Rotor-Gene Q

'Probability' is the likelihood or chance that a sample is a member of each available cluster. The combined probabilities of a single sample add up to 1.00.

'Typicality' in the Rotor-Gene ScreenClust HRM analysis is a measure of how well a sample fits into its assigned cluster. It can also be seen as a measure of how far away a sample is from the centre of the cluster. Typicality values range from 0 to 1, the higher the value the closer it is to the centre of its assigned cluster. If a sample has a typicality value of 0.5, it means that approximately half of all samples within that cluster will be closer to the centre and the other half will be further away. In reality, this might not be the case as small samples numbers can have skewed distributions.

RNA purified with the QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit has been used for quantification by qPCR with QuantiTect Probe RT-PCR Kit on QIAGEN Rotor-Gene Q.

Clusters in Rotor-Gene ScreenClust HRM Software are graphically represented by ellipses/ellipsoids which act as a visual aid. They are not designed to cover all of the samples. They are a good tool for compare differences between clusters. To judge how well individual samples fit within their clusters use the typicality scores.

The controls define the centre of the clusters in supervised mode using Rotor-Gene ScreenClust HRM Software. If the control samples lie on the fringe of the cluster then the cluster centre can be shifted away from the bulk of the samples within the cluster. Controls should provide a good representation of the expected behavior of unknown samples. If this is not the case the experimental setup should be re-evaluated.

Rotor-Gene Probe Kits are specially developed for Rotor-Gene cyclers. The unique rotary system of the cyclers combined with the kits’ proprietary buffer system enable ultrafast cycling. Rotor-Gene Probe Kits do not contain ROX dye.

Both types of tubes run on the Rotor-Gene Q, and can be labeled on the top without any interference with data acquisition, because signal is detected from the bottom of the tube. Labeling is helpful and can prevent possible sample mix up.

There are several features available to allow exporting data across platforms to a variety of software packages. Sample names can easily be imported into the Rotor-Gene Q Excel sample sheets. By using a function "Export to Excel" the software automatically exports any results table in the software to Excel. Furthermore, reports can now be exported as Word files, which make the data compatible with any Microsoft office/Mac application. Reports can also be saved or sent in HTML format. All figures and graphs can be exported as Jpeg or Bitmap files for use in any desktop publishing software.

Normalization using Rotor-Gene ScreenClust HRM Software is required since HRM melt curves can have different starting points. Therefore the scale of each melt curve can be different. Comparison can only occur if all samples are on the same scale, so each curve needs to be normalized.

No. The master mixes in Rotor-Gene Kits contain dTTP instead of dUTP. If UNG treatment is required, we recommend using QuantiTect +UNG Kits. QuantiTect Kits are also compatible with the Rotor-Gene Q; however, the kits require a significantly longer cycling time.

No. The fixed optical path ensures uniform illumination and detection from sample to sample eliminating the need to use a reference dye such as ROX on the Rotor-Gene Q.

Yes. The sample sheet can be amended during or after a PCR run by activating the 'Edit samples' button in the Rotor-Gene Q software. The sample sheet will open and may be modified.

Yes, data can be analyzed on the Rotor-Gene Q while a run is in progress, allowing to save time for planning and setting up new experiments. Multiple copies of the Rotor-Gene Q software can be opened simultaneously during a run allowing analysis of previous experiments while the system is running.

QuantiTect Primer Assays are primer pairs designed and bioinformatically validated specifically for real-time RT-PCR with SYBR Green detection. To find a primer assay for your target gene of interest, please visit our GeneGlobe data base.

For best results, we strongly recommend using QuantiTect Primer Assays in combination with QIAGEN's products for SYBR Green-based Real-Time PCR and RT-PCR.

Please make data are collected in the appropriate fluorescent channel. Also check the gain is optimized.

If the issue persists, please send the original run file with extension .rex to QIAGEN Technical Service for further assistance.

The reaction volume to be entered in the Rotor-Gene Q software should be the sum of the PCR reaction volume and the volume of Vapor-Lock.

At the selected data acquisition step of the thermal cycle on the Rotor-Gene Q, the fluorescent signal intensity is measured 20 times for each sample as they spin past the detector. Tubes on a rotor spin past the excitation/detection optics every 150 milliseconds. The average of the 20 readings is then taken as the fluorescence of the sample at that cycle number.

Please send the original OTV run file to QIAGEN Technical Service for further assistance.

This type of cycling allows a significant reduction in cycling time for Rotor-Gene SYBR Green PCR Kits. It is more effective than reducing the individual times for annealing and extension.

We strongly recommend use of the dedicated Rotor-Gene Q Accessories, e.g., PCR Tubes 0.2 ml or Strip Tubes and Caps 0.1 ml provided by QIAGEN. These tubes are designed to give low background and perfectly match the Rotor-Gene Q requirements.

The buffer composition, which affects the initial reactivation of HotStarTaq Plus DNA Polymerase, has been optimized for each respective Rotor-Gene Kit.

Yes, please choose from the Supplementary Protocols below:

QuantiFast Probe RT-PCR Kit:

• ABI PRISM 7000 Software Setup for the QuantiFast Probe RT-PCR Kit (PCR94)
• ABI PRISM 7700 Software Setup for the QuantiFast Probe RT-PCR Kit(PCR95)
• ABI PRISM 7900 Software Setup for the QuantiFast Probe RT-PCR Kit (PCR96)

QuantiFast Probe RT-PCR +ROX Vial Kit:

• Applied Biosystems 7500 Software Setup for the QuantiFast Probe RT-PCR +ROX Vial Kit (PCR97)
• DNA Engine Opticon Software Setup for the QuantiFast Probe RT-PCR +ROX Vial Kit (PCR98)
• iCycler iQ Software Setup for the QuantiFast Probe RT-PCR +ROX Vial Kit (PCR99)
• LightCycler 1.x Software Setup for the QuantiFast Probe RT-PCR +ROX Vial Kit (PCR100)
• LightCycler 2.0 Software Setup for the QuantiFast Probe RT-PCR +ROX Vial Kit (PCR101)
• LightCycler 480 Software Setup for the QuantiFast Probe RT-PCR +ROX Vial Kit (PCR102)
• Mastercycler ep realplex Software Setup for the QuantiFast Probe RT-PCR +ROX Vial Kit (PCR103)
• Mx3005P Software Setup for the QuantiFast Probe RT-PCR +ROX Vial Kit (PCR104)
• Rotor-Gene Software Setup for the QuantiFast Probe RT-PCR +ROX Vial Kit (PCR105)

The Rotor-Gene Q instrument can be used with two different rotor formats: using tubes or rotor-dics. Tubes can be run in 36 and 72-well rotors and rotor-discs in Rotor-Disc 72 and Rotor-Disc 100 rotors. When programming the temperature profile please make sure the correct rotor type is selected.  

Principal component analysis is a well-established method of data analysis for multivariate data sets, such as obtained from, e.g.,  microarray analysis or image analysis. However, it is new in ScreenClust for HRM data. Principal Components (PCs) are extracted from the residuals plot so that the first Principle Component (PC1) represents the greatest variability or difference between all samples. The second (PC2) represents the regions of difference not already present in PC1. The third (PC3) represents differences not in PC1 and PC2.

The supervised mode in the Rotor-Gene ScreenClust HRM Software is designed for data sets with a known number of clusters where each cluster has defined controls. All samples will be grouped into one of the defined clusters.

The unsupervised mode is used if there are no controls for each cluster or if the number of clusters is not known. Based on the data presented, ScreenClust will return the recommended number of clusters and whether to separate the data in 2D or 3D. A user may choose to change either of both of these values.

Yes, use the assays at a final concentration of 1x with Rotor-Gene Probe Kits on the Rotor-Gene Q cycler.

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Our unique multiplex PCR buffer system with ammonium and potassium ions and Factor MP has been further optimized in QuantiFast and Rotor-Gene Kits. We have also discovered Q-Bond, a buffer component which supports the rapid formation of the polymerase–primer–template complex, leading to reduced annealing times.

Our RT² qPCR Primer Assays may be used on any real-time instrument. qPCR solutions are available for the most popular qPCR instrumentation, including those from QIAGEN, ABI, BioRad, Stratagene.

Instrument-specific protocols are available for selected instruments, and can be accessed at the following link: http://www.sabiosciences.com/pcrarrayprotocolfiles.php

Based on the defined standards present, the automatic threshold function of the Rotor-Gene Q scans through all the possible threshold levels until the best fit is determined. This is defined as the R value or correlation coefficient, which is maximized to most closely approach 1.0. If there is no standard present, the threshold can also be set manually.

Clusters analyzed in the Rotor-Gene ScreenClust HRM Software are groups of samples with the same melt characteristics. For example, in a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis the clusters may represent the genotypes 'wild type', 'mutant' and 'heterozygote'. ScreenClust is designed to group samples into clusters after they are separated based on differences in their melt curves. The clusters can either be defined by control samples (supervised mode) or ScreenClust can determine the appropriate number of clusters (unsupervised mode).

No, that is not necessary. Simply use the primer concentrations specified in the protocols in the handbook supplied with your Rotor-Gene Multiplex PCR Kit.

Yes. If the reaction efficiency between two PCR runs is not expected to vary, importing a standard curve from a previous run allows to estimate concentrations when a standard curve for the current run is not available. Curves can be imported from another channel, or from another run by clicking on 'Import Curve' in the Rotor-Gene Q software. Standard curves can be adjusted such that only the efficiency of the source curve is imported into the current run. Whether a standard curve should be adjusted depends on the PCR chemistry used. To adjust a standard curve, use a reference with a known concentration in the target run.

The majority of the Rotor-Gene Kit data shown in our literature has been generated with the help of the QIAgility instrument. We did not observe any problems during the pipetting steps.

The Rotor-Gene Q software version v2.2 and lower versions require a computer with Windows XP or Vista operating systems. The Rotor-Gene Q software v2.3 or higher versions can run with Windows XP or Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems.

Rotor-Gene 6000 software requires a computer with Windows XP or Vista operating system. QIAGEN will no longer support Rotor-Gene 3000 instruments and Rotor-Gene 6.0 software starting from January 1, 2014

Yes, simply use the assays at a final concentration of 1x with the Rotor-Gene Multiplex PCR Kit.

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Vapor-Lock is fully compatible with the QIAgility instrument for high-precision, automated reaction setup. It is also highly suited for use with the Rotor-Gene Q cycler. For support to program your QIAgility instrument for use with Vapor-Lock, please contact your local QIAGEN Technical Support Department.

Use of endogenous control genes corrects for variation in RNA content, variation in reverse-transcription efficiency, possible RNA degradation or presence of inhibitors in the RNA sample, variation in nucleic acid recover, and differences in sample handling. The endogenous control gene ought to have consistent expression levels between samples and among treatment conditions, and ideally has a similar expression level to that of the genes of interest. Genes commonly used as references can be found at the QuantiTect Primer Assays as endogenous controls.

We have performed numerous tests comparing the performance of Rotor-Gene SYBR Green PCR Kits and QuantiTect Kits with QuantiTect Primer Assays. Due to the optimized ion concentrations in the PCR buffers, both perform equally well with QuantiTect Primer Assays and do not require any adjustment of primer concentration.

Rotor-Gene Kits are specifically developed for the Rotor-Gene Q PCR Cycler. The unique rotary system of the cycler combined with the kits’ proprietary buffer system enable ultrafast cycling. Rotor-Gene Kits do not contain ROX dye since no normalization to a passive reference is required. Also, Rotor-Gene Kits do not contain dUTP; therefore, UNG pretreatment is not possible.

No. The speed at which the samples spin on the Rotor-Gene Q is not high enough to apply any significant centrifugal force on them.

The sample rotor of the Rotor-Gene Q spins continuously at a speed of 400 rpm during a run.

The specific features of Rotor-Gene Kits and Rotor-Gene cyclers work synergetically to enable an ultrafast-cycling protocol. We do not guarantee that the performance of the Rotor-Gene Multiplex RT-PCR Kit with the same cycling protocol will be the same on other cyclers.

Yes. Rotor-Gene Kits will also work on the Rotor-Gene 6000 and Rotor-Gene 3000 PCR cyclers with the cycling conditions specified in the Rotor-Gene kit handbooks.

Once all melt curves are normalized, they are on a comparable basis. To make the information within each curve more useful for comparison, each curve is differentiated. The Residuals Plot is a plot of the difference between each sample and the composite median of all the samples after differentiation. The Residuals Plot of the Rotor-Gene ScreenClust HRM Software is different from a "Difference Plot" known from standard HRM software packages.