Qubit Flex Fluorometer

Accurate and sensitive quantification of DNA, RNA, and protein with flexible throughput

The Invitrogen Qubit Flex Fluorometer can selectively, accurately measure the concentration of up to 8 samples of DNA, RNA or protein simultaneously. Compared to single sample microvolume fluorometers, using the Qubit Flex Fluorometer for multiple samples reduces your time to data by up to 50%, with time savings beginning with batches of as few as 8 samples. Combining the one-of-a-kind Qubit Flex Fluorometer and optimized Invitrogen Qubit reagents and tube strips offers a complete solution for DNA, RNA and protein quantification.

Key features

  • Improved throughput: Measure up to 8 samples per run
  • Assay range and reagent calculators for easy sample prep
  • Sample calculators for NGS workflows
  • More sensitive than UV absorbance–based quantification
  • Uses as little as 1 μL of sample, making it ideal for precious samples
  • Accurately quantifies DNA, RNA, and protein in <3 seconds per sample
  • Superior ease of use and small footprint
  • Easy data export with WiFi and cloud capability
  • Same optimized Qubit reagents

Demo video

How the Qubit Flex Fluorometer works

The Qubit Flex Fluorometer is a benchtop fluorometer for the quantification of DNA, RNA, microRNA, and protein. With the Qubit Flex Fluorometer, you can directly measure the fluorescence of up to 8 samples simultaneously using the highly sensitive and accurate fluorescence-based Qubit assays. The Qubit Flex Fluorometer will save data for up to 10,000 samples, and you can transfer data to the Connect cloud-based platform using Wi-Fi, a USB drive or ethernet cable. In addition, the Qubit Flex includes built-in Reagent and Assay Range Calculators (Figure 1) to help you prepare your assays and post-results Molarity and Normalization Calculators to help you get to your downstream experiments faster (Figure 2).

Figure 1. Qubit Flex Fluorometer workflow. The Reagent and Assay Range Calculators will help you prepare your assays. The results can be displayed as a graph or a list. (A) Home screen. Select your assay, among other actions; (B)Reagent calculator. Easily make working solution for all assays that are not 1X; (C) Assay Range Calculator. Determine sample requirements based on required accuracy; (D) Results. See your sample concentrations along linear standard curve.

Figure 2. Integrated post-results Molarity and Normalization Calculators. Use the Molarity Calculator to convert values to molarity based on nucleic acid length. Use the Normalization Calculator to determine how to dilute the samples to the same concentration.

Digital SmartStart 3D Experience gets you started quickly

Every Qubit Flex Fluorometer includes access to a self-paced, online educational experience designed to help you get up and running fast. The Digital SmartStart 3D Experience for the Qubit Flex Fluorometer includes interactive visual demonstrations of how to install, operate, and maintain your instrument.

Access the Qubit Flex Fluorometer SmartStart experience through the Cloud

Key benefits of the Qubit Flex Fluorometer

The Qubit Flex Fluorometer, combined with Qubit assays and Qubit tube strips, provides accurate, reliable data by using fluorescent dyes that are specific to the biomolecule of interest. Even at very low concentrations, these dyes only emit light when they are bound to the target molecule.

Averaged data over all concentrations and HS/BR

Figure 3. Averaged data over all concentrations and HS/BR.

 

Be confident in your accuracy with the Assay Range Calculator

The on-board Assay Range Calculator displays the core sample concentration range for which the selected assay is most accurate, as well as the extended low and high ranges, based on your sample volume. Knowing the assay range can help you determine which Qubit assay provides the most accurate quantification based on your sample volume and estimated sample concentration (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Assay Range Calculator. Use the on board Assay Range Calculator to show how the sample concentration assay ranges change based on the sample volume used (1-20 µL). (A) Units and assay. Select output units and choose your assay; (B) Range Details. See an explanation of ranges reported; (C-E) Example Assay Range Calculator—1 µL, 10 µL and 20 µL. See examples of assay range calculated for Qubit 1X dsDNA HS assay with (C) 1 microliter of sample, (D) 10 microliters of sample and (E) 20 microliters of sample.

All Qubit assays are optimized for use with the Qubit Flex Fluorometer and are highly sensitive and selective for DNA, RNA or protein. These assays are performed using the same basic protocol: simply mix and read, with incubation times of only 2 minutes required for DNA and RNA assays or 15 minutes for the protein assay. Qubit Assays cover a broad dynamic range for any starting sample concentration (Figure 5). Use the built-in Assay Range Calculator on the Qubit Flex Fluorometer to show how the assay range changes based on the sample volume used (1-20 µL).

See all Qubit assays

Graph showing the quantifiable range of DNA or RNA on the X axis for various UV- and fluorescence-based DNA and RNA quantification assays.

Figure 5. Comparison of sample concentration ranges for Qubit assays and UV absorbance measurements. UV absorbance readings are not selective for RNA vs DNA. The Qubit Flex Fluorometer and all Qubit assays are optimized for use together.

A time study showed up to 50% reduction in total time to data, including sample prep and measurement, using the Qubit Flex Fluorometer compared to a single-sample fluorometer for higher numbers of samples (Figure 6). Time savings begin starting with batches of as few as 8 samples, and efficiency multiplies. The 8-sample format offered by the Qubit Flex Fluorometer is recommended for customers who need to measure more samples at once.

Bar graph, with number of samples on X axis and time to data in minutes on Y axis, illustrating increasing time savings when using the Qubit Flex Fluorometer.

Figure 6. The Qubit Flex Fluorometer reduces time to data by 30-50%. A time study comparing the Qubit Flex Fluorometer to the Qubit 4 Fluorometer using the Qubit 1X dsDNA HS Assay Kit showed reduced time to data starting with as little as 8 samples. A 30-50% reduction in time to data was observed with 24-96 samples, respectively.

The Qubit Flex Fluorometer features built-in calculators to eliminate time used to do manual calculations before and after measurement. Studies showed that many customers preferred an 8-sample format compared to a single-sample format. Users enjoyed the flexibility for higher throughput combined with the convenience and ease-of-use Qubit fluorometers are known for.

Assay Range Calculator

The user-friendly Assay Range Calculator on the Qubit Flex Fluorometer will show you how the quantifiable range of your assay changes depending on the volume of sample you use. If the amount of sample you can use is flexible, you can use this calculator to determine the ideal volume to use for an expected concentration range. If you have precious sample and can only use 1-2 µL, this calculator will tell you what accuracy you can expect depending on your concentration.

See more about the Assay Range Calculator

Molarity Calculator

Handy for next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows, the Molarity Calculator (Figure 7) on the Qubit Flex Fluorometer enables you to quickly convert your concentration values to molarity based on the length of your DNA or RNA. No need to calculate by hand when the Qubit Flex Fluorometer will do it for you!

Screen shot of Qubit Flex Fluorometer user interface with molarity calculator for NGS workflows

Figure 7. Built-in post-results Molarity Calculator. Use the Molarity Calculator to easily convert concentration values to molarity based on the length of your DNA or RNA fragments.

Normalization Calculator

Also handy for NGS workflows, the Normalization Calculator (Figure 8) on the Qubit Flex makes it easy for you to determine how to dilute your samples to the same concentration. Why perform manual calculations when you could have the Qubit Flex Fluorometer to automate it for you?

Screen shot of Qubit Flex Fluorometer user interface with concentration normalization calculator for NGS workflows.

Figure 8. Built-in post-results Normalization Calculator. Use the Normalization Calculator to quickly determine how to dilute samples to the same concentration.

Qubit Flex Fluorometer, Qubit assays and Qubit Flex tube strips

The combination of the Qubit Flex Fluorometer, Qubit assays and Qubit Flex tube strips and reservoirs is a reliable, total solution for your DNA, RNA, and protein quantification needs. These quality products have been optimized together to give you the results you expect day after day and run after run. See the full selection of Qubit assays to choose the best solution for your lab.

See Qubit assays

Qubit Flex Fluorometer instrument shown with lid open and touchscreen on the main assay menu
Qubit Flex Fluorometer
Qubit Flex Fluorometer instrument shown with, Qubit Flex tube strips and reservoirs, and Qubit assay kits
Qubit Flex Quantification Starter Kit
Qubit Flex Fluorometer instrument shown with Qubit Flex tube strips and reservoirs, and Qubit 1X dsDNA HS, 500-assay kit
Qubit Flex NGS Starter Kit
  • Qubit Flex Fluorometer
  • 1 regional power cord
  • Microfiber cloth
  • USB drive and USB cable
  • 3D Digital SmartStart Experience
  • 3-year warranty
  • Qubit Flex Fluorometer
  • 1 regional power cord
  • Microfiber cloth
  • USB drive and USB cable
  • Qubit Flex tube strips
  • Qubit 1X dsDNA HS, 100 assays
  • Qubit 1X dsDNA BR, 100 assays
  • Qubit RNA HS, 100 assays
  • Qubit RNA BR, 100 assays
  • Qubit Protein assay
  • Qubit Flex Verification Assay Kit
  • Qubit Flex reservoirs
  • WiFi Dongle
  • 3D Digital SmartStart Experience
  • 3-year warranty
  • Qubit Flex Fluorometer
  • 1 regional power cord
  • Microfiber cloth
  • USB drive and USB cable
  • Qubit Flex tubes
  • Qubit 1X dsDNA HS, 500 assays
  • Qubit Flex reservoirs
  • 3D Digital SmartStart Experience
  • 3-year warranty
Q33327Q45894Q45893
Physical characteristics
Instrument typeBenchtop fluorometer
Instrument dimensions7.3 in (w) × 11.1 in (l) × 4.1 in (h), (18.6 cm × 28.2 cm × 10.3 cm); rectangular shape 
Weigh60 oz (1.7 kg)
Operating power100–240 VAC, 1.3 A/0.6 A
Frequency50/60 Hz
Electrical input48 VDC, 1.87 A
Installation siteIndoor use only
Operating temperature10–30°C
Operating humidity15–80% (non-condensing)
Technical specifications
Dynamic range4 orders of magnitude
Processing time≤3 seconds/sample
Light sourcesBlue LED (max 460–480 nm)
Red LED (max 620–640 nm)
Excitation filtersBlue 456–484 nm
Red 612–644 nm
Emission filtersGreen 513–563 nm
Far-Red 671–693 nm
DetectorsPhotodiodes; measurement capability from 320–1100 nm
Calibration type2- or 3-point standard
Sample chamberAccommodates one Qubit Flex Tube Strip
Tube typeQubit Flex Tube Strip
Warm-up time<35 seconds
Hardware
Display8-inch capacitive touchscreen with high resolution color display
Output ports3x USB ports
Networking capabilitiesConnection via the LAN (RJ-45) port using an Ethernet cable or wirelessly using the supplied Wi-Fi adaptor
Power supplyAC adaptor with country‐specific power cords
USB drive
Capacity4 Gigabytes

Keep your Qubit Flex Fluorometer up and running with superior services and support

Digital SmartStart 3D Experience

Digital SmartStart 3D Experience gets you started quickly

Learn about your Qubit Flex Fluorometer with this 3D interactive experience. See visual demonstrations illustrating how to:

  • Install the Qubit Flex Fluorometer
  • Operate the Qubit Flex instrument using the intuitive touchscreen
  • Maintain your Qubit Flex instrument for optimal performance

Access the experience through the Cloud at thermofisher.com/QubitFlexTraining

warranty and service plans

Comprehensive warranty and service plans maximize system uptime

The Qubit Flex Fluorometer comes with a 1- year standard warranty. During the system warranty period all costs for shipping, parts, and labor for repairs are covered. Extended warranty service plans are available at the time of instrument purchase.  Benefits of a service plan:

  • Maximize instrument uptime and reduce overall repair costs
  • Get fast repair turnaround time from factory-trained and certified service engineers
  • Extend the life of your instrument and keep it running at peak performance

Choose from a variety of service options that balance your budget, productivity, uptime, and regulatory requirements.

Service Plan Overview

 Rapid ExchangeAB Repair Center (ABRC) Support
Plan is designed forLabs that operate under critical timelinesRegulated labs that must maintain asset tagging consistency to comply with regulated protocols
Repair timeReplacement shipped out in 1 business dayYour instrument repaired and returned in ~3 weeks*
Off-site repair service including shipping, parts, and labor
High-priority telephone and email access to our remote service center
* For added convenience upgrade to ABRC Support Plus contract, which includes a loan instrument to be shipped within 1 business day.

* Packages are not available in all regions. Contact your local sales representative for availability in your region.

Explore our services and support solutions at thermofisher.com/instrumentservices

Qubit Flex Fluorometer demonstration video

Learn how to increase your nucleic acid quantification throughput with the Qubit Flex Fluorometer. Simply measure up to 8 samples at one time with convenient reagent, molarity, assay range, and normalization calculators.

Qubit Flex Fluorometer—Expand your nucleic acid quantification throughput

Collect accurate DNA or RNA quantification data up to 50% faster compared to using single-sample readers with the new Invitrogen Qubit Flex Fluorometer. The unique design of the Qubit Flex Fluorometer allows measurement of up to 8 samples at once.

Qubit Flex Fluorometer instrument shown with lid open and touchscreen on the main assay menu
Qubit Flex Fluorometer
Qubit Flex Fluorometer instrument shown with, Qubit Flex tube strips and reservoirs, and Qubit assay kits
Qubit Flex Quantification Starter Kit
Qubit Flex Fluorometer instrument shown with Qubit Flex tube strips and reservoirs, and Qubit 1X dsDNA HS, 500-assay kit
Qubit Flex NGS Starter Kit
  • Qubit Flex Fluorometer
  • 1 regional power cord
  • Microfiber cloth
  • USB drive and USB cable
  • 3D Digital SmartStart Experience
  • 3-year warranty
  • Qubit Flex Fluorometer
  • 1 regional power cord
  • Microfiber cloth
  • USB drive and USB cable
  • Qubit Flex tube strips
  • Qubit 1X dsDNA HS, 100 assays
  • Qubit 1X dsDNA BR, 100 assays
  • Qubit RNA HS, 100 assays
  • Qubit RNA BR, 100 assays
  • Qubit Protein assay
  • Qubit Flex Verification Assay Kit
  • Qubit Flex reservoirs
  • WiFi Dongle
  • 3D Digital SmartStart Experience
  • 3-year warranty
  • Qubit Flex Fluorometer
  • 1 regional power cord
  • Microfiber cloth
  • USB drive and USB cable
  • Qubit Flex tubes
  • Qubit 1X dsDNA HS, 500 assays
  • Qubit Flex reservoirs
  • 3D Digital SmartStart Experience
  • 3-year warranty
Q33327Q45894Q45893
Physical characteristics
Instrument typeBenchtop fluorometer
Instrument dimensions7.3 in (w) × 11.1 in (l) × 4.1 in (h), (18.6 cm × 28.2 cm × 10.3 cm); rectangular shape 
Weigh60 oz (1.7 kg)
Operating power100–240 VAC, 1.3 A/0.6 A
Frequency50/60 Hz
Electrical input48 VDC, 1.87 A
Installation siteIndoor use only
Operating temperature10–30°C
Operating humidity15–80% (non-condensing)
Technical specifications
Dynamic range4 orders of magnitude
Processing time≤3 seconds/sample
Light sourcesBlue LED (max 460–480 nm)
Red LED (max 620–640 nm)
Excitation filtersBlue 456–484 nm
Red 612–644 nm
Emission filtersGreen 513–563 nm
Far-Red 671–693 nm
DetectorsPhotodiodes; measurement capability from 320–1100 nm
Calibration type2- or 3-point standard
Sample chamberAccommodates one Qubit Flex Tube Strip
Tube typeQubit Flex Tube Strip
Warm-up time<35 seconds
Hardware
Display8-inch capacitive touchscreen with high resolution color display
Output ports3x USB ports
Networking capabilitiesConnection via the LAN (RJ-45) port using an Ethernet cable or wirelessly using the supplied Wi-Fi adaptor
Power supplyAC adaptor with country‐specific power cords
USB drive
Capacity4 Gigabytes

Keep your Qubit Flex Fluorometer up and running with superior services and support

Digital SmartStart 3D Experience

Digital SmartStart 3D Experience gets you started quickly

Learn about your Qubit Flex Fluorometer with this 3D interactive experience. See visual demonstrations illustrating how to:

  • Install the Qubit Flex Fluorometer
  • Operate the Qubit Flex instrument using the intuitive touchscreen
  • Maintain your Qubit Flex instrument for optimal performance

Access the experience through the Cloud at thermofisher.com/QubitFlexTraining

warranty and service plans

Comprehensive warranty and service plans maximize system uptime

The Qubit Flex Fluorometer comes with a 1- year standard warranty. During the system warranty period all costs for shipping, parts, and labor for repairs are covered. Extended warranty service plans are available at the time of instrument purchase.  Benefits of a service plan:

  • Maximize instrument uptime and reduce overall repair costs
  • Get fast repair turnaround time from factory-trained and certified service engineers
  • Extend the life of your instrument and keep it running at peak performance

Choose from a variety of service options that balance your budget, productivity, uptime, and regulatory requirements.

Service Plan Overview

 Rapid ExchangeAB Repair Center (ABRC) Support
Plan is designed forLabs that operate under critical timelinesRegulated labs that must maintain asset tagging consistency to comply with regulated protocols
Repair timeReplacement shipped out in 1 business dayYour instrument repaired and returned in ~3 weeks*
Off-site repair service including shipping, parts, and labor
High-priority telephone and email access to our remote service center
* For added convenience upgrade to ABRC Support Plus contract, which includes a loan instrument to be shipped within 1 business day.

* Packages are not available in all regions. Contact your local sales representative for availability in your region.

Explore our services and support solutions at thermofisher.com/instrumentservices

Qubit Flex Fluorometer demonstration video

Learn how to increase your nucleic acid quantification throughput with the Qubit Flex Fluorometer. Simply measure up to 8 samples at one time with convenient reagent, molarity, assay range, and normalization calculators.

Qubit Flex Fluorometer—Expand your nucleic acid quantification throughput

Collect accurate DNA or RNA quantification data up to 50% faster compared to using single-sample readers with the new Invitrogen Qubit Flex Fluorometer. The unique design of the Qubit Flex Fluorometer allows measurement of up to 8 samples at once.

Ordering

Qubit assays

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.