Applied Biosystems™ StepOnePlus™ Real-Time PCR System Used

Features of the StepOnePlus™ Real-Time PCR System include:

• Advanced software and instrumentation for performing a wide array of genomic assays
• Sensitive 4-color optical LED recording system
• Intuitive and robust software perfect for both first-time and advanced users
• Simple and flexible instrument set-up and usage

New StepOne™ Software:
The StepOne™ Software included with the StepOnePlus™ Real-Time PCR System runs on the Windows™ XP operating system and provides instrument control, data collection, and data analysis capabilities (analysis software is also compatible with Windows™ 7). This latest version includes capabilities to collect melt curve data for High Resolution Melt (HRM) applications and the option to export in Real-Time PCR Data Markup Language (RDML) for compatibility with MIQE guidelines.

Rapid and Simple Assay Set-Up:
This remarkably simple Real-Time PCR system is designed with an LCD touchscreen and a user-friendly interface that brings the power of genetic studies to researchers new to Real-Time PCR (Fig 1). The intuitive software and protocol wizards help guide new users through their Real-Time PCR experiments. The StepOnePlus™ Real-Time PCR System also includes a quick-start setup so that you start a run immediately and enter plate information at a later time.

Sensitive LED-Based 4 Color Fluorescence Reading:
The StepOnePlus™ Real-Time PCR System utilizes a long-life LED-based optical system that can record fluorescence from FAM™/SYBR™ Green, VIC™/JOE™, NED™/TAMRA™, and ROX™ dyes. This cost-effective, 4-color, 96-well system delivers precise, quantitative Real-Time PCR results and saves data from all filters in every run without depending on a computer or plate setup. It can discriminate between 2 populations of 5,000 and 10,000 template copies of a TaqMan™ assay with 99.7% confidence.

Compatible with Many Genomic Analysis Techniques:
Perform a variety of standard and demanding genetic analysis research techniques on one instrument using the user friendly StepOnePlus™ Real-Time PCR System and StepOne™ Software.

The StepOnePlus™ System supports many Real-Time PCR applications, including the following:

• SNP Genotyping
• Gene Expression Analysis
• MicroRNA Expression
• Protein Expression
• Translocation Analysis
• Gene Detection
• Viral Load Analysis

The included StepOne™ Software supports a variety of analysis methods, including the following:

• Standard Curve (absolute quantitation)
• Relative Standard Curve
• Comparative Ct (ΔΔCt) (relative quantitation)
• Genotyping and Presence/Absence
• Melt Curve Analysis (as a standalone application)
• High Resolution Melting (as a standalone application)

Versatile Instrument Configuration Options:
The ultra-compact footprint of a StepOnePlus™ System can be installed in multiple distinct configurations, providing unmatched flexibility and convenience that can allow a fit in any laboratory. The StepOnePlus™ Real-Time PCR System can be used via a PC, with a PC connected to a Local Area Network (LAN), or as a stand-alone instrument (PC-free). Each StepOnePlus™ Real-Time PCR System is factory-calibrated for optical and thermal accuracy, so simply remarkable Real-Time PCR results can be obtained right out of the box.

Energy Efficiency and Space Saving:
The StepOnePlus™ Real-Time PCR System draws 38% less energy to process one sample plate (when the instrument is in a heated state), compared to the Bio-Rad CFX96™ Real-Time PCR Detection System. The StepOnePlus™ Real-Time PCR System also has advanced temperature control through use of VeriFlex™ Blocks technology and has a footprint nearly 15% smaller than Bio-Rad CFX96™, which in today’s crowded laboratories helps you use your laboratory space even more efficiently. You also leave a smaller environmental footprint on the Earth.

Real-Time Data Monitoring, Dissemination, and Storage:
The system measures amplification as it occurs, allowing you to monitor the progress of your experiment cycle by cycle, either on the machine or remotely. Your data is stored on the instrument itself, and can be viewed and stored automatically via remote access, or transferred via email or a USB flash drive. Data can also be conveniently exported as PowerPoint™, Excel™, and graphical image files.

Expanded Gene Expression Capabilities:
The advanced software provided with the StepOnePlus™ Real-Time PCR System now includes the powerful Gene Expression Study Package. This software package allows for greater flexibility and accuracy in your gene expression assays through:

• Analysis of an unlimited number of plates in one study
• Sorting of data by biological or technical replicate group
• Use of multiple endogenous controls
• Assay efficiency correction

Advanced High Resolution Melting Capability:
Now with High Resolution Melt Software v3.0, you can perform post-PCR sequence variation analysis with the StepOnePlus™ Real-Time PCR System. This separately purchased software simplifies set-up by maintaining assay specific settings and accepts pasted plate layout information directly from Excel. HRM Software v3.0 also has an improved clustering algorithm for increased sensitivity and accuracy, and the ability to conduct separate analyses of multiple assays run on a single plate.