Problem/symptom
Possible cause
Action
Well displays the BLFAIL flag,
indicating that the software cannot
calculate the best fit baseline for the
data.
• Amplification too late
• No amplification
If a well is flagged, confirm the results:
1. Select the flagged well(s) in the plate layout or well table.
2. View the amplification plot (R
n
vs. Cycle and DR
n
vs. Cycle) and check
for early, late, low, or no amplification.
3. Contact Thermo Fisher Scientific to order a replacement RNase P
plate or array card. Repeat the test, making sure to properly seal and
centrifuge the RNase P plate or array card. If the replacement RNase
P plate or array card fails, contact Technical Support for assistance.
• Well displays the CTFAIL flag,
indicating that the software
cannot calculate the threshold
cycle (C
t
).
• Well displays the EXPFAIL flag,
indicating that the software
cannot identify the exponential
region of the amplification plot.
• Amplification too early
• Amplification too late
• Low amplification
• No amplification
Well displays the HIGHSD flag,
indicating that the C
t
standard
deviation for the replicate group
exceeds the current flag setting.
• Droplets on the sides of the
wells
• Improper sealing or seal leaks
• Condensation on the plate or
array card
• Inconsistent volumes across the
plate or array card
If a well is flagged, confirm the results:
1. Select the flagged well(s) and the associated replication group(s) in
the plate layout or well table.
2. View the amplification plot (R
n
vs. Cycle), and review the data for
abnormalities.
3. Hold the plate or array card up to a light source, and check for
condensation or evaporation.
If there are differences in fluid volumes, check the heat seal of the
wells with lower volumes for signs of damage or evaporation.
4. Contact Thermo Fisher Scientific to order a replacement RNase P
plate or array card. Repeat the test, and make sure to properly
centrifuge the RNase P consumable. If the replacement RNase P plate
or array card fails, contact Technical Support for assistance.
Well displays the NOAMP flag,
indicating that the sample did not
amplify.
• Missing template
• Excitation source in the
instrument stopped functioning
Well displays the NOISE flag,
indicating that the well produced
more noise in the amplification plot
than other wells on the plate or
array card.
• Droplets on the sides of the
wells
• Improper sealing or seal leaks
• Condensation on the plate or
array card.
Chapt
er 2
Calibr
at
e the ins
trument
Troubl
eshooting
2
QuantStudio
™
6 and 7 Fl
ex Real-Time PCR Sys
tems v1.6 Maint
enanc
e and Adminis
tr
ation Guide
79