The PCR Blog: The Polymerase Chain Reaction

In weighing up the pros and cons of the different platforms for your laboratory, factors to consider include: supported chemistries; multiplex capability for that chemistry; throughput; flexibility; format; easy-of-use and robust software package; reproducibility; speed; size; technical support; customer support and not least the cost, not only of the initial equipment outlay and servicing but also the associated cost of consumables and reagents. It is also possible to 'try before you buy', most companies will provide a loan machine. It is wise to test a few of these once you have narrowed down your choice. User experiences should not be overlooked and there are now a number of useful websites and news groups where you can address you questions and queries.

from Logan and Edwards (2009) in Real-Time PCR: Current Technology and Applications

Bibliography:

1. Real-Time PCR: Current Technology and Applications
2. Real-Time PCR in Microbiology: From Diagnosis to Characterization
3. PCR Troubleshooting: The Essential Guide
4. PCR Books

Labels: ease-of-use, flexibility, format, multiplex, pros and cons, reproducibility, size, software, speed, supported chemistries, technical support, throughput, user experiences

Ideally, the analysis software supplied with the platform should be as user-friendly as possible but it is also important to check that the software can fully analyse results of the chosen probe chemistry. Some platforms and analysis software suites are biased towards certain chemistries. Some real-time instruments also have specific primer and probe design software that is either supplied with the hardware or available at extra cost. Such software can help simplify and speed up the assay design process and is optimised for that system and reagents. The LightCyclers also have specific relative quantification software that is designed to determine the exact relative nucleic acid concentration normalized to a calibrator sample. This software speeds up and greatly simplifies relative quantification.

from Logan and Edwards (2009) in Real-Time PCR: Current Technology and Applications

Bibliography:

1. Real-Time PCR: Current Technology and Applications
2. Real-Time PCR in Microbiology: From Diagnosis to Characterization
3. PCR Troubleshooting: The Essential Guide
4. PCR Books

Labels: qPCR, qPCR software, qPCR thermal cycler, qRT-PCR, RT-PCR software, software