QuantStudio™ 7 Pro Real-Time PCR System, 384-well - FAQs

What is the difference between continuous melt curves and step and hold melt curves on the Applied Biosystems Real-Time PCR Instruments?

Continuous melt curve: increases the temperature by the ramp increment (degrees C/sec) so that the temperature will change at a constant rate set in the protocol.
Step and Hold melt curve: increases the temperature by the ramp increment (degrees C) and then holds at that temperature for the time specified by the user.

The amount of data collected will depend on the filter(s) selected. The more filters you use, the longer the acquisition will take and the fewer data points will be collected.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Real-Time PCR and Digital PCR Instruments Support Center.

I recently switched the block in my real-time PCR instrument. Now it shows the status as 'not calibrated' for all the calibration plates, even though my calibrations are current. What is causing this issue?

The issue might be due to the block not being properly seated in the instrument. Please follow the steps below:

1. Remove the block from the instrument.
2. Reinsert the block into the instrument.

How can I upgrade from a QuantSstudio 6 Pro (Cat. No. A43159) to a QuantStudio 7 Pro (Cat No. A43169)?

For an upgrade from the QuantStudio 6 Pro to a QuantStudio 7 Pro, a new instrument will not be provided. A Field Service Engineer will come out onsite to make the necessary changes to the instrument. Please contact Technical Support for further information.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Real-Time PCR and Digital PCR Instruments Support Center.

Can I add or exchange filters in the QuantStudio 7 Pro Real-Time PCR System?

It is not possible to add or exchange filters in the QuantStudio 7 Pro Real-Time PCR System.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Real-Time PCR and Digital PCR Instruments Support Center

Can I import a standard curve for my real-time PCR data into the Design & Analysis Software (v2.x)?

It is possible to import a standard curve into the Design & Analysis Software (v2.x) if you are analyzing results from one of the following Applied Biosystems real-time PCR instruments:
• 7900HT Fast Real-Time PCR System
• 7500/7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System
• StepOne/StepOne Plus Real-Time PCR System
• ViiA 7 Real Time PCR System
• QuantStudio 1 Real-Time PCR System
• QuantStudio 3 & 5 Real-Time PCR System
• QuantStudio 6 & 7 Flex Real-Time PCR System
• QuantStudio 6 & 7 Pro Real-Time PCR Systems
• QuantStudio 12K Flex Real-Time PCR system

Follow the instructions below to import a standard curve for analysis in the Design & Analysis Software (v2.x):
1. Open the data file in the Design & Analysis Software (v2.x).
2. Click on Actions.
3. Click on "Standard Curve Analysis Setting".
4. Select "External Standard Curves" and click on "Import".
5. Browse to the proper .csv file and click "Open".
6. Click "Apply".

I received an error message after the QuantStudio 6 Pro/QuantStudio 7 Pro Real-Time PCR instrument run was complete. How do I send in the file for help?

If the instrument is connected and is under a service contract or warranty, you can use the “Smart Help” feature to send in your file. From the touchscreen, select Settings -> Maintenance and Service -> Smart Help. Choose the selection most relevant to the issue: “Technical Support” (for data issues and errors) or “Instrument Service” (for hardware errors or repairs). Select “Attach run files” in the lower left corner to send in the run file. You can also check the box for “Include instrument log file” for further troubleshooting. Once you have completed all the fields, select “Send”. A Thermo Fisher Scientific representative will get back to you by phone or email in regards to the issue.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Real-Time PCR and Digital PCR Instruments Support Center.

I can't connect to the QuantStudio 6 Pro/QuantStudio 7 Pro Real-Time PCR instrument from the Design and Analysis Software v2.x. How do I fix this?

If the instrument connection has been lost (or if it has not been recognized automatically), please try the following:

• In the Design and Analysis Software v2.x, go to “Manage Instruments”
• If the instrument is present, but not connected, click on the “...” and choose “Delete”
• Click on “Actions” -> “Add Instrument” -> “By IP Address”
• Enter the IP Address* from the instrument, then click “Add Instrument”
• You should now see the connected instrument in the “Manage Instruments” pane.

Can I have more than one plate or data file open at the same time with the QuantStudio 6 Pro/QuantStudio 7 Pro Real-Time PCR System?

Yes. In order to open more than one file in the Design and Analysis Software v2.x, click on the “...” in the top right hand corner of the file thumbnail from the Plate Gallery view. You should see a new menu. Select “Create in new window” and the file should open in a new occurrence of the software.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Real-Time PCR and Digital PCR Instruments Support Center.

With the QuantStudio 6 Pro/QuantStudio 7 Pro Real-Time PCR System, I am assigning sample names on a plate with numbers and would like to fill down the row, but it is not working as expected. How can I fix this?

Assigning targets and samples on the plate setup tab using the plate layout will function like Excel. If you have a numerical sample name, it can either fill across a row or column as a series (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) or repetitive (1,1,1,1,1).
For a series, click in the well, and type in the sample name. Then move your cursor to the lower right corner and click and drag down/across the column/row that you want to assign. The sample names should populate in the other wells in a series.
For repetitive sample names, click in the well, and type in the sample name for the first two wells. Move the cursor and click to highlight both wells. Then move your cursor to the lower right corner and click and drag down/across the column/row that you want to assign. The sample names should populate in the other wells.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Real-Time PCR and Digital PCR Instruments Support Center.

What can I do if I forget my login PIN for the QuantStudio 6 and 7 Pro Real-Time PCR Systems?

The instrument administrator can reset the PIN for any local profile by doing the following:

• In the home screen, tap “Profile” -> “All accounts”.
• Select the profile with the lost PIN and choose “Delete PIN”, then “Yes”.

With the QuantStudio 6 and 7 Pro Real-Time PCR Systems, how do I use Results Quality to help filter and analyze my data?

First, Results Quality is disabled by default and must be enabled by the end user. To do so, go to the “Quality Check” screen -> Actions (button) -> Analysis Settings. Then click over to the “QC Alerts” tab and check the box for “Results Quality”. You will now have the option to set up alert rules that would flag any wells that would be outside the range of the rule. The rules can be sample- or target-based and include parameters such as Cq, Cq Value Range, Cq Confidence Range, Cq Standard Deviation Range, Amp Status, Amp Score Range, and Delta Rn Range. Please note that these rules can be saved as part of the plate file and will flag a well, but not automatically omit it.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Real-Time PCR and Digital PCR Instruments Support Center.

With the QuantStudio 6 and 7 Pro Real-Time PCR Systems, what is a QC Alert and what does it mean for my data?

The QC Alert tab is made up of two sections: Curve Quality and Results Quality. Curve Quality includes those parameters that are flagged by the instrument itself (after a run is complete, this would show up as “Review Required”). Results Quality includes specific rules that are set up by the end user. Results Quality is disabled by default and must be enabled in the software by the user.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Real-Time PCR and Digital PCR Instruments Support Center.

Can I start or monitor a QuantStudio 6 Pro or QuantStudio 7 Pro Real-Time PCR System run from the Desktop Software?

The plate file is sent to the Run Queue for the instrument from the Design and Analysis Desktop Software, or saved as a plate file in the Design and Analysis App in Connect. The run is then started only from the instrument. You can monitor a run from the Desktop Software, but you can only see the real-time data during a run from the instrument itself, or in Connect.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Real-Time PCR and Digital PCR Instruments Support Center.

How do I assign target names on the QuantStudio 6 Pro/QuantStudio 7 Pro Real-Time PCR instrument?

• Go to the “Plate” tab for the run.
• Select “Actions” in the lower left corner, if you have a *.csv file to import the sample setup. Otherwise, highlight the desired wells on the plate layout by dragging your finger, then tap in the “Sample Information” box to the right.
• Then select the tab for the information you want to populate (in this case “Target/SNP”).
• Select either “Target” or “Assay” (for SNP Genotyping Assays) from the dropdown.
• Select a row in the table, then select “Add New”.
• Type in the target name, reporter dye, quencher dye, and select “Add Target”.
• The new target should now show in the list.
• Select “Close” (make sure the row is highlighted), then “Done”.
• From the dropdown, choose the sample type (“Unknown”, “Standard”, “NTC”, or “Positive Control”).
• Select “Done”.
• If you do not see the target on the plate layout, make sure the “Color by dropdown” is set to “Target Color”.

How do I assign sample names on the QuantStudio 6 Pro/QuantStudio 7 Pro Real-Time PCR instrument?

• Go to the “Plate” tab for the run.
• Select “Actions” in the lower left corner, if you have a *.csv file to import the sample setup. Otherwise, highlight the desired wells on the plate layout by dragging your finger, then tap in the “Sample Information” box to the right.
• Then select the tab for the information you want to populate (in this case “Samples”).
• Type in the sample name and select “Enter”.
• From the dropdown, choose the sample type (“Unknown”, “Standard”, “NTC”, or “Positive Control”).
• Select “Done”.

Can I adjust the number of cycles during a run on the QuantStudio 6 and 7 Pro Real-Time PCR Systems?

Yes, you can change the number of cycles during a run. To do so from the instrument touchscreen:

• Swipe left to view the run method screen.
• Tap on “Cycle”, underneath the PCR stage.
• Enter in the new “end number of cycles” you want to perform and select “Enter”.
• The “Cycle number” should update and now reflect the cycle number you entered.

With the QuantStudio 6 and 7 Pro Real-Time PCR Systems, can I add a pause in my run method?

Yes, a pause can be added during a run, or as part of the run method itself. To add a pause during a run (on the fly):

• Press the “Action” button on the instrument touchscreen.
• Select “Pause Run”, then “Yes”.
• Enter the temperature for the hold. The plate can be ejected during this time.
• The run will remain paused until you tap the “Press to resume” button.

• From the Method screen, select Edit -> Advanced -> Add pause.
• Select the PCR stage in which you want to add the pause by tapping the “II”.
• Enter the hold temperature of the pause and the cycle at which it should occur. The instrument will hold the block at the pause until “Press to resume” is selected on the touchscreen.

Which voice commands can I use with the QuantStudio 6 and 7 Pro Real-Time PCR Systems?

If you want to use voice activation, voice command must be enabled by the instrument administrator in order to be available for other users. In addition, voice command is only available when a user is signed in with a Connect account. All voice commands should start with the prompt “Alexa, open Pro instrument”, followed by one of the commands shown below:

• Go home
• Open door
• Shut door
• Begin run
• End run
• Lock screen
• Change block
• Instrument scheduler
• Help
• Smart support

How do I turn on hands-free operation for the QuantStudio 6 and 7 Pro Real-Time PCR Systems?

Hands-free operation can be enabled by an instrument administrator with a Connect profile. From the home screen, tap “Settings” -> “Hands-free operation”. Set “Enable facial authentication” and “Enable voice command” to “On”.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Real-Time PCR and Digital PCR Instruments Support Center.

How do I run TaqMan Array Plates with RFID on the QuantStudio 6 and 7 Pro Real-Time PCR Systems?

• Tap the (Eject) button to open the instrument drawer.
• Load the plate onto the block.
• The barcode should face the front of the instrument, with well A1 in the top-left corner of the block. The RFID tag will be on the A1 side of the plate.
• Tap the (Eject) button to close the instrument drawer.
• The instrument will read the RFID tag and display the Plate Properties screen. The RFID tag conveys the run method and assay layout to the instrument. The run method that will pre-populate is for the TaqMan Fast Advanced Master Mix.
• Make sure to check and edit the thermal profile as needed if you are using a different master mix (Method -> Edit).

With the QuantStudio 6 and 7 Pro Real-Time PCR Systems, what does "QC Check: Review Required" mean on the instrument touchscreen after a run?

This review is the same as “Curve Quality” in the Design and Analysis 2.0 Software. Curve Quality calls out wells that that have suspect issues with amplification or noise spikes. Review the amplification plots to determine if the data is acceptable or not.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Real-Time PCR and Digital PCR Instruments Support Center.

How do I turn off voice activation with the QuantStudio 6 and 7 Pro Real-Time PCR Systems?

Voice activation will be available if voice command has been enabled by the instrument administrator, and the instrument is logged into with a Connect account. If you do not wish to use voice activation, simply tap the microphone icon. The microphone icon will now be red with a strikethrough, indicating that voice activation has been disabled.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Real-Time PCR and Digital PCR Instruments Support Center.

Do I have to set up voice command or facial authentication for the QuantStudio 6 and 7 Pro Real-Time PCR Systems?

No. These are optional features. You can log into the instrument with a User PIN instead of facial authentication if you wish. If you want to use voice activation, voice command must be enabled by the instrument administrator in order to be available for other users. In addition, voice command is only available when a user is signed in with a Connect account.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Real-Time PCR and Digital PCR Instruments Support Center.

With the QuantStudio 6 and 7 Pro Real-Time PCR Systems, how are the instrument user profiles managed?

The first profile created on the instrument will be assigned the role of the instrument administrator. The first Connect profile to be linked to the instrument will be assigned the role of a Connect Administrator. Any local instrument profile that is then subsequently linked to a Connect profile will become a local account (even if it was previously an admin account). In addition, when a local instrument profile is linked to a Connect profile, the login name will be updated to that of the Connect profile. The local profile can be re-assigned back to an admin account by the instrument administrator.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Real-Time PCR and Digital PCR Instruments Support Center.

What is the recommended maintenance schedule for the QuantStudio 6 and 7 Pro Real-Time PCR Systems?

We recommend performing the ROI/Uniformity and Pure Dye calibrations every two years, and the background calibration every month (or as needed). The calibration plates can be reused up to three times if they are stored properly and used within 6 months after opening and before the plate expiration date.

Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our Real-Time PCR and Digital PCR Instruments Support Center.

What is different between the QuantStudio 6 and 7 Flex and the QuantStudio 6 and 7 Pro Real-Time PCR Systems?

The QuantStudio 6 and 7 Pro Real-Time PCR Systems have a smaller footprint than the QuantStudio 6 and 7 Flex Real-Time PCR Systems. In addition, the QuantStudio 6 and 7 Pro Real-Time PCR Systems have the following advanced features:

• Sign-in with facial authentication
• Hands-free interchangeable block
• Microphone for voice activation
• Speakers for feedback from voice activation and for instructional videos
• Smart Help to request technical support or instrument service directly from the instrument
• Optional WiFi for connectivity to Connect
• Hands-free operation with TaqMan Array Plates with RFID
• Veriflex zones (3 zones in QuantStudio 6 Pro and 6 zones in QuantStudio 7 Pro system)