Chapter 5
Performing the Background Calibration and Optical Calibration
Overview
50
Applied Biosystems 7300/7500/7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System Installation and Maintenance Guide
Notes
Overview
Note:
You can also use the Real-Time System Setup wizard to perform the procedure in
this chapter. To access the wizard, select
Program Files 7300/7500/7500
Fast System
Real-Time System Setup Wizard
.
Time Required
•
7300 systems:
Background calibration: 30 minutes
• 7500 systems:
– Background calibration: 30 minutes
– Optical calibration: 10 minutes
Materials
Required
When to Perform
a Background
Calibration
Perform a background calibration:
• When installing the system (you must perform all calibrations in this order: ROI
background optical (7500/7500 Fast systems only) pure dye instrument
verification).
• Monthly or as often as necessary, depending on instrument use.
• After replacing the lamp.
IMPORTANT!
7500/7500 Fast systems only:
You must perform an optical calibration
after every background calibration.
Purpose of the
Background
Calibration
A background calibration measures the level of background fluorescence in the
instrument. During a background calibration run, the system:
• Performs continuous reads of a background plate containing PCR buffer for
10 minutes at 60 °C.
• Averages the spectra recorded during the run and extracts the resulting spectral
component to a calibration file.
Powder-free
Gloves
Safety
Goggles
Background Plate
Applied BiosystemsReal-Time
PCR System Spectral
Calibration Kit
GR2170
Centrifuge with plate
adapter