Techne PrimeQ - Manual (Page 46)

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2.4 System overview
PrimeQ is a real-time PCR unit into which the operator places a 96-well plate containing the
samples to be analysed. The unit is connected to a PC via the USB port on which the application
software (Quansoft) is run. The software allows the user to:
1. Create a PCR program defining dyes, read points, thermal cycling and analysis methods.
2. Run the program.
3. Analyse the fluorescence readings.
• Thermal cycler:
The specialized block cycles the temperature according to the pre-
defined PCR program.
• Reader:
Allows fluorescence within each well of the plate to be read at
specified points during the PCR program. The reader excites the
samples at one wavelength and then detects the emitted fluorescence
at another.
• Software: The unit requires a PC installed with the application software,
Quansoft, for protocols to be defined and downloaded and for the
data to then be analysed.
• Consumable:
The unit accommodates a low-profile 96-well plate (skirted or non-
skirted) sealed with optical sealing film.
PrimeQ consists of three key parts: the optics module; a thermal cycler module and a scanning
module.
2.5 Optics module
The role of the optics module is to deliver excitation light into each well and measure the emitted
light at defined points in the PCR cycle. The light source is a solid state white light source with the
excitation and emission wavelengths controlled by a system of filters and a dichroic mirror housed
in the user-changeable filer cartridges. Four such filter cartridges can be accommodated at any
one time in the filter carousel.