QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR System Support—Getting Started

For QuantStudio Absolute Q instrument specifications, please see Appendix F of the QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR System Installation, Use, and Maintenance Guide.

MAP stands for patented Microfluidic Array Plate technology. The QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR instrument uses QuantStudio Absolute Q MAP16 Digital PCR Plates (MAP plates) for loading samples and running experiments. The MAP plates use microinjection-molded plate technology to overcome common reagent distribution challenges of inconsistency and high dead volume. This novel approach provides many benefits, including precise micro-chamber volume, consistent sample digitization, and greater than 95% of the loaded volume analyzed:

• 16 samples per plate
• 20,000 micro-chambers per reaction
• <5% dead volume

Each microchamber holds 432 picoliters (pL).

No. Microarrays will be used in columns of 4 and unused columns can be used at a future time.

Yes, ROX dye is the passive reference dye for QC (Quality Control).

The QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR System has filters that support FAM, HEX (not field calibrated), VIC, ABY, ROX (QC channel), CY5, and JUN dyes.

The .zst data files are not automatically generated. To create a .zst file, select the run by checking the box to the left of the run name and then click on the “Export Run” button that appears. You will be asked if that is the run you would like to export and then would need to select a location to export the file to.

The QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR System is meant to be used with the Absolute Q DNA Digital PCR Master Mix (5X) (Cat. No. A52490) or Absolute Q 1-step RT-dPCR Master Mix (4X) (Cat. No. A55146). Other master mixes have not been validated with this system.

Yes. Here are some precautions to take:

• Do not allow the pipette tip to come in contact with the bottom of the well or puncture the thin membrane that resides at the bottom of the well.
• Be careful not to induce bubbles when pipetting into the wells.
• Do not mix the isolation buffer and sample.
• Ensure that the gaskets are oriented the correct way and are pushed all the way on.

For more detailed instructions, please see the guidelines in Chapter 2 of the QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR System Installation, Use, and Maintenance Guide.

A result can be provided in less than 90 mins depending on the protocol that is used.

QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR Software can only manage one QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR instrument at a time.

The QuantStudio Absolute Q MAP16 Digital PCR Plate can accommodate up to 16 individual samples. Loading the same sample in multiple microarrays as replicates or for the purpose of pooling results will decrease the number of individual samples that can be run on the same plate.

Please see the sections on determining the optimal dilution in Chapter 2 of the QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR System Installation, Use, and Maintenance Guide.

9 µL of sample is loaded into each well along with 15 µL of isolation buffer. Loading more or less of either the sample or isolation buffer will affect filling of the microchambers and the run results.