Easy to Use Real-Time PCR

November 19, 2015

Grambling State University
Biological Sciences
Assistant Professor

Overall

Performance

Ease-of-Optimization

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Company:

Bio-Rad

Product Name:

CFX Connect Real-Time PCR

Catalog Number:

185-5200

We use real-time PCR for gene expression studies. I selected the CFX Connect based on positive experiences with a similar touchscreen system (CFX Touch) in another laboratory. The CFX has worked well for our straightforward singleplex experiments. Bio-Rad provides excellent customer service and technical support.

Experimental Design and Results Summary

Application

Real-time PCR

Starting Material

Various cell lines

Protocol Overview

As with any PCR, the (c)DNA/master mix/primers are loaded in a plate for analysis. The software is simple to use. The cycles are easy to edit but setting up the plate, particularly the replicate wells, is not quite as intuitively obvious. It is worth getting to know the software because it can do useful things like normalize for reference genes and calculate delta Ct values.

Tips

The Bio-Rad desktop has a Celeron processor so you may want to buy that separately

Results Summary

The system set up quickly out of the box but we experienced error messages the first time that required a call to technical support and a hard reboot (power down, dismount the optical module, disconnect from PC, wait a few minutes, remount optical module, connect to PC, power up). The system has performed well since, producing consistent, reliable data.

Features Summary

Duplex-capable (450 nm to 580 nm)

Additional Notes

None

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Summary

The Good

User-friendly

The Bad

Error messages out of the box

The Bottom Line

This is a user-friendly instrument. My undergraduate student researchers have had no trouble operating it with minimal training. Together with Bio-Rad's excellent support and frequent promotions, I would recommend it for singleplex/duplex PCR.

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