The University of Calgary (UCalgary) intends to purchase the QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR and the KingFisher Apex systems from Life Technologies Inc. The Applied Biosystems QuantStudio Absolute Q Digital PCR System is a plate-based digital PCR (dPCR) platform powered by proprietary microfluidic array plate (MAP) technology, that enables all the necessary steps for dPCR—compartmentalizing, thermal cycling, and data acquisition—to be conducted on a single instrument. The dPCR workflow is identical to the qPCR workflow users are familiar with to improve ease of use, minimize hands on steps, and maximize consistency. The KingFisher Apex Purification System is a versatile and user-friendly instrument that uses magnetic particle processing to automate the purification or isolation of DNA, RNA, proteins, and cells from virtually any source. It moves magnetic beads, not liquids, through the main steps of sample preparation: bind, wash, and elute. This process provides excellent quality, reproducible results, and reduces hands-on time for sample processing. To UCalgary’s knowledge, these are the only systems that meet UCalgary Vet Medicine department’s research needs and Life Technologies is the sole supplier of the requested systems.
