QIAcuity Digital PCR System

For nanoplate-based digital PCR applications

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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
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.

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

Service Plans

QIAcuity One 2plex Full Agreement

Cat. No. / ID. / 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.
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Available on demand

QIAcuity One Preventive Subscription

Cat. No. / ID. / ID.   9245355

One on-site preventive maintenance (PM), including travel, labor, and PM parts. Includes a 10% discount on repair services during Preventive Subscription period and documentation in a GMP/GLP-compliant visit report.
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Available on demand

QIAcuity Four Preventive Subscription

Cat. No. / ID. / ID.   9245356

One on-site preventive maintenance (PM), including travel, labor, and PM parts. Includes a 10% discount on repair services during Preventive Subscription period and documentation in a GMP/GLP-compliant visit report.
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Available on demand

QIAcuity Eight Preventive Subscription

Cat. No. / ID. / ID.   9245357

One on-site preventive maintenance (PM), including travel, labor, and PM parts. Includes a 10% discount on repair services during Preventive Subscription period and documentation in a GMP/GLP-compliant visit report.
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Available on demand

QIAcuity One 2plex Core Agreement

Cat. No. / ID. / 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.
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Available on demand

QIAcuity One 5plex Core Agreement

Cat. No. / ID. / ID.   9245359

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.
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Available on demand

QIAcuity Four Core Agreement

Cat. No. / ID. / ID.   9245360

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.
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Available on demand

QIAcuity Eight Core Agreement

Cat. No. / ID. / ID.   9245361

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.
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Available on demand

QIAcuity One 5plex Full Agreement

Cat. No. / ID. / 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.
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Available on demand

QIAcuity Four Full Agreement

Cat. No. / ID. / 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.
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Available on demand

QIAcuity Eight Full Agreement

Cat. No. / ID. / 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.
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Available on demand

QIAcuity One Installation & Training

Cat. No. / ID. / ID.   9245352

Installation of instrument hardware and system software. Includes application training for hands-on experience in operating the instrument and qualifying laboratory staff. Labor, travel, and installation kit (if applicable) included.
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Available on demand

QIAcuity Four Installation & Training

Cat. No. / ID. / ID.   9245353

Installation of instrument hardware and system software. Includes application training for hands-on experience in operating the instrument and qualifying laboratory staff. Labor, travel, and installation kit (if applicable) included.
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Available on demand

QIAcuity Eight Installation & Training

Cat. No. / ID. / ID.   9245354

This service combines Installation with Applications Training to help customers gain hands-on experience of hardware, software, applications using QIAGEN platforms and facilitates professional qualifications of laboratory staff.
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Available on demand

Resources

Operating Software (8)
For Version 2
Version 4.0

The Volume Precision Factor (VPF) offers a unique feature to secure precision of concentration results obtained from a QIAcuity dPCR run. 
In general, Nanoplates provide partitions of fixed sizes that enable a very precise way of sample concentration calculation. Potential variation of partition sizes in Nanoplate batches, caused by different microstructure molding forms, can be addressed by applying the batch specific VPF. Furthermore, the VPF includes well-specific volume information and therefore further increases precision of concentration calculation in each well of the Nanoplates.

After downloading and updating the VPF file within the QIAcuity Software Suite, the VPF is applied automatically to the analysis of a corresponding Nanoplate batch. The VPF file includes information from all available microstructure molding forms and connected Nanoplate batches. It will be stored on the PC where the QIAcuity Software Suite is installed. 

Required QIAcuity Software Suite version: Version 1.2 or higher.

Version 2.1

QIAcuity Software Suite
SOFTWARE (389MB)

Version 1.2

The QIAcuity Software Suite 1.2 is designed to be installed on a Windows PC that is connected to one or more QIAcuity instruments. The QIAcuity Software Suite enables the user to set up plates, analyze results, and monitor the status of runs in real time. For this configuration, the QIAcuity instrument needs to be connected to a network through Ethernet. Alternatively, a direct cable connection between the QIAcuity and the notebook where the QIAcuity Software Suite is running needs to be established. When connected to a network, up to 10 users may access the QIAcuity Software Suite via a browser installed on the client PC (Windows or Mac).

The following browsers are supported in the QIAcuity Software Suite:

-Mozilla Firefox (version 64.0.2 or higher)
-Microsoft Edge (version 44.17763.1.0 or higher)
-Google Chrome (version 71.0.3578.98 or higher)

The new QIAcuity Software Suite 1.2 offers a functionality that enables users of the QIAcuity Software 1.1.3 to upgrade to the new version while keeping the library of previously stored plate runs.

Note: If you have exported plates from QIAcuity Software Suite 1.1.3 that you would like to import and use in QIAcuity Software Suite 1.2, you will need to import the plates before upgrading from version 1.1.3 to version 1.2. You may then export the plates again. Future software version starting from QIAcuity Software Suite 2.0 will facilitate import of plates from previous QIAcuity Software Suite versions.

The new improvements are as follows:

-Support for the Nanoplate 8.5k 24-well
-Hyperwell functionality to combine several wells to one combined well for analysis
-Automated plate archiving functionality
-Functionality to show the number of single/double positives in 2D scatterplots
-VPF (Volume Precision Factor) to further improve concentration calculation (see related resources)
-Additional improvements for stabilization and troubleshooting

For Version 1.2
Application Notes (8)
The QIAgility instrument is a liquid handler designed for automating PCR setup. For compatibility with the QIAcuity, we developed an adapter to secure up to two nanoplates onto the deck of the QIAgility. Using the QIAgility software, we have optimized a protocol that works for all nanoplate types and QIAcuity applications. Here we report the performance of a front end automated QIAgility dPCR nanoplate setup procedure for use with the QIAcuity dPCR system.
The QIAcuity digital PCR system combined with the QIAcuity One-Step Viral RT-PCR Kit enables precise detection and quantitation of vector-borne viruses in mosquitoes. The results presented in this comparison study showed that digital PCR is a powerful tool for absolute quantitation of low abundant targets and is a more reliable detection method than qPCR. Multiplexing allows detection and quantitation of multiple targets in a single reaction more efficiently by increasing sample throughput at a reduced cost per target.
The goal of this work was to compare performance of quantitative PCR (qPCR) and digital PCR (dPCR) in the quantification of gene expression and Wolbachia abundances in Nasonia parasitoid wasps.
This study tested a workflow for quantitation and qualification of AAV samples using a duplex assay on the QIAcuity dPCR instrument targeting both an insert (GFP) and the viral backbone (AAV2-ITR). With very low intra-assay and inter-assay CVs <6.5%, we demonstrate one of the main benefits of dPCR: reproducibility.
Here we report the use of saliva samples in combination with dPCR as a suitable alternative to screen for individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2.
Here we demonstrate how to optimize your assays on a microfluidic nanoplate-based digital PCR system, the QIAcuity, and provide recommendations for a seamless transfer. Moreover, the QIAcuity dPCR workflow is very similar to qPCR.
Here we compared the performance of qPCR and the nanoplate dPCR techniques. The digital PCR method on the QIAcuity significantly improved precision when measuring copy number states and sensitivity of mutation detection through absolute quantification and reduced standard error. This is advantageous in various applications, including copy number variation analysis, small fold-change and rare mutation detection.
Here we provide an integrated rAAV genome titer method using the QIAcuity Digital PCR (dPCR) System with detailed parameters for high assay performance. Using this optimized method for pre-PCR handling of in-process rAAV samples, the results demonstrated that QIAcuity dPCR system generates the same level of accuracy and precision as the current gold standard ddPCR system but with much faster sample-to-result times (2 hours vs 7 hours) and higher overall throughput and scalability.
Brochures & Guides en (2)
Fast. Scalable. Reliable.
A versatile workflow for the detection of low-abundance microbes
Instrument User Manuals (9)
Updating QIAcuity Software Suite 1.1.3 and Control Software 0.5.2.18 to QIAcuity Software 2.0
Network connection of QIAcuity instruments
For QIAcuity User Manual – Updated QIAcuity Nanoplate Partition Volumes
User manual for QIAcuity instruments and QIAcuity Software 2.1
User manual for QIAcuity instruments and QIAcuity Software 1.2
For use with QIAcuity systems

July 2021
For QIAcuity Software Suite 1.2: Updating VPF for archived or exported plates
User manual for QIAcuity instruments and QIAcuity Software 2.0
Certificates of Analysis (1)