Perform the background calibration monthly.
During the background calibration, the software captures a series of images of the
background plate or array card using each instrument filter. The software compares
the fluorescence from each well to the average for the plate or array card. A
background calibration passes if the collected images for all filters are free of
abnormal fluorescence.
Background fluorescence
Fluorescence data collected by the instrument includes a fluorescence signal inherent
to the instrument, referred to as “background fluorescence.” Background fluorescence
is a composite signal found in all spectral data that consists of fluorescence from
several sources, including:
• Background electronic signal
• Contaminants in the sample block
• The plastic consumable (plate or array card)
IMPORTANT!
Wear powder-free gloves and safety glasses when you prepare plates
or array cards.
Prepare the calibration consumable appropriate for your QuantStudio
™
6 or 7 Flex
System:
• “Prepare the background calibration plate“ on page 46
• “Preparing array cards for instrument calibration“ on page 37
Materials required
• Background Plate
• Centrifuge with plate adapter
• Powder-free gloves
• Safety goggles
Prepare the plate
IMPORTANT!
Wear powder-free gloves and safety glasses when you prepare the
plate.
1.
Remove the background calibration plate from the freezer, then thaw it at room
temperature for approximately 30 minutes.
IMPORTANT!
Use the calibration plate within 2 hours of defrosting it. Until you
are ready to run the plate, store it in the dark and at ambient temperature
(15–30°C). Do not remove the plate from its packaging until you are ready to run
it.
When to perform
the calibration
About the
calibration data
Preparing the
calibration plate
or array card
Prepare the
background
calibration plate
Chapter 2
Calibrate the instrument
Background calibration
2
46
QuantStudio
™
6 and 7 Flex Real-Time PCR Systems v1.6 Maintenance and Administration Guide