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The Applied Biosystems QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR System is a plate-based digital PCR (dPCR) platform powered by proprietary microfluidic array plate (MAP) technology. that enables all the necessary steps for dPCR—compartmentalizing, thermal cycling, and data acquisition—to be conducted on a single instrument. The dPCR workflow is identical to the qPCR workflow you are familiar with to improve ease of use, minimize hands on steps, and maximize consistency.
dPCR overcomes variability and low accuracy by eliminating the need for a standard curve. The QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR System consists of just one instrument, consolidating all steps required into a single plate and transforming a multi-step multi-instrument workflow into a one-step qPCR-like workflow (Figure 1).
The QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR System relies on its proprietary microfluidic array plate (MAP) technology to deliver highly-accurate dPCR results. The MAP (Figure 2) has 16 dPCR reaction units, easily distinguished as opaque squares. Zooming in, each dPCR reaction unit (opaque square) is made up of 20,480 fixed array microchambers. The microchambers themselves are connected by a distribution network that is used to deliver PCR reagents. Once the reagents have been compartmentalized into the microchambers, PCR amplification then proceeds, and the number of microchambers with successful DNA amplification are counted.
Figure1: Prepare reaction mix, load onto plate, run instrument, and analyze data
Figure 2: Microfluidic array plate technology
Single instrument. Single plate. Simple workflow.
Eliminate cumbersome and challenging sample and reagent preparation steps from your dPCR workflow. The QuantStudio Absolute Q system requires only one hands-on step that takes under five minutes to complete with minimal technical skill.
Industry leading consistency
Powered by microfluidic array plate (MAP) technology, the QuantStudio Absolute Q system and MAP16 dPCR plates enable exceptional consistency in total micro-chambers analyzed.
Minimize wasted sample volume
Leveraging MAP technology and dead-ended reagent loading, over 95% of your input sample is analyzed per reaction compared to the 25–60% of other dPCR platforms.
Fast time to answer
Avoid wasting precious time moving generating micro-chambers, moving plates, and reading samples. In under 90 minutes* reagent digitization, thermal cycling, and data collection are integrated into a single system with no manual transfer steps required.
*90-minute time includes reagent digitization, thermal cycling, and data collection. Total time may vary based on assay-specific thermal cycling requirements.
Featured applications
Cell and gene therapy development
Measure common viral titer backbones, custom genes of interest, or the presence of residual DNA without the use of a standard curve
Read more about Absolute Q Viral Titer Digital PCR assays ›
Analyze your data with confidence using verified assays backed by a performance guarantee ›
Oncology research: liquid biopsy mutation detection
Improve detection of mutations and quantification of low allele fractions in challenging samples such as liquid biopsy
Read more about Absolute Q Liquid Biopsy Digital PCR assays ›
Analyze your data with confidence using verified assays backed by a performance guarantee ›
Environmental surveillance
Accurately measure viral load and pathogens or other biomarkers in environmental samples such as wastewater
Read more about dPCR for wastewater surveillance ›
Analyze your data with confidence using verified assays backed by a performance guarantee ›
Master mix solutions for DNA and RNA applications
Absolute Q DNA dPCR Master Mix
Absolute 1-step RT dPCR Master Mix
Absolute Q DNA Digital PCR Master Mix (5X) for DNA applications and Absolute Q 1-step RT Digital PCR Master Mix (4X) for RNA applications were specifically designed for optimal performance on the QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR System. These concentrated formulations enable maximum sample input and were developed for optimal multiplexing performance and digital PCR sensitivity.
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Robust reagentdigitization
MAP technology facilitates highly consistent digitization of over >20,000 micro-chambers per digital PCR array equating to over 99% of micro-chambers available.
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Sensitive detection of rare variants
With exceptional reagent compartmentalization and reduced risk of error, which can be caused by manual workflow steps, the QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR System performs rare variant detection and quantification with precision and confidence.
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MAP16 plate showing multiplexed 4 using 4 channels
Multiplex up to four targets in a single reaction
To demonstrate the type of data generated by the MAP16 plate on the QuantStudio Absolute System, we used a multiplex assay that uses all four optical channels of the QuantStudio Absolute Q System to detect Target 1 (FAM), Target 2 (VIC), Target 3 (ABY), and Target 4 (CY5). This figure shows the resulting dPCR fluorescence plots and maps of microchamber positivity generated by the QuantStudio Absolute Q Analysis software from a single reaction on the MAP16 plate.
Flexible configurations to meet your throughput and automation needs
The powerfully simple digital PCR workflow you know just got easier. Load prepared Absolute Q MAP16 digital PCR plates into plate storage racks at the beginning of your workday. Hit "start" with the latest software for the system to load, unload, and process all your dPCR experiments while you leave to focus on more important tasks. Sit at your desk and start planning your next experiments then examine your pre-analyzed digital PCR data when the runs are complete.
Hear from QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR users:
Maximize system uptime, reduce repair costs and turnaround time, extend the life of your instrument, and help keep it running at peak performance with a comprehensive service plan. For the QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR System, the AB Assurance service plan is the perfect fit. It helps take the guesswork out of ensuring instrument uptime, from issue prevention to quick resolution.
All parts, labor, and travel costs are included for standard repairs, and the annual planned maintenance makes it easy to stay on top of instrument care. Also, with features like SmartStart Orientation, you’ll be set up for success. Led by professional trainers, the on-site orientation provides interactive education that includes application-specific lectures, hands-on experiment preparation, instrument and software setup, and basic data analysis. Explore our services and support solutions at thermofisher.com/instrumentservices.
Performance specifications
| Dye compatibility | See Optical Configuration for additional details. FAM, HEX, VIC, ABY, ROX, CY5, JUN |
| Optical multiplexing | |
| Dynamic range | Five logs |
| Sensitivity | 1–100,000 copies |
| Precision | ±10% |
| Sample throughput | Up to 16 samples per run. MAP16 plate can be run in intervals of four (i.e., 4, 8, 12, or 16) |
| Micro-chambers per reaction | 20,480 |
| Percentage sample analyzed | 95% |
System specifications
| Dimensions (unpacked) | 620 mm (l) x 600 mm (w) x 540 mm (h) 24.5 (l) x 23.5 (w) x 21 .2 (h) in |
| Dimensions (packaged) | 826 (l) x 940 (w) x 899 (h) mm 32.5(l) x 37(w) x 35(h) in |
| Weight | Approx. 60 kg/132 lbs |
| Connections | Power, USB 3.0 (to dedicated PC) |
| Cooling mode | Forced convection |
| Illumination | Rax, blue, phosphor green high-power LED |
| Optical channels | Five (fixed configuration) |
| Power input | 100–240 Vac, 50–60Hz |
| Power rating | 1200–1600 W |
| Rated current | 12 A (110 V), 8.5 A (230 V) |
| Maximum noise level | 70 dB |
Dedicated computer requirements
| Operating system | Windows 10 (64-bit) or later |
| Computer | Dell OptiPlex XE3 Tower |
Optical configuration
| # | Color | Excitation filter peak λ | Emission filter peak λ | Examples of compatible dyes |
| 1 | Blue | 466 | 520 | FAM |
| 2 | Green | 514 | 560 | HEX VIC |
| 3 | Yellow | 549 | 589 | ABY |
| 4 | Red | 589 | 625 | ROX |
| 5 | Dark Red | 630 | 684 | JUN CY5 |
Absolute Q Digital PCR System Support Center
dPCR vs qPCR
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
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