The latest real-time polymerase chain-reaction system has been designed with all the advantages of an open architecture and chemistry format.

The system, called the PrimeQ, gives users the freedom to choose their preferred chemistry, consumables, and data analysis methods using intercalating dyes or probes, and it provides a wide dynamic range and high sensitivity for absolute and relative quantification.

The Techne Prime Q (Bibby Scientific Limited; Stone, UK) has been designed with a single white light-emitting diode (LED) light source, a photomultiplier tube (PMT) detector providing accurate raw data for analysis and a flexible scanning mechanism allowing both partial and full plate reads. The five paired excitation and emission filters covers the wavelengths 470-710 nm and housed in an individual cartridge system, PrimeQ has the capability for multiplex applications. The flexible optical heated lid system is designed to minimize loss of sample and prevent sample condensation. The flexible scanning mechanism allows both partial and full plate reads with high accuracy ensuring no cross talk between well reads and a full plate is read in 20 seconds per filter.

Other applications include dissociation analysis for genotyping analysis and product verification, as well as endpoint analysis for plus/minus scoring and allelic discrimination. The system is supported by Quansoft software, which gives the users the flexibility to manipulate raw data, select chemistries, and choose consumables. This comprehensive analysis package is easy to use and experimental setups can be edited even after the run is complete. Quansoft is free and can be loaded on multiple personal computers without paying a license fee.

Rob Skehens, the Marketing Director at Bibby Scientific, said, "Techne aims to enhance the user experience across its entire thermal cycler range. PrimeQ introduces Quansoft, a unique, intuitive software package. Its four user-friendly editor functions and clear color-coded graphics make the process of creating and analyzing real-time PCR experiments much simpler and faster."

Related Links:
Bibby Scientific Limited