The setup of quantitative PCRs demands the highest pipetting precision and challenges even the most experienced technicians. Automation is of great benefit, especially when consistency of results between operators or laboratories is a primary concern. The CAS-1200 was developed specifically for the setup of real-time quantitative PCRs. The results achieved match or exceed the best hand pipetting day-in, day-out (see below). Setup is also fast; a 96-well plate takes about 20 minutes.
Because the software was designed to support quantitative PCR, it has all the functions you’d expect including a range of advanced options such as:
- Preparation of dilution series according to variable user-specified dilution ratios - Calculation of reagent needs according to the number of reactions and replicates specified - Master mix preparation - Wizards for speedy PCR setup and optimization - Virtual mode for remote creation and testing of new protocols at the desk or in the classroom - Detailed pre- and post-run reports
Example real-time data set:A CAS-1200 PCR setup robot was used to prepare a 2-fold dilution series of human genomic DNA standards. Amplification reactions were then set up in replicates of four by the CAS-1200 using the diluted standards as template and targeting the human BCL-2 gene. A Rotor-Gene 6000 real-time rotary analyzer was used for amplification and analysis. (right) Plots show tight replicates with the expected one-cycle difference between each 2-fold dilution. (right, below) Standard curve for this experiment is shown with statistical data (boxed).
