Perform the background calibration monthly.
During the background calibration, the softw
are captures a series of images of the
background plate or array card using each instrument lter. The software compares
the uorescence from each well to the average for the plate or array card. A
background calibration passes if the collected images for all lters are free of
abnormal uorescence.
Background fluorescence
Fluorescence data collected by the instrument includes a uorescence signal inherent
to the instrument, referred to as “background uorescence.” Background uorescence
is a composite signal found in all spectral data that consists of uorescence from
several sources, including:
• Background electronic signal
• Contaminants in the sample block
• The plastic consumable (plate or array card)
IMPORTANT! W
ear 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! W
ear powder-free gloves and safety glasses when you prepare the
plate.
1.
Remov
e 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
back
ground
calibration plate
Chapter 2 Calibr
ate the instrument
Background calibration
2
46
QuantStudio
™
6 and 7 Flex Real-Time PCR Systems v1.6 Maintenance and Administration Guide