Quantitative PCR (Q-PCR)

Quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) has enabled researchers to study and analyze the quantification of DNA as the molecule is amplified and detected real time.  The technology takes a step beyond end point PCR where the sample is measured at the end.  The data generated from Q-PCR can be used to calculate relative gene expression as well as determine melting curve data for samples in multiple wells simultaneously. 

Companies such as Applied Biosystems (Life Technologies) and Roche have developed instruments that can read and record signals from amplicons as they are generated during the amplification process.  Various techniques utilizing dyes or signal quenching chemistry can be used for detection in 96 or 384 format microplates.  The technology can be utilized in both research and diagnostic settings.      

 

Left:  ABI 7900 System  Right:  LightCycler 480

Caliper QPCR Automation Workflows

In collaboration with both Applied Biosystems (Life Technologies) and Roche, Caliper Life Sciences offers expanded capabilities and workflows to automate the labor intensive manual steps associated with sample preparation and plate loading of Q-PCR instruments. Caliper’s Twister® II Plate Handler is an ideal solution for plate loading and unloading the ABI 7900, Vaii7, Roche LightCycler 480, or Bio-Rad CFX384.  Additional options may include a barcode reader for sample tracking and dynamic method selection.  The Sciclone® G3 Workstation and the Zephyr® Molecular Biology Workstation are specially designed to automate the routine extraction & purification, sample processing and reaction setup.



Zephyr, Twister, Sciclone, and LabChip are registered trademarks of Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.
LightCycler is a trademark of Roche Applied Science
ABI is a registered trademark of Applied Biosystems (Life Technologies)