Abstract:
A biological analysis system is provided. The system comprises a sample block assembly. The sample block assembly comprises a sample block configured to accommodate a sample holder, the sample holder configured to receive a plurality of samples. The system also comprises a control system configured to cycle the plurality of samples through a series of temperatures. The system further comprises an automated tray comprising a slide assembly, the tray configured to reversibly slide the sample block assembly from a closed to an open position to allow user access to the plurality of sample holders.
Abstract:
Aspects of the present invention describe a method and apparatus for automating quality control for gene expression data. A computer based device receives gene expression data associated with a spectral species and genetic sample in each well of a plate. Gene expression data may be received from a sequence detection instrument performing one or more gene expression related operations for each of the wells of the plate. The computer based device identifies gene expression data determined to have anomalous characteristics according to a set of one or more quality control metrics and may conditionally flag one or more wells of the plate affected by the anomalous characteristics. Filters can then be selectively applied to temporarily or permanently remove the flagged data from subsequent gene expression studies.
Abstract:
A biological analysis system is provided. The system comprises a sample block assembly. The sample block assembly comprises a sample block configured to accommodate a sample holder, the sample holder configured to receive a plurality of samples. The system also comprises a control system configured to cycle the plurality of samples through a series of temperatures. The system further comprises an automated tray comprising a slide assembly, the tray configured to reversibly slide the sample block assembly from a closed to an open position to allow user access to the plurality of sample holders.
Abstract:
In one exemplary embodiment, a method for validating an instrument is provided. The method includes receiving amplification data from a validation plate to generate a plurality of amplification curves. The validation plate includes a sample of a first quantity and a second quantity, and each amplification curve includes an exponential region. The method further includes determining a set of fluorescence thresholds based on the exponential regions of the plurality of amplification curves and determining, for each fluorescence threshold of the set, a first set of cycle threshold (Ct) values of amplification curves generated from the samples of the first quantity and a second set of Ct values of amplification curves generated from the samples of the second quantity. The method includes calculating if the first and second quantities are sufficiently distinguishable based on Ct values at each of the plurality of fluorescence thresholds.
Abstract:
In one exemplary embodiment, a method for calibrating an instrument is provided. The instrument includes an optical system capable of imaging florescence emission from a plurality of reaction sites. The method includes performing a region-of-interest (ROI) calibration to determine reaction site positions in an image. The method further includes performing a pure dye calibration to determine the contribution of a fluorescent dye used in each reaction site by comparing a raw spectrum of the fluorescent dye to a pure spectrum calibration data of the fluorescent dye. The method further includes performing an instrument normalization calibration to determine a filter normalization factor. The method includes performing an RNase P validation to validate the instrument is capable of distinguishing between two different quantities of sample.
Abstract:
The invention discloses a system and methods for quantitating the presence of nucleic acid sequences by evaluation of amplification data generated using real-time PCR. In one aspect, the methods may be adapted to identify a threshold and threshold cycle for one or more reactions based upon evaluation of exponential and baseline regions for each amplification reaction. The methodology used in the analysis may be readily automated such that subjective user interpretation of the data is substantially reduced or eliminated.