{"id":15095,"date":"2025-05-14T15:05:17","date_gmt":"2025-05-14T15:05:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/admin.acceleratingscience.com\/behindthebench\/?p=15095"},"modified":"2025-06-19T13:35:20","modified_gmt":"2025-06-19T13:35:20","slug":"top-items-to-consider-when-buying-your-next-real-time-pcr-instrument","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/top-items-to-consider-when-buying-your-next-real-time-pcr-instrument\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Items to Consider When Buying your Next Real-Time PCR Instrument"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Real-time PCR (qPCR) instrument<\/span>s<\/a> are a <\/span>significant <\/span>investment that can shape what sort of genetics research is possible in your lab for years to<\/span> come. <\/span>Therefore,<\/span> it <\/span>is <\/span>essential <\/span>to choose the right device for your needs, keeping an eye on your immediate<\/span> and <\/span>future<\/span> <\/span>plans<\/span>.<\/span> Here are some factors to consider when choosing a new real-time PCR device for your laboratory.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will I need flexible formats?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Real-time PCR instrument<\/span> heating<\/span> blocks are <\/span>compatible with <\/span>a single reaction plate format, most commonly 96-well or 384-well.  <\/span>Some instrument models have <\/span>a <\/span>fixed heating block that cannot <\/span>be removed<\/span>. Other models have <\/span>interchangeable<\/span> blocks that <\/span>are <\/span>easily<\/span> <\/span>switched with another block format. Fixed-block devices are typically less expensive and are ideal for labs that require a single plate format or that intend to have a separate <\/span>instrument <\/span>for other block formats. Interchangeable-block instruments work well for labs that need the flexibility to switch between formats or require high throughput formats such as TaqMan<\/span>\u2122<\/span> Array Card<\/span>s<\/span> or <\/span>OpenArray<\/span>\u2122<\/span> plates.  <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will I need multiplexed PCR capability?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Virtually any real-time PCR device can capably handle <\/span>simple experiments<\/span>, but more complex or specialized applications might require <\/span>particular <\/span>models<\/span>. Multiplex<\/span> qPCR<\/span>, for example, involves using multiple sets of primers, each tagged with a different fluorescent dye, in a single run<\/span>.  <\/span>Analyzing<\/span> multiple amplicons in a single reaction<\/span> increases<\/span> <\/span>experimental throughput <\/span>and <\/span>decreases<\/span> precious sample<\/span> utilization<\/span>. <\/span> <\/span>Multiplexed PCR <\/span>requires a real-time PCR <\/span>system <\/span>whose detectors and filters can recognize and distinguish <\/span>multiple <\/span>emission spectra<\/span> in a single reaction<\/span>. <\/span>Therefore, it <\/span>is worth checking whether the detection range of a<\/span>n<\/span> <\/span>instrument <\/span>encompasses <\/span>your preferred <\/span>dyes<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>The instrument detection range <\/span>is also important for incorporating <\/span>quality control mechanisms, like ROX,<\/span> into <\/span>your <\/span>real-time PCR workflow.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more:<\/strong> <\/span>What is multiplex qPCR<\/span><\/a>?<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What features make it easy to use the instrument?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Real-time PCR devices have different shapes, dimensions, <\/span>features, <\/span>and interface styles. <\/span>Because e<\/span>ach user has <\/span>unique <\/span>preferences,<\/span> t<\/span>esting out different models is a good way to find <\/span>one that feels<\/span> <\/span>intuitive and <\/span>easy to navigate<\/span>. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many purchasing decisions are partly dictated by available bench space, particularly in small or crowded laboratories<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>In <\/span>these situations,<\/span> the instrument<\/span> <\/span>l footprint and<\/span> <\/span>re<\/span>quirement for an<\/span> attached computer might be more <\/span>critical <\/span>than other factors. <\/span>An<\/span> <\/span>ideal <\/span>real-time PCR system is free of sharp corners, overhangs, and exposed parts that could snag on clothing or other items and <\/span>is<\/span> easily cleaned to avoid contamination and prevent damage from spills. <\/span>Depending on the lab<\/span>, quiet operation <\/span>and low energy consumption may also be a priority.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rich instrument features can also <\/span>enhance your workflow efficiency and analysis capabilities.<\/span> <\/span> <\/span>For example, <\/span>you may <\/span>want to optimize<\/span> annealing temperatures for different assays on a single plate and <\/span>require<\/span> <\/span>an instrument equipped with <\/span>VeriFlex<\/span>\u2122 Zones, or you may need to perform <\/span>High<\/span> Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>Or, m<\/span>aybe you want to maximize efficiency through technology and value <\/span>smart <\/span>features like <\/span>RFID<\/span>-tagged plates that <\/span>automatically upload assay and run information or hands-free operation using<\/span> voice and facial recognition<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn More: <\/strong>QuantStudio 6 Pro and 7 Pro Real-Time PCR Instrument<\/span> with smart features<\/span><\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will I need automation?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A<\/span>utomation improves a laboratory\u2019s capacity utilization dramatically by enabling<\/span> <\/span>qPCR <\/span>runs<\/span> without human <\/span>intervention<\/span>, <\/span>thereby <\/span>maximiz<\/span>ing<\/span> data generation and free<\/span>ing<\/span> up <\/span>skilled laboratory personnel for other tasks. <\/span>When<\/span> only a small number of people can use a laboratory <\/span>simultaneously<\/span>, automation keeps <\/span>the <\/span>output high while leaving laboratory capacity open for others.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A<\/span>utomation also enhances results <\/span>reproducibility <\/span>and improves data quality <\/span>by increasing processing uniformity and <\/span>removing <\/span>some human error from the real-time PCR process, particularly during sample handling and loading\/unloading<\/span>.<\/span> Laboratories that already perform large quantities of real-time PCR or anticipate their need for PCR capacity increasing <\/span>benefit from setting up their real-time PCR <\/span>system <\/span>with automation in mind.<\/span> <\/span>Automation is, however, expensive, so laboratories that anticipate less frequent <\/span>real-time PCR needs<\/span> <\/span>can get the results they need without setting up an automated workflow.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn More: <\/strong>Lab Automation<\/span><\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will I need to incorporate my instrument into a LIMS system? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some real-time PCR <\/span>systems <\/span>can integrate directly with a laboratory information management system (LIMS). <\/span>LIMS enables instruments <\/span>to receive <\/span>information <\/span>from and deliver <\/span>data <\/span>to a central repository, often accessible remotely. Users can process <\/span>data <\/span>off of<\/span> the device itself, or the device can do some processing (such as setting up standard curves) on its own, or both. <\/span> <\/span>More robust systems can even perform<\/span> automatic<\/span> <\/span>data <\/span>validity tests and flag<\/span> an<\/span>omalous<\/span> <\/span>results <\/span>that require<\/span> <\/span>additional attention<\/span>, saving substantial time<\/span> over manually <\/span>sca<\/span>nning<\/span> data sets<\/span>.<\/span> LIMS integration reduces human error and enhances quality control efforts and<\/span> <\/span>is a worthwhile investment that<\/span> <\/span>pays off whether <\/span>a <\/span>real-time PCR <\/span>instrument runs <\/span>five assays in a week or 500. Additionally, <\/span>remotely <\/span>access<\/span>ing<\/span> the LIMS reduces the amount of time that users must remain in the lab, which is an <\/span>essential <\/span>consideration in the age of social distancing.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Devices and protocols that connect to the <\/span>i<\/span>nternet also need to worry about data security. Whether to protect against directed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, prevent data from being stolen or tampered with, or protect devices and cloud storage sites from roving malware, data security is a critical part of the connected laboratory<\/span>. For more information, read <\/span>Thermo Fisher Scientific\u2019s Connect Security Guide<\/span><\/a>.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn More: <\/strong>Laboratory Information Management Systems<\/span><\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u00a0are\u00a0the service, support,\u00a0and maintenance options?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Machines require maintenance to continue running and can break down<\/span>. The kinds and levels of support available for <\/span>particular models<\/span> or from particular providers should be <\/span>a<\/span> purchasing consideration. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers detailed installation assistance<\/span> and<\/span> <\/span>in-person and digital training. Buyers <\/span>interested in<\/span> a LIMS or an automation protocol should also consider the ease of integrati<\/span>ng<\/span> their device with these systems. Installation assistance should include <\/span>connecting<\/span> devices to these systems <\/span>and troubleshooting<\/span> support<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more: <\/strong>Services and Support for Life Sciences Instruments<\/span><\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore:<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Studio of the Future: Applied Biosystems Real-Time PCR Solutions<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Real-Time PCR and Digital PCR Instruments Support Center<\/span><\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Real-time PCR (qPCR) instruments are a significant investment that can shape what sort of genetics research is possible in your lab for years to come. Therefore, it is essential to choose the right device for your needs, keeping an eye on your immediate and future plans. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a new real-time PCR device for your laboratory.  Will I need flexible formats?\u00a0 Real-time<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":120,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[172],"tags":[120,43,20,46,205,256,63],"division":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-15095","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-general","7":"tag-multiplex-sequencing","8":"tag-pcr","9":"tag-qpcr","10":"tag-real-time-pcr","11":"tag-real-time-pcrquantitative-pcr","12":"tag-taqman","13":"tag-taqman-array-cards","14":"entry"},"_selected_authors":[],"_selected_reviewers":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nTop Items to Consider When Buying your Next Real-Time PCR Instrument - Behind the Bench<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thermofisher.com\/blog\/behindthebench\/top-items-to-consider-when-buying-your-next-real-time-pcr-instrument\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Top Items to Consider When Buying your Next Real-Time PCR Instrument\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Real-time PCR (qPCR) instruments are a significant investment that can shape what sort of genetics research is possible in your lab for years to come. Therefore, it is essential to choose the right device for your needs, keeping an eye on your immediate and future plans. 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