TaqMan™ hPSC Scorecard™ Panel, 384-well - FAQs

View additional product information for TaqMan™ hPSC Scorecard™ Panel, 384-well - FAQs (A15870)

38 product FAQs found

Will I need to update my TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Analysis Software?

No software update is required. Because the hPSC Scorecard Analysis Software is cloud based, you will always have access to the most up-to-date version of the software every time you log in.

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How do I export Ct values in the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Analysis Software?

The only way to view the Ct values in the current version is through the expression plot. We expect the software's Excel export to include the gene names and Ct values in a future version of the software.

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I'm using the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Analysis Software. How are the scores calculated?

A proprietary algorithm compares the Ct values for each marker set to the values in the reference database and calculates the score based on how well the expression correlates. In general, scores close to 0 indicate comparable expression to that of the reference standard using undifferentiated cells. Scores higher than 1 indicates up regulation relative to undifferentiated cells and less than -1 indicate down regulation relative to undifferentiated cells.

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I'm using the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Analysis Software. What lines were used to generate the reference standard?

Thirteen pluripotent stem cell lines were used to generate the reference standard including:

  • H9 ESC P28
  • iPS BS3C P35
  • iPS18C P29
  • HUES9 P28
  • HUES13 P56
  • HUES28 P28
  • HUES44 P25
  • HUES48 P21
  • HUES49 P21
  • HUES53 P24
  • HUES63 P46
  • HUES64 P30
  • HUES65 P29


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I'm using the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Analysis Software. My sample has a red flag on it, or is not showing any results. What does that mean?

The hPSC Scorecard Analysis Software performs a set of quality control checks upon data import to ensure the quality of the results.
You may see one of the following red flag warnings:

  • Internal positive control: The expression levels of the housekeeping genes were low, signifying that there was an issue with the qRT-PCR. The sample is excluded from analysis and must be repeated.
  • Bad Rox: The ROX dye is used as a passive reference during the qPCR. If the ROX dye is not detected, it is suggestive that some of the assay wells may not have received the proper amount of Master Mix. This may explain why a particular assay is not showing the anticipated gene expression level.
  • Sendai Virus Detected (SEV): The hPSC Scorecard Panel includes a control to look for Sendai virus expression. A flag will appear if a Ct value of greater than 30 is observed for this control. On some rare occasions, the SEV oligonucleotides will cross react with other genes resulting in a false SEV flag in differentiated cells. If you see this flag, and did not anticipate Sendai virus detection, you may want to repeat the sample or look at the amplification plot (In the 96 well plate: well B9; in the 384 well plate: wells D3, D9, D15, and D21) to see if the automated Ct value call is real, or just an error.
  • Insufficient Data: The analysis software requires a minimum number of genes to be amplified in each the four categories (i.e., self-renewal (“pluri”), ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm) to accurately analyze your data. If the minimum number of genes in each category does not amplify, or if data has been omitted by the user, the Insufficient Data flag will appear and the sample is excluded from analysis. The sample should be repeated.


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I'm using the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Analysis Software. Do I need to run a new sample if I want to look at a different sample type?

No. The software analyzes and retains all of the qPCR data from the plate upon import. If you want to look at a different sample type, simply select the desired sample type from the drop down list, and the analysis software will automatically update the results.

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I'm using the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Analysis Software. What sample type should I select?

The software allows you to easily evaluate pluripotency and/or inductive differentiation one germ layer at a time. To make it a little easier, a set of common sample types have been already built into the software to allow you to get to your results faster:

  • All Pluripotency: Quickly confirm the self-renewal capacity of undifferentiated samples.
  • All Ectoderm / All Endoderm / All Mesoderm: Evaluate the inductive differentiation specified to one or more germ layers.
  • All Trilineage: Evaluate all three germ layers simultaneously (e.g. of EB samples).
  • Multiple Sample Types: Allows you the flexibility to mix and match samples types for analysis.


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I'm using the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Analysis Software. My data isn't being uploaded, what should I do?

The analysis software validates the data file upon import. If your file is not imported (or you receive an error), click the pencil icon to edit the project, confirm that you have the correct Instrument Type and Block designated in the project window, and verify that you have used one of the following TaqMan hPSC Scorecard catalog products: A15870, A15876, A15872, or A15871. The analysis software is compatible only with data obtained with those specific panels. If you see an error message that identifies that the experiment was not analyzed by the Ct method, follow the steps outlined below.

  • Open the .eds file in your data collection software.
  • Click to open Analysis Settings dialog (from the menu, go to Analyze -> Analysis Settings).
  • Check to see if Ct algorithm is selected.
  • i. If Ct is selected, close Analysis Settings dialog.
  • ii. If Crt is selected, change it to Ct, and then save and close the Analysis Settings dialog.
  • Click the Analyze button.
  • Save it.
  • Click “Upload Data” to import the new file.


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I'm using the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Analysis Software. How do I create a project and upload my data?

Click “Create a Project” to identify its Name, Instrument Type, Block, and Description, click “OK”, and then click “Upload Data” to start using the analysis software.

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Where do I find more information about how to use the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Analysis Software?

The link for the software user guide can be found on this page.

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I'm using the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Analysis Software. I can't sign-in to my Thermo Fisher Scientific account, what should I do?

Retrieve your username or password using the appropriate links on the sign-in page. If you don't have a username and password, create a new account.

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How do I sign into my account to use the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Analysis Software?

Sign in using your current Thermo Fisher Scientific account information. New users to the site can quickly register by clicking the “Register for an Account” button under “Help and Support” option. Following sign in, you will be instantly redirected to the hPSC Scorecard analysis software.

I'm using the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Panel. What web browsers are compatible with the hPSC Scorecard Analysis Software?

The hPSC Scorecard Analysis Software is accessible through Thermo Fisher Connect and is compatible with the following web browsers:

  • Safari
  • Google Chrome


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I accidentally ran a comparative Ct experiment type instead of a standard curve experiment type. Can I still use my data with the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Analysis Software?

The hPSC Scorecard Analysis Software currently only accepts data collected with the “Standard Curve” experiment type. To change your experiment type, open your data in the instrument software. In the “Set-up” menu, change your experiment type to “Standard Curve.” You may receive a warning message, but that is okay. After you change the experiment type, return to the Analysis menu and reanalyze the data by pressing the green “Analyze” button. After you save your data, you can import the file into the hPSC Scorecard Analysis Software.

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I'm using the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Panel. How many genes are tested per sample?

93 genes are tested per sample. There are 9 self-renewal genes, 74 lineage specific genes, and 10 housekeeping and control genes.

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How do I access the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Analysis Software?

Please visit the website link.

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I'm using the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Panel. Do I need to use the template files?

We highly recommend that you use the template file because it contains all of the necessary experimental details for your qPCR run. If the template file is not working for you, please send an email to our stem cell technical support specialists at: stemcell-help@thermofisher.com.

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I'm using the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Panel. How do I set up my experimental run?

The template files contain all of the necessary experimental details for you to run your instrument. There is no need to modify any of the experimental details if you are using the template file (.edt). Step-by-step guides on how to run the qPCR instruments are available here.

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I'm using the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Panel. Where can I find the run template files for a compatible qRT-PCR system?

Template files are found here. Click on Instrument Compatibility to access these files.

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I'm using the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Panel. What if I don't have access to a compatible qRT-PCR system?

The hPSC Scorecard Panel analysis is also available as a service. You can send Thermo Fisher Scientific isolated RNA samples, cDNA samples, or even cells in TRIzol reagent. See Cellmodel Services for more information.

Which qRT-PCR instruments are compatible with the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Panel?

ViiA 7, QuantStudio 12K Flex, QuantStudio 7 Flex, QuantStudio 6 Flex, StepOnePlus, 7500 Fast, and 7900HT Fast Real-Time PCR systems are compatible with the hPSC Scorecard Panel. Apart from these, QuantStudio 3, QuantStudio 5, QuantStudio 6 Pro and QuantStudio 7 Pro are all able to run the panel, but require manually made templates and data exports to perform analysis. For more information, please contact Technical Support.

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I'm using the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Panel. How do I load the samples onto a 384-well plate if I only have a 16-channel pipette?

The tips of most 16-channel pipettes will align with every well in each column of the plate. However, if your cDNA reactions were set up in 8 wells of a 96-well plate or in 8-well PCR strips, additional sample will be required to compensate for the dead volume. When you insert 2 tips of the 16-channel pipette into 1 well, the tips can't reach the bottom of the well, resulting in a need for additional dead volume.

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I'm using the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Panel. How do I load the samples onto a 384-well plate if I only have an 8-channel pipette?

The tips of most 8-channel pipettes will align with every other well so you will need to pipette twice to load every well in each column of the plate. The first set of 8 samples can be loaded in rows A, C, E, G, I, K, M, and O. The second set of 8 samples can then be loaded into the alternate rows B, D, F, H, J, L, N, and P.

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I'm using the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Panel. How do I load the samples onto a 384-well plate if I don't have a multichannel pipette?

You can load samples using a single channel pipette, but this method is time-consuming and may increase pipetting error. We strongly recommend that you use an 8- or 16-channel multichannel pipette. You also can dispense samples using automated systems, with the understanding that additional sample will be required to compensate for the dead volume.

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Why should I set up cDNA synthesis in 8 wells of a 96-well plate or in 8-well PCR strips when using the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Panel?

Setting up your cDNA synthesis in 8 wells of a 96-well plate or in 8-well PCR strips facilitates sample loading of the 96-well and 384-well hPSC Scorecard Panel plates.

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Can I analyze somatic non-pluripotent primary cells with the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard Panel?

Somatic non-pluripotent primary cells, such as the parental lines used for iPSC generation, are not pluripotent in nature and their scores will be low. However, the expression of lineage markers will largely rely on homogeneity of the cells. Note that the markers in the panel are designed to evaluate early germ layer specification and not any particular terminally differentiated state.

Does the reprogramming method affect the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard analysis results?

Minor differences in gene expression profiles are sometimes observed based on the reprogramming method, but in general the hPSC Scorecard analysis results do not change significantly for lines derived using various reprogramming methods. This was tested with ESC and iPS derived using episomal or Sendai-based reprogramming systems before and after seven days of spontaneous differentiation. Cells were grown in KSR-based media on irradiated MEFs prior to removal of FGF for EB formation.

Will the presence of Sendai virus affect my TaqMan hPSC Scorecard analysis results?

The presence or absence of Sendai virus in established iPSC clones does not have an impact on pluripotency and hence on TaqMan hPSC Scorecard analysis results.

When I use Sendai virus (SEV) to generate iPSCs for TaqMan hPSC Scorecard analysis, can I check for the presence of residual virus?

Sendai virus (SEV) is included in the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard kit and can detect the presence of the Sendai virus backbone. Note that this method will not distinguish between the different reprogramming factors but just the presence or absence of the residual virus in the cells. If an unexpected signal is detected, check the amplification curve to determine if it is a false positive. If it's a false positive, you may ignore the flag.

For TaqMan hPSC Scorecard analysis, what is the earliest passage that I can use when I generate iPSCs?

We recommend that you culture iPSC clones to at least passage 8-10 until they are stable and homogeneous, prior to hPSC Scorecard analysis. Early passage iPSC clones may give low self-renewal ("pluri" in v1.1 of the analysis software) scores or show higher expression of lineage genes.

Have you tested cells grown in Gibco PSC Neural Induction Medium (NIM) for Scorecard analysis?

H9 cells were differentiated into NSCs using Gibco PSC Neural Induction Medium (NIM) and hPSC Scorecard analysis was performed at various time points. The control sample was undifferentiated H9 ESC. Cells were seen to become positive for ectoderm by day 5.

I am planning to use the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard kit/panel. I am only interested in directed differentiated of cells. Do I need to use a particular method for directed differentiation?

You can perform directed differentiation according to your own methods. However, the time point when expression is noticeable will largely depend on the robustness of the methods. We recommend testing a few time points to monitor differentiation with time.

I am planning to use the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard kit/panel. What is the minimum time required to form embryoid bodies (EBs) and is there a specific protocol?

You can differentiate cells using any of the established methods. When using suspension embryoid bodies, we recommend that you allow at least 7 days for differentiation prior to analysis.

For the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard kit/panel, can I use cells on a feeder-free system cultured in novel media?

The TaqMan hPSC Scorecard kit/panel measures self-renewal and trilineage differentiation potential of PSCs and is not restricted by culture conditions. You should be aware that using novel media systems may have particular effects on the cells in terms of pluripotency and/or their differentiation. We recommend designing experiments that use novel media by including a control condition that utilizes traditional media or media in which expression patterns have been tested and confirmed. The most recent version of the hPSC Scorecard Analysis application offers a differentiation index plot for viewing gene expression in embryoid bodies (EBs) relative to the undifferentiated state.

With the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard kit/panel, how do I harvest human PSCs cultured using feeder-dependent culture systems?

We recommend removing feeders from your culture before proceeding with Scorecard analysis. To remove feeders, harvest your PSCs with collagenase, allow the colonies to settle by gravity sedimentation to reduce feeder-carryover, and re-seed cells in feeder-free conditions on Geltrex matrix-coated dishes and MEF conditioned medium for 1 to 2 passages. The presence of feeders can contribute to gene expression measured in the assay, thus altering the gene-signature pattern.

For the TaqMan hPSC Scorecard kit/panel, can I use cells that are on feeders or in feeder-free conditions?

Yes. The TaqMan hPSC Scorecard kit/panel measures the potential for self-renewal and trilineage differentiation of PSCs grown on feeders or in feeder-free conditions.

How many cells are required to run one experiment with each TaqMan hPSC Scorecard kit/panel?

While we recommend that you use about 0.5 million cells per experiment, or the number of cells equivalent to 1 well of a 6-well dish, you can use as few as 100,000 cells when performing RNA purification. If you perform a lysis protocol using Cells-to-CT or CellsDirect One-Step qPCR kits, as few as 15,000 cells is sufficient. Please note, however, that reducing cell number can compromise the quality of the results.

What is included with each TaqMan hPSC Scorecard kit or panel?

Panel configurations:
- Two 96-well (2 x 96w FAST) plates with optical plate covers
- One 384-well (384w) plate with optical plate covers

Kit configurations:
- Two 96-well (2 x 96w FAST) plates with optical plate covers & TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix
- One 384-well (384w) plate with optical plate covers & TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix