Fluorescence Reader

• Genotyping of allele conditions extremely simple and fast
• Combines advantages of rapidPCR and simple endpoint detection
• Integrated genotyping software ASpect SNP
• Multi-component analysis
• 96 samples in parallel within less than 60 min (incl. PCR)
• Risk of contamination is significantly reduced
• Alternative to other expensive SNP detection systems
• Can be equipped with up to 4 excitation and emission filters of choice
• Can be used as simple PCR endpoint detector
• Ideal for routine diagnostic
• Read-out of 96 wells within 4 seconds (independent of the number of dyes)

The integrated genotyping software ASpect SNP serves as the basis for final analysis of the allele conditions. This software performs a multi-component analysis to evaluate the endpoint fluorescence measured for both probes. This analysis allows researchers to pinpoint the existing allele condition accurately. This new kind of genotyping is extremely fast and permits measurement of up to 96 samples in parallel within less than 60 minutes including PCR.

Sample vessels no longer have to be opened after the assays are complete, which significantly reduces the risk of contamination and, as such, represents an excellent, cost-effective alternative to other expensive SNP detection systems.

Prepared for the future

The SNPtower can be equipped with up to 4 excitation and emission filters to meet different application demands. These filters are easily interchangeable, making the system flexible for future adaptations or changes. The instrument is therefore ideally suited for multiple applications and covers most currently available dyes.

Fast detection of PCR products

In addition to its applications in SNP diagnostics, the SNPtower can be also used as a fluorescence reader for easy determination of PCR products. The ability to identify PCR products without opening the reaction vessel significantly reduces the risk of contamination. Simple yes/no statements are frequently sufficient – particularly for diagnostic applications – for such applications as demonstrating the presence of a microorganism in a clinical sample as evidence of an infection.

ASpect SNP – simple and clear

Intuitive, fast and easy operation are hallmarks of the SNPtower software, which not only controls the PCR reaction and the subsequent measurement processes, but also permits extensive, GLP- compliant evaluation and user management, while also providing a means for assigning user rights.

• Configurable graphic representations of all recorded data
• User-defined color channels and links to individual evaluation criteria; may be saved for later use
• SNP detection evaluation algorithms
• Toggle between languages at the touch of a button
• Context-related online help
• User management and audit trail

NOTE: the SNPtower is not applicable for real-time PCR but only for endpoint detection by means of detection before and after the PCR run.

• Fast PCR fluorescence detection
• Ideal for diagnostic applications (yes/no statements)
• SNP detection evaluation algorithms available
• Cost-effective alternative to expensive real-time systems
• Significantly reduced risk of contamination
• Up to 4 different fluorescence filters selectable
• Many times faster than gel electrophoresis
• The ideal supplement for existing thermal cyclers
• Simple & clear software
• Configurable graphic representations of all recorded data
• Individual evaluation criteria, storage for re-use as user-defined templates
• Bilingualism at the press of a button
• Context-related online help
• User management and audit trail
  

High speed and flexibility

PCR endpoint detection offers further essential advantages. The introduction of rapid thermal cyclers, such as the AlphaSC or SpeedCycler² , reduces the time required to perform typical amplifications to 8 minutes. Traditional gel electrophoresis, which can take 30 – 45 minutes to run plus preparation time, therefore represents a time restraint.

The readout of a 96 well PCR microplate with SpeedScan, on the other hand, is completed in 50 seconds per color channel. SpeedScan can record up to 4 different fluorescence filters, which makes it ideally suited for multiplex applications. The fluorescence filters can, of course, be used and exchanged as desired.

The following is an example of how to combine timesaving rapidPCR, followed by detection with the SpeedScan:

• Verification of genetic changes (mutations, SNP diagnostics)
  
• HLA typecast ? Bacteriological verification (rapid MRSA tests, food pathogens)
  
• Virus detection (H5N1)
  
• Assay development on request

Real-time PCR is not always needed

SpeedScan is a fluorescence reader specially designed for easy determination of PCR products. Once the target has been successfully amplified, direct qualitative evaluation of the PCR can be performed by means of fluorescence detection – without opening the reaction vessel, thus significantly reducing the risk of contamination.

Simple yes/no statements are frequently sufficient, for instance – particularly for diagnostic applications – as a means of identifying a microorganism in a clinical sample as evidence of an infection. This is an application for SpeedScan.The system represents an excellent and cost-effective alternative to expensive real-time PCR systems. SpeedScan is ideally suited as a supplement to existing thermal cyclers.

ASpect FA – simple and clear

Intuitive, fast and easy operation are hallmarks of the SpeedScan software. It not only controls measurement processes, but also permits extensive, GLP-compliant evaluation and user management, and makes it possible to assign user access rights.