud NA1 simpler and more reliable than any other automation platform. A 2 year warranty is included, with options to extend.
Dimensions
11.5 × 14 × 15 inches (29 x 36 x 38 cm)
Weight
24 lbs (11 kg)
Power Input
90 to 264 V AC, 47 to 63 Hz
Throughput
8 samples per run
Run time
40 minutes
FAQs
Performance & compatibility
Does Redbud NA1 match the extraction performance of our current method?
Yes. Public health lab evaluations show strong concordance with existing workflows for rabies, UTI, and viral panel applications. Third-party validation data is available on request.
Which downstream applications is NA1 compatible with?
NA1 extractions are compatible with qPCR and next-gen sequencing. If you have a specific assay or platform you'd like to confirm, contact us and we'll connect you with our applications team.
Can NA1 run DNA extractions?
NA1 currently supports RNA extraction workflows, but a kit for DNA is coming soon. Contact us to discuss with our applications team.
Setup & use
How long does setup take?
Minutes. There's no assembly, no service technician required, and no infrastructure changes needed. Plug it in, load your cartridge, and run.
How much training does staff need?
Training takes minutes, not days. Because reagents are pre-aliquoted or stored on-cartridge, operators don't need molecular biology expertise to run consistent extractions.
How many samples can NA1 process at once?
Eight samples per run. NA1 is designed for low-to-mid throughput environments. It's optimized for the volumes most labs actually run today, not the high-throughput batches legacy systems were built for.
How much space does NA1 occupy?
~1 cubic foot. NA1 can fit inside most biosafety cabinets, hoods, and limited-space labs. The instrument can be easily moved as needed without any recalibration or installation required.
Risk & evaluation
What if NA1 doesn't work for our workflow?
We offer a no-fault return policy. We're confident in the platform, and we don't want evaluation risk to be a reason you don't try it.
Do we need a service contract?
No. NA1 requires no preventative maintenance and no service contract.
Can we evaluate NA1 before committing?
Yes, [request a demo or evaluation unit] and our team will work with you directly.
What if I have an issue with the instrument?
The instrument is backed by a warranty. Contact our support team for immediate assistance.
Purchasing
How do we purchase with a purchase order?
Add items to your form, select "request a quote," and we'll generate a formal quote with purchase agreement. Send your signed PO to orders@redbudlabs.com and we'll confirm your order.
Is there a credit card option?
Yes. Standard credit card checkout is available directly through the site for return customers.
Can I purchase it through my distributor?
Yes. Distributors for Redbud products include FisherSci and VWR Avantor. Contact us or your distributor sales rep for more details.