QIAcuity Digital PCR System

For nanoplate-based digital PCR applications

Virtual Demo

Explore the virtual tour to learn more and see this product in action.

QIAcuity One, 2plex Device

Cat no. / ID. 911001

One-plate digital PCR instrument (cat.no 911000 QIAcuity One, 2plex instrument) for detecting up to 2 fluorescent dyes, roller, USB flash memory and QIAcuity Software Suite: includes 1 preventive maintenance visit. 1 year warranty on labor, travel, and parts also included.

Format

One

Four

Eight

Multi-channel detection

2 channels (up to 4plex)

8 channels (up to 12plex)

Service Options

Device

System

System FUL-2

Inquire

The QIAcuity is intended for molecular biology applications. This product is not intended for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of a disease. Therefore, the performance characteristics of the product for clinical use (i.e., diagnostic, prognostic, therapeutic or blood banking) is unknown. For diagnostic applications of digital PCR, please use the QIAcuityDx Digital PCR System.

Virtual Demo

Explore the virtual tour to learn more and see this product in action.

Start tour

Features

Fully integrated system
Scalable format (1-, 4- and 8-plate instruments)
Advanced multiplexing capabilities (up to 12 plex)
Up to six standard channels plus two hybrid channels for LSS dyes
Flexible sample throughput
Comprehensive results in approx. 2 hours

Product Details

The QIAcuity Digital PCR System is designed to deliver precise and multiplexed quantification results for mutation detection, copy number variation (CNV), gene expression studies, gene-editing analysis, and many more. This nanoplate-based system seamlessly integrates a standard dPCR workflow of partitioning, thermocycling and imaging into a walk-away automated platform with minimal hands-on time.

The system is used in conjunction with the QIAcuity nanoplates, reagents and assays.

Explore the virtual demo to learn more about QIAcuity.

Performance

The QIAcuity Digital PCR System makes absolute quantification accessible and affordable for all laboratories. The walk-away automation integrates and streamlines the entire digital PCR workflow of partitioning, thermocycling and imaging into a single instrument with minimal hands-on time. It is also easy to adapt your current qPCR assays to the QIAcuity Digital PCR System. No change in plate handling is required when coming from qPCR, assuring fast assay setup and quick results in approx. 2 hours.

QIAcuity Instruments – features and specifications

Feature	QIAcuity One 2plex	QIAcuity One 5plex	QIAcuity Four	QIAcuity Eight
Plates processed	1	1	4	8
Detection channels	2	8¹) (6+2 hybrid²)	8¹) (6+2 hybrid²)	8¹) (6+2 hybrid²)
Multiplexing capability	4	12³⁾¹⁾	12³⁾¹⁾	12³⁾¹⁾
Thermocycler(s)	1	1	1	2
Time to result	Approx. 2 h	Approx. 2 h	First plate approx. 2 h Every ∼80 min a following plate	First plate approx. 2 h Every ∼40 min a following plate
Throughput (samples processed in a workday)	Up to 384 (96-well) Up to 96 (24-well)	Up to 384 (96-well) Up to 96 (24-well)	Up to 672 (96-well) Up to 168 (24-well)	Up to 1248 (96-well) Up to 312 (24-well)

1) Requires use of QIAcuity High Multiplex Probe PCR Kit in case of multiplexing >5plex
2) Hybrid channels are used for Long Stokes Shift (LSS) dyes
3) Detection of 12 targets in parallel can be achieved by using amplitude multiplexing in the six standard channels. When combining hybrid channels for single plex LSS dyes and amplitude multiplexing, the total possible multiplex can be increased to 14. However, this combination is not recommended due to the optimization demand for all assays used in a reaction mix and their corresponding crosstalk compensation.

Principle

In just 3 simple steps, you can have the dPCR result you want in approx. 2 hours: pipette and load, run the experiment, analyze results.

The principle of the dPCR reaction in the nanoplates is described here.

Procedure

Just like in qPCR experiments, sample preparation includes the transfer of master mix, probes and primers to a 96- or 24-well nanoplate, followed by the addition of samples. The system integrates partitioning, thermocycling and imaging into a single fully automated instrument that takes users from the sample to result in under 2 hours. One can perform analysis on the Software Suite, providing the concentration in copies per microliter of your target sequence as well as for quality control such as positive samples or NTC. This analysis can also be extended to remote computers within the same local area network (LAN).

Applications

The QIAcuity instruments, together with the QIAcuity Nanoplates and the QIAcuity PCR kits, enable digital PCR applications, including:

Rare mutation detection
Copy number variation analysis
Gene expression analysis
Pathogen detection
Genotyping
miRNA research
Cell and gene therapy

Software

The QIAcuity Software Suite provided with the instrument and installed on a separate computer controls one or multiple QIAcuity instruments, either connected directly to one instrument or using an existing local area network (LAN). Using the QIAcuity Software Suite, digital PCR experiments, samples and reaction mixes can be defined, assigned to Nanoplates, and transferred to the QIAcuity instrument. After the run, data can be analyzed, reports can be created and data can be exported for external analysis. The software provides multiple template functionalities to make repeating plate layouts or plate run parameters easily accessible, further transforming your digital PCR experience.

When integrated into a local area network, the computer is hosting the QIAcuity Software Suite function as a server that is accessible via LAN to other computers serving as clients. This enables multiple users to access the software from other rooms or offices and analyze data via a standard browser without the need to install the software on multiple computers or access and exchange data via internet connections.

Services

Protect your instrument with diverse service solutions from QIAGEN. Learn more about a specific service agreement to match your needs.

Supporting data and figures

A simple and rapid plate-based workflow

Partitioning, thermocycling and imaging are all integrated into a single fully automated instrument, delivering results in under two hours. Nanoplate formats are amenable to front-end automation for sample preparation, further reducing hands-on time.

Data accuracy was demonstrated by repeatable results in two independent runs using the QIAcuity Nanoplate dPCR.

Comparable quantification in singleplex and 5plex setups.

Multiplexing feasibility of cDNA targets of strongly varying abundance was confirmed.

Quantifying twelve targets in parallel on the QIAcuity Digital PCR System.

QIAcuity quantifications using single, duplex or 12-plex reactions are highly concordant.

Kits & Consumables

dPCR Kits

dPCR Assays

dPCR Accessories

Detection of

Cell type

Volume

QIAcuity High Multiplex Probe PCR Kit (1mL)

Cat. No.: 250133

QIAcuity High Multiplex Probe PCR Kit (5mL)

Cat. No.: 250134

QIAcuity RCL Quant Kit

Cat. No.: 250322

QIAcuity Probe PCR Kit (1 ml)

Cat. No.: 250101

QIAcuity Probe PCR Kit (25 ml)

Cat. No.: 250103

QIAcuity UCP Probe PCR Kit (1 ml)

Cat. No.: 250121

QIAcuity UCP Probe PCR Kit (5 ml)

Cat. No.: 250122

Service Plans

QIAcuity One 2plex Full Agreement

Cat no. / ID. 9245362

On-site QIAcuity One 2plex instrument repair, including travel, labor, and parts, for a period of one year. Response time of two business days. Includes one preventive maintenance during the Full Agreement period.

Inquire

QIAcuity One 2plex Core Agreement

Cat no. / ID. 9245358

One on-site repair service and one on-site preventive maintenance including travel, labor, and spare parts for a period of one year. Response time of five business days. Includes a 10% discount on additional repair service during agreement period.

Inquire

QIAcuity One 5plex Core Agreement

Cat no. / ID. 9245359

Inquire

QIAcuity Four Core Agreement

Cat no. / ID. 9245360

Inquire

QIAcuity Eight Core Agreement

Cat no. / ID. 9245361

Inquire

QIAcuity One 2plex Basic Agreement

Cat no. / ID. 9245401

On-site QIAcuity One 2plex instrument repair, including travel, labor, and parts, for a period of one year. Response time of five business days. Includes one Preventive Maintenance or Inspection Service during the Basic Agreement period.

Inquire

QIAcuity One 5plex Basic Agreement

Cat no. / ID. 9245402

On-site QIAcuity One 5plex instrument repair, including travel, labor, and parts, for a period of one year. Response time of five business days. Includes one Preventive Maintenance or Inspection Service during the Basic Agreement period.

Inquire

QIAcuity One 5plex Full Agreement

Cat no. / ID. 9245363

On-site QIAcuity One 5plex instrument repair, including travel, labor, and parts, for a period of one year. Response time of two business days. Includes one preventive maintenance during the Full Agreement period.

Inquire

QIAcuity Four Full Agreement

Cat no. / ID. 9245364

On-site QIAcuity Four instrument repair, including travel, labor, and parts, for a period of one year. Response time of two business days. Includes one preventive maintenance during the Full Agreement period.

Inquire

QIAcuity Eight Full Agreement

Cat no. / ID. 9245365

On-site QIAcuity Eight instrument repair, including travel, labor, and parts, for a period of one year. Response time of two business days. Includes one preventive maintenance during the Full Agreement period.

Inquire

FAQ

This is not needed. The QIAcuity is equipped with a flexible power supply technology and operates within a range of 100–240V AC, 50/60 Hz, 1500 VA (max).

FAQ-3761

The instrument software GUI shows error codes including a description and information how to resolve the error. The instrument touchscreen shows an alarm icon in the upper right corner that turns red in case of an instrument failure. Accessing the System Status in the Tool tab allows users to clear errors. Rebooting of the instrument is required to complete the removal of the error. Please do not skip this step. You may always contact QIAGEN Technical Services in case of any question.

FAQ-3763

The user manual contains instructions on how to perform a regular cleaning and decontamination, and how to replace air filters on the QIAcuity instruments. A regular maintenance reduces the dust in the instrument and therefore minimizes the presence of dust particles on the nanoplate, which might interfere with the plate analysis.

FAQ-3765

If you had run a nanoplate for which the installed VPF misses the specific factor, the software will notify you. If you then analyze without the specific VPF, the impact depends on the variation of the partition volume of the new Nanoplate batch compared to the latest. Typically this variation is ±6–7% (approx. 5% CV over the entire plate). The analysis may be repeated after updating the VPF file. After installing the latest VPF and re-analysis of the run, a copy of the plate is generated in the QIAcuity Software Suite including the new results.

FAQ-3769

Yes, the report includes a notification if the matching VPF was missing and, therefore, not applied to the analysis. If the matching VPF was applied there is no notification on the report.

FAQ-3770

If you had analyzed your nanoplates without VFP, the impact depends on the variation of the partition volume of the new nanoplate batch compared to the latest. The VPF reduces the CV from approximately 5% to 2%. We recommend to reanalyze results in case the data originated from different wells (e.g., copy number variations or gene expression data sets for which the reference sample was measured in a different well). Results obtained across different plates should also be r-analyzed. A reanalysis is not required for assay data that were analyzed within the same well (e.g., mutation rate determination using two channels within the same well).

FAQ-3771

A standard PCR plate is required to set up dPCR reaction before transferring it to the nanoplate to ensure a proper mixing of the reaction mix before partitioning.

FAQ-3774

QIAGEN master mixes are optimized for nanoplate microfluidics and are recommended to be used with our dPCR system. They also include an optimized reference dye required for proper analysis.

FAQ-3777

All DNA samples used in reaction mixes should show similar quality and quantity, which can easily be assessed using UV spectrophotometry. DNA samples with an average length of ≥20 kb (e.g., genomic DNA purified via spin column with silica membrane) should be fragmented by restriction digestion before partitioning. Enzymatic fragmentation of larger DNA ensures an even distribution of template throughout the QIAcuity Nanoplate, which in turn leads to an accurate and precise quantification.

FAQ-3778

The QIAcuity Probe PCR Kit should be stored immediately upon receipt at –30 to –15°C in a constant-temperature freezer and protected from light. The QIAcuity Probe PCR master mix can also be stored protected from light at 2–8°C. Components are stable for 12 months, unless otherwise indicated on the label.
The QIAcuity EG PCR Kit should be stored immediately upon receipt at –30 to –15°C in a constant-temperature freezer and protected from light. The QIAcuity EG PCR master mix can also be stored protected from light at 2–8°C. Components are stable for 6 months, unless otherwise indicated on the label.
The QIAcuity Nanoplates does not have expiry date and are stable for at least 1 year when stored at RT.

FAQ-3780

The plate is designed for a single use run. For example, even if only 30 samples are loaded into the 96-well plate, a whole plate will be sealed by the roller. It can't be unsealed and used for another run. The QIAcuity Software won’t allow to set up a separate experiment for the same nanoplate to avoid that previously processed plates being not partitioned a second time.

FAQ-3781

An essential temperature gradient functionality was introduced with software version 2.5. When updating older software versions to 2.5, each QIAcuity instrument will offer the temperature gradient and may be used to find the best cycling temperature for new dPCR assays. When running a QIAcuity Four or a QIAcuity Eight, all plates may have their own temperature profile, including the option for a temperature gradient.

FAQ-3783

The VPF provides a set of well-specific and molding form-specific factors used to specify the exact reaction volume of a nanoplate, thus increasing the concentration calculation of each well.

FAQ-3784

In general, nanoplates provide partitions of fixed sizes that enable a very precise way of sample concentration calculation. If a new molding form is used for nanoplate manufacturing, potential variation of partition sizes can be addressed by applying the molding form-specific VPF. Thus, each time a new molding form is used, a new VPF is created and made available. Currently, the VPF is updated once every 3–6 months.

FAQ-3785

In dPCR we measure the absolute concentration of targets at endpoint reaction. Concentrations of unknowns can be determined based on dPCR results observed (number of negatives, number of positives, and partition volume analyzed).

FAQ-3786

Country and Language

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

TB Management

Transplant

Infectious Disease

Oncology

Sexual & Reproductive Health

Sample Processing

Solutions for Laboratory-Developed Tests

QIAcuity Digital PCR System

For nanoplate-based digital PCR applications

QIAcuity One, 2plex Device

Features

Product Details

Performance

Principle

Procedure

Applications

Software

Services

Supporting data and figures

A simple and rapid plate-based workflow

Kits & Consumables

Service Plans

QIAcuity One 2plex Full Agreement

QIAcuity One 2plex Core Agreement

QIAcuity One 5plex Core Agreement

QIAcuity Four Core Agreement

QIAcuity Eight Core Agreement

QIAcuity One 2plex Basic Agreement

QIAcuity One 5plex Basic Agreement

QIAcuity One 5plex Full Agreement

QIAcuity Four Full Agreement

QIAcuity Eight Full Agreement

FAQ