Real-time PCR to Measure Minute Volumes in High Throughput Application Note · qTOWER3 84

Introduction

Steadily-increasing sample volumes and new options for molecular biology experiments are changing the demands on quantitative real-time PCR. For these, the transition to the multi-well format with 384 samples opens up new application areas for gene expression, mutation analysis, and diagnostics.

Real-time PCR in 384-well high-throughput format requires a steady homogeneous readout of minute sample volumes, which, in addition to such factors as speed and experimental accuracy in the high-throughput format, will play an increasingly important role. The qTOWER³ 84 provides precise performance in 384-well high-throughput format by means of an aluminum block with guaranteed temperature uniformity. In addition, the patented highperformance optics enables a readout time of only six seconds for a complete 384-well plate – regardless of the number of fluorescent dyes that are used.

The preparation effort required for performing a high-throughput qPCR is increasing. In addition, the setup for the reaction batch for qPCR requires certain skills and expertise. Along with a quadrupling of the number of samples of the 96-well standard format, the reduced sample volume also plays an important role. These micro-volume ranges must be pipetted with extreme precision, because even the minutest variations in raw material can lead to major differences in the amplification.