Rotor-Gene Q MDx CE User Manual 02/2022
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9
Optical Temperature Verification
Optical Temperature Verification (OTV) is a method that verifies the in-tube temperature in a Rotor-
Gene Q MDx. Validation of in-tube temperature can be an important procedure in certified
laboratories. OTV is performed using a Rotor-Disc OTV Kit (see Section 16). In the following, only
a short introduction to the OTV principle is given. Performance of the OTV procedure is explained
in the Rotor-Gene Q MDx software. For a more detailed description of the OTV procedure, including
a troubleshooting guide, please refer to the
Rotor-Disc OTV Handbook
.
9.1
OTV principle
OTV uses the optical properties of 3 thermochromatic liquid crystals (TLC)* as absolute temperature
references. When heated, TLCs change from opaque to transparent at very precise temperatures
(50, 75, and 90°C). TLCs do not themselves fluoresce. Therefore, it is necessary to cover the
excitation source with a fluorescent insert so that the TLC transition points can be detected by the
Rotor-Gene Q MDx optical system. TLCs that are below their transition temperature are opaque and
reflect light. Some of the reflected light scatters towards the detector, increasing fluorescence. When
the in-tube temperature reaches the TLC transition point, the TLC becomes transparent, and light
passes through the sample rather than being reflected toward the detector, resulting in a decrease
in fluorescence. The change in fluorescence is used to determine the precise transition temperature
of each TLC. The transition temperature is compared with the temperature reported by the factory
calibration file for the OTV Rotor-Disc to verify whether the Rotor-Gene Q MDx is within temperature
specification.
9.2
Rotor-Disc OTV Kit components
The following components are required to run an OTV:
A Rotor-Disc OTV Kit, which includes:
o
Sealed Rotor-Disc 72 OTV Rotor (contains TLCs)
o
Fluorescent scatter plate insert (Rotor-Gene 3000 instrument or Rotor-Gene Q/6000
instruments)
o
A Removable Media that contains the following files: OTV Rotor serial number and
expiry date file (
*
.txt
); OTV test template file (
*
.ret
); Product Sheet (
*
); factory
calibration file (
*
.rex
)
* When working with chemicals, always wear a suitable lab coat, disposable gloves, and protective goggles. For more
information, consult the appropriate safety data sheets (SDSs), available from the product supplier.