QIAquant

• Fast cycling protocol, down to 30 minutes for 40 cycles
• Multiplex detection of up to 5 different targets
• Temperature ramping rates up to 8°C/s
• Temperature uniformity down to ±0.15°C across the sample block
• Gradient function for assay optimization

QIAquant instruments are all-round systems designed for performance. They combine high-quality thermal elements for fast heating and cooling ramping rates and a fast multi-channel detection system for shorter cycling times. The open system is compatible with plasticware in standard SBS formats, low-and normal-profile, and all skirting types.

Visit the QIAquant consumables page for qPCR plates and foils.

The QIAquant qPCR instruments deliver on the fundamental expectations to combine high performance optical detection of qPCR products with a high performance thermal block. The result is an all-round versatile system for quantitative PCR applications such as expression analyses, genotyping and the detection of pathogens. The combination of high quality thermal elements, fast heating and cooling ramping rates and the fiber-optic shuttle system enables shorter cycling times down to less than 30 minutes for 40 cycles.

The QIAquant instruments are available in 3 configurations to address different needs in terms of throughput, multiplexing and budget. The QIAquant instruments are open systems and can be used with compatible chemistries from any supplier and with a broad variety of plasticware.

Optics

The QIAquant instruments use a patented Fiber-Optic Shuttle System. Scanning just above the sample, the optic shuttle guarantees the homogeneous excitation of each individual sample and the reliable recording of the emitted fluorescent signals with high sensitivity and no cross-talk between wells. Composed of 5 different-colored long-life and high power LEDs, the light source guarantees the optimal excitation of known fluorescent dyes from blue to the near-infrared range and the emission signal is captured by a sensitive photomultiplier tube (PMT). The fiber-optic shuttle system is fitted with 8 individual light fibers in the QIAquant 96 instruments and 16 individual light fibers in the QIAquant 384 instrument. This enables fast read-out times of only 6 seconds for an entire plate regardless of the number of filters. The QIAquant instruments do not require the use of a reference dye such as ROX and do not need regular calibration.

Thermal performance

Accurate and homogeneous temperatures across the samples are critical for the rate and efficiency of PCR assays. The QIAquant instrument is fitted with high quality heating elements with gradient function and a temperature control precision of ± 0.1°C. The QIAquant 96 instruments are fitted with a sample block made of silver coated with gold. The sample block provides outstanding thermal properties in terms of temperature uniformity across the sample block down to ± 0.15°C at 55°C, and has an extremely fast heating and cooling rate up to 8°C/s. The uncompromising performance of the QIAquant ensures fast cycling and homogeneous heat distribution across all the wells of a plate. This ultimately means the highest possible  reproducibility from well to well and from cycle to cycle.

Gradient function

The gradient function enables assay optimization and the easy determination of the optimal temperature for primer annealing which is crucial for efficient and specific target amplification. At any step in a protocol, you can program a temperature gradient with a span of up to 40°C across the reaction with 0.1°C steps. Instead of simply setting lower and upper limits, the Linear Gradient Tool (LGT) allows different integer temperature levels to be entered in relation to the calculated annealing temperature of the primers.

Motorized heated lid

The QIAquant motorized heated lid applies homogeneous pressure and the temperature can be adjusted from 30°C to 110°C.

The QIAquant instruments enable quantitative real-time PCR in either intercalating dye or hydrolysis probe-based assays and in tubes, or in a 96- and 384-well plate format. QIAquant instruments are designed for convenience, ease of use and reliability, from run setup to interpretation of results. A QIAquant instrument will readily integrate in any new or existing real-time PCR workflow.

Flexibility of chemistries and plasticware

The QIAquant instruments work as an open system and can be used in combination with any compatible real-time PCR kits. SBS sample blocks make the QIAquant systems compatible with the majority of tubes, strips and low- or normal- profile plates, skirted, half-skirted or unskirted. For best performance, QIAGEN recommends the used of dedicated qPCR plates with white well plates and qPCR compatible foils or seals.

Visit the QuantiNova products overview page to discover QIAGEN's leading real-time PCR solutions.

Visit the QIAquant consumables page for qPCR plates and foils.

Multiplex PCR for co-detection of up to 5 different targets

The QIAquant instruments come with up to 5 color channels for multiplexing in real-time PCR applications. The QIAquant Software comes with built-in optimized generic cross-talk compensation. Users can create customized color compensation files for specific set of dyes if necessary.

Maintenance and hassle free

The optical system of the QIAquant instrument involves individual illumination and detection of a sample with a PMT and use of a reference dye such as ROX is not required. The optical system does not need to be calibrated on a regular basis. The QIAquant instruments are factory-calibrated for optical and thermal accuracy. (QIAGEN does recommend yearly preventive maintenance.)

The QIAquant instruments are suitable for a broad range of PCR applications in molecular biology workflows. These include:

• Gene expression analysis
• Pathogen detection
• DNA methylation analysis
• Genotyping and gene scanning
• Validation of microarrays and NGS results

The QIAquant instruments are operated via the Q-Rex Software, using either the desktop or touchscreen version. Both versions facilitate experiment setup and data acquisition, while the desktop version of Q-Rex further enables data analysis, report generation, and export. Q-Rex supports state-of-the-art real-time analysis procedures from basic to advanced algorithms. Its configurable nature allows you to easily create the exact software configuration to meet your specific analysis needs. While retaining highly complex data analysis functions that advanced researchers require, the software is easy to use by novice researchers. Data security is assured, and all process steps are trackable from the start of the run to exporting results. The Q-Rex Software offers support for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.