QuantStudio™ Absolute Q™ Digital PCR System, desktop, extended warranty, Smart Start - FAQs

The QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR System, desktop, extended warranty, Smart Start (Cat. No. A53267) package includes the QuantStudio Absolute Digital PCR Instrument, Dell Tower and Dell Monitor, 1-year extended warranty, and SmartStart orientation. SmartStart orientation is a 1-day interactive course led by a Field Application Scientist (FAS) to help your team quickly become proficient using the software features and instrumentation.

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If dye channels are turned off before the run, then data will not be collected for them as the run progresses. This means that changing the dyes after the run will not be possible.

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Unused dye channels can be turned off after the run by going to the SETUP tab and clicking EDIT SETUP and then EDIT GROUPS. Here, the Analysis can be changed to “Not Used.” After clicking SAVE twice, the data will be reanalyzed and the unused dye channels will not be present in the analysis.

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NaN stands for “not a number”. The software will display NaN instead of an actual number when it has detected some issue during the analysis of the array images.

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We would recommend restarting the software. If the run still doesn't transfer, we would recommend closing the software, rebooting the instrument, and then starting the software. If further assistance is needed, please contact Technical Support at techsupport@thermofisher.com.

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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.

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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 (https://assets.thermofisher.com/TFS-Assets/LSG/manuals/MAN0025621_QS_Absolute_Q_Digital_PCR_System_UG_RUO_EN.pdf).

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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.

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

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

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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 (https://assets.thermofisher.com/TFS-Assets/LSG/manuals/MAN0025621_QS_Absolute_Q_Digital_PCR_System_UG_RUO_EN.pdf).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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The QuantStudio Absolute Q MAP16 Digital PCR Plate is a microinjection-molded plate which is 85.5 mm x 128 mm and consists of 16 microarrays. Each microarray consists of approximately 20,000 microchambers, each accommodating 432 pL (picoliter) volume of reaction. See image on page 29 of the QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR System Installation, Use, and Maintenance Guide (https://assets.thermofisher.com/TFS-Assets/LSG/manuals/MAN0025621_QS_Absolute_Q_Digital_PCR_System_UG_RUO_EN.pdf).

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For QuantStudio Absolute Q instrument specifications, please see Appendix F of the QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR System Installation, Use, and Maintenance Guide (https://assets.thermofisher.com/TFS-Assets/LSG/manuals/MAN0025621_QS_Absolute_Q_Digital_PCR_System_UG_RUO_EN.pdf).

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QuantStudio Absolute Q Software van only manage one QuantStudio Absolute Q instrument at a time.

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

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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

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Each microchamber holds 432 picoliters (pL).

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