CytoScan Reagent Kit - FAQs

查看更多产品信息 CytoScan Reagent Kit - FAQs (901808)

55 个常见问题解答

When using ChAS, is it important for someone to back up their data?

Out of the six data files mentioned in the preceding question, it is important to backup and archive the ARR, CEL, CYCHP, and CHPCAR files at a minimum. This will allow someone to maintain the ability to either reanalyze from the CEL file or re-visualize the results using the CYCHP/CHPCAR files.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

What data files are produced during assay and analysis process when using ChAS?

A total of six files are produced that are key to the process:

ARR file: this file includes sample information.
AUDIT file: this file is a log of the sample history.
DAT file: this file is the raw data from the scanner.
CEL file: this file is the gridded and processed data.
CYCHP file: this file is the output of ChAS and contains all of the analysis data.
CHPCAR file: this file stores user-annotated calls, interpretations, and modifications made to CHP file segment data (ChAS 2.0 and higher).

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What is the mosaic call determination in ChAS?

The algorithm is designed to detect only mosaicism between ~30-70% for CNs between 1 and 3 for regions on the order of 5,000 markers in size or larger. The endpoint location of mosaic segments is less precise than the CN segmentation, with endpoint variation within 500 markers being typical for segments of 5,000 markers or larger. Some regions of full integer CN 1 or 3 below 5,000 markers in length may be incorrectly called as mosaic segments. Some regions of CN below 1 or above 3, mosaic or otherwise, less than 5,000 markers in length may be incorrectly called as mosaic segments.

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What is the library file location for ChAS?

The library file location for ChAS 2.1 and above is C:\Affymetrix\ChAS\Library.

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How do I unzip the array library file if I have to install it manually?

Right click the zip folder and click extract all. They can also use an already installed software that unzips files (e.g., Winzip, 7-zip, or any other equivalent software). Browse to the location to save the folder and click Extract. Go to the folder to find the files.

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How does someone export LogRatios for the whole genome?

They can export the Whole Genome View as a PNG file. To do this, click on File > Export window PNG.

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Are there additional databases to refer to that will help in data analysis for the CytoScan HD Array?

Yes, refer to the CAGdb database, ICCG, and DECIPHER for additional public databases that may assist in data analysis, and for which we do not have a direct link within ChAS.

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What samples are in the Reference Model file in the CytoScan HD Array and CytoScan 750K Array set?

The Reference Model file in the CytoScan HD Array and CytoScan 750K Array set includes 380 microarrays, which were run as part of a larger set of microarrays by nine operators. These operators processed ~48 unique samples in two rounds each, with random placement of sample DNAs across the PCR plates and with random use of reagents and instruments. The source DNA includes the following:

284 HapMap samples including at least one replicate of each of 270 HapMap samples:
90 from each of the Yoruban, Asian, and Caucasian ethnic groups, from cell-line derived DNAs from the Coriell Institute of Medical Research
96 DNA samples from blood of phenotypically healthy male and female individuals obtained from BioServe Biotechnologies

The CytoScan HD Array samples that were used to create the Reference Model file were chosen to be run by different operators and with different kits and reagents, while still covering all the HapMap cell line ethnic groups, plus the normal bloods of both sexes.

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Which genotype is presented in each allele difference track?

AA markers would be distributed about +1.
AB markers would be distributed about 0.
BB markers would be distributed about -1.

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What are the recommended graph settings for data interpretation in ChAS?

We recommend changing the weighted log2 ratio graph from the default to a minimum at -1.5 to a maximum at 1.5, using data type as points. We recommend changing the allele peaks graph from the default to a minimum at -2 to a maximum at 2, using data type as points. The other graphs can stay with the default values.

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Are individual genotypes generated from the CytoScan arrays?

Yes, genotypes can be generated in ChAS. The software uses BRLMM for genotyping, which uses a Bayesian model based on prior clusters. This product is not intended for genome-wide association studies.

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For CytoScan arrays, what is Waviness-SD?

Waviness-SD is a global measure of variation of microarray probes that is insensitive to short-range variation and focuses on long-range variation. Based on an empirical testing dataset, array data with Waviness-SD >0.12 has either sample or processing batch effects that will reduce the quality of the copy number calls. Elevated Waviness-SD is not always an indication of too much noise. Elevated Waviness with good MAPD and SNPQC metrics can occur in samples with many copy number changes or very large regions of change. It is therefore advised to check the data when observing elevated Waviness with good MAPD and SNPQC. The Waviness-SD metric is applicable to blood and cell line data. The Waviness-SD metric is not intended for alternative sample types such as solid tumor or FFPE samples in which the results may vary as a result of the biological complexity. For these sample types, it is recommended to use the ndwavinessSD.

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What are the definitions of the array QC metrics terms "MAPD" and "SNPQC"; what does each metric measure and how are they used in assessing array performance?

MAPD: Median of the Absolute values of all Pairwise Differences is a per-microarray estimate of variability, like standard deviation (SD) or interquartile range (IQR). It measures the variability in log2 ratios by looking at the pair difference of all probes and taking a median value. The effect of an occasional big difference in log2 ratios between probes is removed by taking a median value and not a mean. This variability can come from different sources: Intrinsic variability in the starting material, hybridization cocktail preparation, microarray, or scanner.

Apparent variability induced by the fact that the reference may have systematic differences from the sample on this microarray. Regardless of the source of variability, increased variability decreases the quality of the CN calls. A high MAPD can be attributed to any of the above factors and indicates that CN calls may be inaccurate, leading to a higher false positive/negative rate.

SNPQC: This is a measure of how well genotype alleles are resolved in the microarray data. In other words, it estimates the distributions of homozygous AA, heterozygous AB, and homozygous BB alleles and calculates the distance between them. The better the separation of these distributions, the better the ability to identify a genotype based on its cluster position. The larger the difference between the peaks and the troughs, the better the resolution of homozygotes and heterozygotes and the higher the SNPQC metric is. If the three peaks are not well resolved, the difference between peaks and troughs will be low, resulting in a lower SNPQC value. A low SNPQC value indicates that quality of the SNP allele data is compromised, due to higher noise within the array, which compromises the overall quality and clarity of results.

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What software is available for analysis for genoytping and copy number analysis?

All genotyping and copy number analysis is done with ChAS. CytoScan Cytogenetics Suite is not intended for genome-wide association studies.

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Are there any shutdowns run after bleaching the fluidics station when working with the CytoScan arrays?

Yes, it is recommended to run two water shutdown protocols after bleaching the fluidics station.

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How long can CytoScan arrays filled with holding buffer be stored before scanning?

After the washing and staining step, arrays can be stored for up to 24 hrs at 4 degrees C before scanning.

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After hybridization, how long can CytoScan arrays be stored before washing and staining?

Arrays must be put onto the fluidics station immediately after removal from the hybridization oven. Do not remove arrays from the oven you are ready to wash them.

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What is the hybridization time for CytoScan arrays?

The hybridization time is 16-18 hrs. If there are a limited number of fluidics stations, the hybridization process can be staggered by two hrs. For example, if there is only one fluidics station and eight arrays, the hybridization for four arrays can be started at one time, and then the hybridization for the other four arrays started two hrs later. After 16 hrs, the first four arrays can be placed on the fluidics station, and then the next four arrays placed on the fluidics station two hrs later. Thus, all eight samples will have hybridized for 16 hrs. Another option is to wash the first set of samples at 16 hrs and the second set at 18 hrs. It is not recommended to stagger more than three wash/stain cycles in an eight-hour workday. Please consult technical support at techsupport@thermofisher.com for more details on the hybridization process.

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How long can the labeled products be stored at -20 degrees C?

The labeled products can be stored at -20 degrees C for no more than 10 days.

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What can cause under-fragmentation for the CytoScan assay?

Common causes of under-fragmentation include improper storage or handling of the enzyme, an incorrect volume of enzyme used based on the unit activity, and improper mixing of fragmentation master mix. See the troubleshooting section of the CytoScan Assay User Manual (Cat. No. 703038, https://tools.thermofisher.com/content/sfs/manuals/cytoscan_assay_user_manual.pdf) for more information about under-fragmentation.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

What can cause over-fragmentation for the CytoScan assay?

Common causes of over-fragmentation include excess enzyme due to pipetting errors or an incorrect volume of enzyme used based on the unit activity. In addition, warming up of the assembled reaction prior to initiating the 37 degrees C incubation can lead to over-fragmentation. See the troubleshooting section of the CytoScan Assay User Manual (Cat. No. 703038, https://tools.thermofisher.com/content/sfs/manuals/cytoscan_assay_user_manual.pdf) for more information about over-fragmentation.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

Do the samples for the CytoScan Assay need to be run on a gel and the Bioanalyzer during fragmentation QC?

No, the routine QC includes running samples only on a gel. Some samples will be saved for additional analysis on the Bioanalyzer, should that become necessary.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

What should be done if a refrigerated centrifuge is not available for the fragmentation step in the CytoScan Assay?

A refrigerated centrifuge is highly recommended. If one is not available, a plastic plate rack that has been stored at -20 degrees C may be used. It is recommended to keep the samples chilled and work quickly prior to initiating the incubation at 37 degrees C.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

What is the purpose of the fragmentation step of the CytoScan Assay?

Probes on the array are 25-mers. The fragmentation step reduces the purified PCR product size (150- 2,000 bp) to an even smaller size range (25-125 bp), making them more optimal for hybridization to the array probes. Ideally, 25 bp-sized PCR products hybridize to 25-mer probes on the array; however, optimal hybridization can be achieved with 25 to 125 bp-sized PCR products.

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How long can the purified PCR products be stored at -20 degrees C?

The purified PCR products can be stored at -15 to -25 degrees C for 10 days.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

Can I stop after the PCR process and continue the next day with the purification step for the CytoScan Assay?

Yes, the purified PCR products can be stored at -15 to -25 degrees C, and one can continue with the purification step later.

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For the CytoScan Assay, what is the role of purified PCR product?

The purification process is required to remove all the non-amplified DNA after the PCR process.

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What is the typical yield range from PCR product purification?

The minimum recommended yield is 2.5 µg/µL for a sample. Yields can range from 3.0-4.5 µg/µL, and the average yield for seven or more samples processed in a run (not including the negative control) should be greater than 3.0 µg/µL. If the average yield is below this, consult the troubleshooting section of the CytoScan Assay User Manual (Cat. No. 703038, https://tools.thermofisher.com/content/sfs/manuals/cytoscan_assay_user_manual.pdf).

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

For the CytoScan assay, can a different magnetic rack be used instead of the recommended MagnaRack magnetic stand?

Yes, the assay is currently validated for the following magnetic racks:
DynaMag-2 Magnet (Cat. No. 123-21D)
MagnaRack (Cat. No. CS15000)

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

For the CytoScan assay, is there a plate purification option for the PCR product purification step?

No, only the single-tube purification process is validated with the assay.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

What should I do if I see a smear in their negative control on their PCR gel when performing the CytoScan assay?

A smear in the negative control indicates there has been a contamination. If the negative control band is a light smear, it could be a low-level environmental bacterial contaminant introduced through plastic surfaces. This has shown not to have a material impact on the CytoScan HD data. If a bright band or a smaller smear is seen, then that could be a real cross-contaminant from a sample, and the samples would need to be checked for contamination. If a smear is seen in the negative control well, you should re-run the negative control to verify this was not a result of sample bleed-over from gel loading.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

For the CytoScan assay, does the PCR have to be set up in a separate pre-PCR clean room?

Using two separate rooms greatly reduces the risk of sample contamination by previously amplified PCR products. If only one room is available, designate one area of the room as the pre-PCR clean area and a separate area as the post-PCR clean area. If a one-room configuration is being used, it is highly recommended to use a laminar flow cabinet for the pre-PCR clean area. See the CytoScan Assay User Manual (Cat. No. 703038, https://tools.thermofisher.com/content/sfs/manuals/cytoscan_assay_user_manual.pdf) for more details about the recommended laboratory setup.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

In a hypothetical CytoScan assay failure in which PCR fragment size distribution observed on the PCR gel is significantly greater than 2,000 bp DNA smear, what processes in the assay could play a role in the failure?

The digestion step could be root cause. If the reaction did not go to completion, there may be, on average, longer fragments at the end of the reaction. These longer fragments then pass on to ligation and PCR reactions.

Insufficient amounts of PCR primer were added to facilitate suppression PCR. The primer concentration shifts the PCR reaction equilibrium toward larger fragment distributions, in this case, by increasingly unfolding (linearizing) the stem-loop structure at increasing primer concentration when the same adaptor ends hybridize.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

When performing the CytoScan Assay, what can cause faint or absent bands on the PCR gel?

Several things can cause this problem. To troubleshoot this problem, first determine if the positive control worked properly. Common reasons for this failure include incomplete digestion of genomic DNA or inefficient ligation of adaptors, ligation samples that are not properly diluted or mixed, and degraded DNA (if only the positive control worked). See the troubleshooting section of the CytoScan Assay User Manual (Cat. No. 703038) for more information

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

How long can the ligated products for the CytoScan assay be stored at -20 degrees C?

A plate can be frozen at -15 to -25 degrees C for up to one week.

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How long can the ligated products for the CytoScan assay be stored on the thermal cycler?

A plate can be held in thermal cycler at 4 degrees C for up to 60 hrs.

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What happens during the digestion and ligation steps of the CytoScan assay?

The DNA is digested with Nsp I restriction endonuclease and ligated to adaptors that recognize the cohesive four-base pair (bp) overhangs. All fragments resulting from restriction enzyme digestion, regardless of size, are substrates for adaptor ligation.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

What are the 10 CytoScan assay processing steps listed in order?

The 10 assay processing steps, as listed in the CytoScan Assay User Manual (Cat. No. 703038) are the following:

1. Genomic DNA Preparation
2. NSP1 Restriction Enzyme Digestion
3. Ligation
4. PCR
5. PCR Product Purification
6. Quantitation
7. Fragmentation
8. Labeling
9. Hybridization
10. Wash, Stain, Scanning

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

How many freeze/thaw cycles are validated for CytoScan Reagent Kit (24 samples)?

CytoScan Reagent Kit (Cat. No. 901808) is validated for for 4 in-use freeze/thaw events but have to use the kit within a month (30 days) once opened even if they have not gone through 4 freeze-thaws.

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What type of water should be used on the fluidics stations?

Always use deionized (DI) water on the fluidics stations for all protocols, including the shut down and bleach protocols.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

For the CytoScan Assay, what can cause under-fragmentation?

Common causes of under-fragmentation include improper storage or handling of the enzyme, an incorrect volume of enzyme used based on the unit activity, and improper mixing of fragmentation master mix. See the troubleshooting section of the CytoScan Assay User Manual (Cat. No. 703038, https://tools.thermofisher.com/content/sfs/manuals/cytoscan_assay_user_manual.pdf) for more information about under-fragmentation.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

For the CytoScan Assay, what can cause over-fragmentation?

Common causes of over-fragmentation include excess enzyme due to pipetting errors or an incorrect volume of enzyme used based on the unit activity. In addition, warming up of the assembled reaction prior to initiating the 37 degrees C incubation can lead to over fragmentation. See the troubleshooting section of the CytoScan Assay User Manual (Cat. No. 703038, https://tools.thermofisher.com/content/sfs/manuals/cytoscan_assay_user_manual.pdf) for more information about over-fragmentation.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

Do I need to run the samples on a gel and the Bioanalyzer during fragmentation QC?

No, the routine QC includes running samples only on a gel. You will save some samples for analysis in case you need them for additional analysis on the Bioanalyzer.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

What should I do if I do not have a refrigerated centrifuge for the fragmentation step when working with a CytoScan array?

A refrigerated centrifuge is highly recommended, but if one is not available, you may use a plastic plate rack that has been stored at -20 degrees C. It is recommended that you keep the samples chilled and work quickly prior to initiating the incubation at 37 degrees C. See the CytoScan Assay and Data Analysis Training Video (www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/life-science/microarray-analysis/microarray-analysis-learning-center/microarray-analysis-training.html) for more details.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

For the CytoScan Assay, what is the typical yield range from PCR product purification?

The minimum yield recommended is 2.5 µg/µL. Yields can range from 3.0-4.5 µg/µL and the average yield for seven or more samples processed in a run (not including the negative control) should be greater than 3.0 µg/µL. If the average yield is below this, consult the troubleshooting section of the CytoScan Assay User Manual (Cat. No. 703038, https://tools.thermofisher.com/content/sfs/manuals/cytoscan_assay_user_manual.pdf).

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

Can I use a different magnetic rack instead of the recommended MagnaRack magnetic stand for the CytoScan Assay?

No, the Magna Rack is the only magnetic rack that is validated with the assay.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

For the CytoScan Assay, what can cause faint or absent bands on the PCR gel?

Several things can cause this problem. The first step in troubleshooting this problem is to determine if the positive control worked. Common reasons for this failure include incomplete digestion of genomic DNA or inefficient ligation of adaptors, ligation samples that are not properly diluted or mixed, and degraded DNA (if only the positive control worked). See the troubleshooting section of the CytoScan Assay User Manual (Cat. No. 703038; https://tools.thermofisher.com/content/sfs/manuals/cytoscan_assay_user_manual.pdf) for more information.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

For the CytoScan Assay, what happens during the digestion and ligation steps?

The DNA is digested with Nsp I restriction endonuclease and ligated to adaptors that recognize the cohesive four base pair overhangs. All fragments resulting from restriction enzyme digestion, regardless of size, are substrates for adaptor ligation.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

How is the CytoScan Assay different from the assay used with the Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0?

The CytoScan Assay has significantly fewer pipetting steps and requires less hands-on time than the Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP 6.0 Assay. The CytoScan Assay uses only the Nsp I restriction enzyme and has been optimized for cytogenetics applications. The CytoScan Assay is not intended for genome-wide association studies.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

What are the stopping points in the CytoScan Assay?

After any stage in the assay (including fragmentation) you can store the samples at -20 degrees C if you are not proceeding directly to the next step. However, once you have initiated a stage, you must complete it before storage of the samples.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

For the CytoScan assay, does the expiration date apply to the date of opening or date of manufacturing?

The expiration date applies to the date of manufacturing. For the CytoScan Reagent Kit, it can be used for up to one year from the date of manufacturing.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

Can I use reagents from the Affymetrix SNP 6 Core Reagent Kit in the CytoScan Assay?

No. The CytoScan Assay has been optimized for performance with the CytoScan Reagent Kit, which is therefore required.

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What other reagents are required for the CytoScan Assay?

The CloneTech Titanium Taq PCR Kit (300 reactions, Cat. No. 639240 or 400 reactions, Cat. No. 639243) and absolute ethanol (Sigma Cat. No. 459844) are also required. All other reagents are included in the CytoScan Reagent Kit.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

What is the throughput for the CytoScan Assay?

We recommend running no more than 24 samples at a time. The assay is a four-day protocol; however, the technician can use an optional three-day protocol after becoming comfortable with the assay

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.

How many freeze/thaw cycles are validated for the CytoScan Assay 24-Sample Kit?

The CytoScan Reagent Kit (Cat. No. 901808) is validated for five freeze/thaw cycles.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Microarray Analysis Support Center.