Facility Equipment

ABI PRISM 7900HT

The ABI PRISM 7900HT sequence detection system (SDS) is designed for high throughput detection of fluorescent PCR-related chemistries. The ABI 7900HT is capable of real-time, end-point, and dissociation curve analyses. A Microsoft Windows-compatible computer coordinates the 7900HT instrument, bar-code reader, and automation module. The software saves the raw data from individual samples, whole plates, or batches of plates for analysis. More information on the instrument can be found at the Applied Biosystems web site.

The instrument is currently configured to use 384-well or 96-well plates and is capable of unattended 24-hour operation using a robotic arm to process plates in the queue (384-well format is preferred because the cost of the actual plates is lower, as is the cost of reagents/reaction). Users drop off plates for assay. Data on a CD is provided to the users, as well as SDS software for data analysis. Usual turnaround time is same day or next morning, depending on when plates are dropped off.

Beckman Biomek NXp Laboratory Automation Workstation

An eight-channel 96/384-well format Beckman pipetting robot is utilized for setting up large-scale, real-time PCR reactions.

Droplet Digital PCR System from QuantaLife

It is a third generation PCR system that can quantify RNA and DNA molecules by Droplet Digital PCR Technology. The equipment can be used for the detection and quantification of low-levels pathogens, rare genetic sequences, copy number variations, relative gene expression in single cells, and analysis of DNA methylation. More information about the system can be found at www.QuantaLife.com.