Applied Biosystems QuantStudio 6 Flex User manual

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
QuantStudio™6 and 7 Flex Real-Time PCR
Systems
USER GUIDE
Maintenance and Administration
for use with QuantStudio™Real‑Time PCR Software v1.6
Publication Number MAN0018828
Revision A.0

Life Technologies Holdings Pte Ltd | Block 33 | Marsiling Industrial Estate Road 3 | #07-06, Singapore 739256
For descriptions of symbols on product labels or product documents, go to thermofisher.com/symbols-definition.
The information in this guide is subject to change without notice.
DISCLAIMER: TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC INC. AND/OR ITS AFFILIATE(S) WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, MULTIPLE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH OR ARISING FROM THIS DOCUMENT,
INCLUDING YOUR USE OF IT.
Revision history: Pub. No. MAN0018828
Revision Date Description
A.0 30 September 2019 Initial document release for the QuantStudio™6 and 7 Flex Real-Time PCR Systems with the QuantStudio™
Real‑Time PCR Software v1.6.
Important Licensing Information: These products may be covered by one or more Limited Use Label Licenses. By use of these products, you accept
the terms and conditions of all applicable Limited Use Label Licenses.
TRADEMARKS: All trademarks are the property of Thermo Fisher Scientific and its subsidiaries unless otherwise specified. Internet Explorer, Excel,
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U.S. and other countries. Adobe and Acrobat are registered trademarks of Adobe, Inc. Twister is a registered trademark of Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.
TaqMan is a registered trademark of Roche Molecular Systems, Inc., used under permission and license.
©2019 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved.

Contents
About this guide .......................................................... 10
Purpose ...................................................................... 10
Audience ...................................................................... 10
Assumptions .................................................................. 10
User attention words ........................................................... 11
Symbols on this instrument ..................................................... 11
Contents of this manual ......................................................... 11
■CHAPTER 1 Getting started ............................................ 13
Differences between the QuantStudio™6 and 7 Flex Real-Time PCR Systems .......... 13
About the QuantStudio™6 and 7 Flex Real-Time PCR Systems ....................... 13
Data collection ............................................................ 14
Instrument filters and supported dyes ........................................ 15
Instrument hardware ........................................................... 16
Front ..................................................................... 16
Rear ..................................................................... 17
Barcode scanner .......................................................... 18
Twister™Robot components ................................................. 19
Electrical protective devices ................................................. 22
Instrument software ............................................................ 22
Computer requirements .................................................... 22
Software installation ....................................................... 23
Third-party software ....................................................... 23
Instrument consumables ........................................................ 24
Interchangeable sample blocks, heated covers, and plate retainers .................. 25
■CHAPTER 2 Calibrate the instrument ................................. 26
Calibration overview ............................................................ 27
Calibration and maintenance schedule ....................................... 27
Calibration with QuantStudio™Real‑Time PCR Software v1.6 .................... 28
Planned maintenance ...................................................... 28
About maintenance reminders .............................................. 28
QuantStudio
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Calibration workflow ....................................................... 29
View the calibration status of an instrument ................................... 29
Enable or change the calibration reminders ....................................... 32
Requirements to email calibration reminders ................................. 32
Define the mail server settings .............................................. 32
Modify the notification settings for a monitored instrument ..................... 34
Guidelines for preparing calibration plates and array cards ......................... 36
Preparing array cards for instrument calibration ................................... 37
Required materials ........................................................ 37
Fill the calibration TaqMan®Array Cards ...................................... 37
ROI calibration ................................................................. 41
When to perform the calibration ............................................. 41
About the calibration data ................................................... 42
Preparing the calibration plate or array card .................................. 42
Prepare the ROI calibration plate ............................................ 42
Perform the ROI calibration ................................................. 43
Background calibration ......................................................... 45
When to perform the calibration ............................................. 46
About the calibration data ................................................... 46
Preparing the calibration plate or array card .................................. 46
Prepare the background calibration plate ..................................... 46
Perform the background calibration .......................................... 47
Uniformity calibration .......................................................... 49
When to perform the calibration ............................................. 49
Preparing the calibration plate or array card .................................. 50
Prepare the ROI calibration plate ............................................ 50
Perform the uniformity calibration ........................................... 51
Dye calibration ................................................................. 53
When to perform the calibration ............................................. 53
About the dye calibration data ............................................... 53
Preparing the calibration plate or array card .................................. 54
Prepare the dye calibration plates ........................................... 54
Perform the dye calibration ................................................. 56
Normalization calibration (TaqMan
®
Array Card only) ............................... 59
When to perform the calibration ............................................. 59
About the calibration data ................................................... 59
Preparing the calibration array card ......................................... 59
Perform the normalization calibration ........................................ 59
Verify the instrument performance ............................................... 62
When to perform the test ................................................... 62
About the RNase P kits ..................................................... 62
Analytical performance ..................................................... 63
Installation specification .................................................... 64
Prepare the RNase P plate .................................................. 64
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Preparing an array card for instrument verification ............................ 65
Run the RNase P plate or array card ......................................... 67
Troubleshooting ............................................................... 72
How to identify contamination ................................................... 81
Remove a plate stuck within the instrument ....................................... 81
■APPENDIX A Manual instrument operation .......................... 82
Overview of instrument touchscreen functions ..................................... 82
Operate the instrument from the touchscreen ..................................... 83
Create an experiment from a template ....................................... 83
Run an experiment ......................................................... 84
Transfer experiments, templates, and results data ............................. 85
Maintain the instrument from the touchscreen ..................................... 87
Back up and restore the instrument settings .................................. 87
Perform an instrument self test ............................................. 89
Update the instrument firmware ............................................. 89
Administrate the instrument from the touchscreen ................................. 90
Define the date and time .................................................... 91
Define the instrument settings .............................................. 91
Define the maintenance reminders ........................................... 93
Define the network settings ................................................. 93
Define the system shortcuts ................................................. 94
Review the instrument statistics ............................................. 94
Review the instrument version information ................................... 95
Enable or disable instrument security ........................................ 95
View the instrument log .................................................... 96
■APPENDIX B Maintenance ............................................. 97
Decontaminate the sample block ................................................. 97
Materials required ......................................................... 98
How to handle the sample block ............................................. 98
Clean the sample block ..................................................... 98
Replace the halogen lamp ...................................................... 100
Materials required ........................................................ 101
Halogen lamp warnings ................................................... 101
View the lamp status ...................................................... 101
Replace the lamp ......................................................... 101
Replace the instrument fuses .................................................. 103
Materials required ........................................................ 103
Replace the fuses ......................................................... 104
Install the QuantStudio™Real‑Time PCR Software ................................. 104
Computer requirements ................................................... 104
Install the software ....................................................... 104
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Software licenses ............................................................. 105
Activate a license ......................................................... 105
Install a license file ....................................................... 105
Update the QuantStudio™Real‑Time PCR Software ................................ 106
Update the software ...................................................... 106
Update the Microsoft™Windows™operating system ............................... 107
Change the sample block ...................................................... 107
When to change the sample block ........................................... 107
Materials required ........................................................ 107
How to handle the sample block ............................................ 107
Change the sample block .................................................. 108
Change the heated cover ....................................................... 109
When to change the heated cover ........................................... 109
Materials required ........................................................ 109
How to handle the heated cover ............................................ 109
Change the heated cover .................................................. 110
Change the plate adapter ...................................................... 111
When to change the plate adapter .......................................... 111
Materials required ........................................................ 112
Change the plate adapter .................................................. 112
■APPENDIX C Networking ............................................. 113
Networking overview .......................................................... 113
Controlling and monitoring networked QuantStudio™6 and 7 Flex Systems ...... 113
About the ethernet port ................................................... 114
Example network layouts .................................................. 114
Networking guidelines and best practices ................................... 115
Network setup workflow ....................................................... 116
Collect the required network information ........................................ 116
Connect the QuantStudio™6 or 7 Flex System to the network ....................... 117
Materials required ........................................................ 117
Define the instrument internet protocol settings .............................. 117
Connect the computer to the network ............................................ 118
Materials required ........................................................ 118
Computer requirement .................................................... 118
Collect required information ............................................... 118
Set up the computer ...................................................... 118
Install the QuantStudio™Real‑Time PCR Software ............................ 119
Monitor the QuantStudio™6 or 7 Flex Real-Time PCR System ....................... 119
About remote monitoring .................................................. 120
Monitor the status of a run from the QuantStudio™Real‑Time PCR Software ..... 120
Download experiment files ................................................. 120
Enable or change the calibration reminders .................................. 121
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■APPENDIX D Power on or off, store, and move ..................... 123
Place the QuantStudio™6 or 7 Flex Real-Time PCR System on standby ............... 123
Power on the QuantStudio™6 or 7 Flex Real-Time PCR System ..................... 123
Power off the QuantStudio™6 or 7 Flex Real-Time PCR System ..................... 125
Store the QuantStudio™6 or 7 Flex System ....................................... 125
Materials required ........................................................ 125
Prepare the QuantStudio™6 or 7 Flex Real-Time PCR System .................. 126
Move the QuantStudio™6 or 7 Flex System ....................................... 126
How to handle the sample block and heated cover ............................ 127
Prepare the QuantStudio™6 or 7 Flex System components ..................... 127
Move the QuantStudio™6 or 7 Flex System ................................... 128
Reinstall the QuantStudio™6 or 7 Flex System ................................ 128
■APPENDIX E Security, audit, and electronic signature ............. 130
Administrator overview ........................................................ 130
Example applications ..................................................... 131
Configure the security system .................................................. 131
Access the Security screen and enable or disable security ..................... 131
Set account setup and security policies ...................................... 132
Set up messaging notifications ............................................. 132
User account management ..................................................... 134
Create or edit user accounts ............................................... 134
Determine the name of the logged-in user ................................... 135
Create or edit a user role .................................................. 135
View or print a user report ................................................. 137
Audit trail management ........................................................ 138
Access the audit screen and enable or disable auditing ........................ 138
Modify the auditing settings ................................................ 139
Audit report generation ........................................................ 139
Viewing audit histories from the security settings dialog box ................... 139
Viewing audit histories from an experiment, template, or study ................. 142
Manage electronic signature ................................................... 143
Access the e-signature settings screen, and enable or disable the e-signature ... 143
Configure the meanings of the electronic signatures .......................... 144
Configure the e-signature rights for user roles ............................... 144
Select the actions that require signature ..................................... 145
How the software prompts electronic signature .............................. 146
Generate e-signature reports ................................................... 146
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Export and import user, security, audit, and e-signature settings .................... 148
User overview ................................................................ 148
User account permissions ................................................. 148
Account suspension ....................................................... 149
Session time-out ......................................................... 149
User security tasks ....................................................... 149
■APPENDIX F Calibration consumable preparation ................. 151
Create a background plate or array card ......................................... 151
Required materials ....................................................... 151
Create a background plate ................................................. 152
Create a background array card (QuantStudio
™
7 Flex System only) ............. 152
Create a custom dye plate for calibration ......................................... 153
Before you use custom dyes ................................................ 153
Required materials ....................................................... 153
Determine optimum dye concentration ...................................... 153
Create a custom dye plate ................................................. 155
Add the custom dye to the software ......................................... 155
■APPENDIX G Parts and materials .................................... 158
How to order ................................................................. 158
How to order from the system software ...................................... 158
Kits, consumables, and accessories ............................................. 159
Standard 96-well consumables ............................................. 160
Fast 96-well consumables ................................................. 160
384-well consumables .................................................... 161
Array card consumables ................................................... 161
QuantStudio™6 and 7 Flex Systems accessories .............................. 162
QuantStudio™6 and 7 Flex Systems empty plates and array cards .............. 162
General-use materials and consumables ........................................ 163
■APPENDIX H Instrument specification and layout .................. 164
QuantStudio™6 and 7 Flex Systems specifications ................................. 164
Required clearances ...................................................... 165
Electrical requirements ................................................... 165
Environmental requirements ............................................... 166
Network requirements .................................................... 167
QuantStudio™6 and 7 Flex Systems layout and connections ........................ 167
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■APPENDIX I Safety .................................................... 169
Symbols on this instrument .................................................... 169
Standard safety symbols ................................................... 170
Additional safety symbols .................................................. 171
Location of safety labels ................................................... 172
Control and connection symbols ............................................ 172
Conformity symbols ....................................................... 173
Safety information for instruments not manufactured by Thermo Fisher Scientific .... 174
Instrument safety ............................................................. 174
General ................................................................. 174
Physical injury ........................................................... 174
Electrical safety .......................................................... 175
Cleaning and decontamination ............................................. 176
Instrument component and accessory disposal ............................... 176
Laser safety—barcode scanner ................................................. 176
Workstation safety ............................................................ 177
Safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards ......................... 177
Safety standards .......................................................... 178
EMC standards ........................................................... 178
Environmental design standards ............................................ 178
Chemical safety ............................................................... 179
Biological hazard safety ........................................................ 181
■APPENDIX J Documentation and support ........................... 182
Related documentation ........................................................ 182
Customer and technical support ................................................ 182
Limited product warranty ...................................................... 183
Glossary .................................................................. 184
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About this guide
Purpose
This user guide provides reference information for the QuantStudio™ 6 and 7 Flex
Real-Time PCR Systems and describes how to prepare, maintain, and troubleshoot the
systems.
WARNING! The protection provided by the equipment may be impaired if the
instrument is operated outside the environment and use specications, the user
provides inadequate maintenance, or the equipment is used in a manner not
specied by the manufacturer (Thermo Fisher Scientic).
Note: For information and instructions on performing experiments on the
QuantStudio™ 6 and 7 Flex Real-Time PCR Systems, see the following documents:
·QuantStudio™ 6 and 7 Flex Real-Time PCR System Software Geing Started Guide (Pub.
No. 4489822)
·High Resolution Melt Module for QuantStudio™ 6 and 7 Flex Real-Time PCR System
Software Geing Started Guide (Pub. No. 4489823)
·QuantStudio™ 6 and 7 Flex Real-Time PCR Systems v1.6 Quick Reference (Pub.
No. MAN0018829)
Audience
This user guide is wrien for laboratory sta who operate and maintain the
QuantStudio™ 6 and 7 Flex Real-Time PCR Systems.
Assumptions
This guide assumes that your QuantStudio™ 6 and/or 7 Flex System has been installed
by a Thermo Fisher Scientic service representative.
This guide also assumes that you have:
• Familiarity with Microsoft™ Windows™ operating system.
• Knowledge of techniques for handling and preparing nucleic acid samples for
PCR.
• A general understanding of data storage, le transfers, and copying and pasting.
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User attention words
The following user aention words might appear in this document. Each word
implies a particular level of observation or action as described below:
Note: Provides information that may be of interest or help but is not critical to the use
of the product.
IMPORTANT! Provides information that is necessary for proper instrument operation
or accurate chemistry kit use.
Safety alert words appear in this document with an open triangle gure that contains
a hazard symbol. These hazard symbols are identical to the hazard symbols that are
axed to the instrument.
For descriptions of the safety symbols, see Appendix I, “Safety“.
Symbols on this instrument
Symbols may be found on the instrument to warn against potential hazards or convey
important safety information. In this document, the symbol is used along with the
user aention words to highlight important safety information. The following table
gives the meaning of these symbols.
Symbol English Français
Caution, risk of danger
Consult the manual for further
safety information.
Attention, risque de danger
Consulter le manuel pour d’autres
renseignements de sécurité.
Contents of this manual
This guide is divided into the following chapters and appendixes:
Chapter/appendix Content
Chapter 1, “Getting started“ Introduces the QuantStudio™6 and 7 Flex Systems, including descriptions of all related
hardware and software.
Chapter 2, “Calibrate the
instrument“
Describes how to maintain a QuantStudio™6 or 7 Flex Real-Time PCR System,
including calibration and performance verification.
Appendix A, “Manual
instrument operation“
Describes how to operate the QuantStudio™6 and 7 Flex Systems manually using the
touchscreen interface.
Appendix B, “Maintenance“ Describes how to replace the user-serviceable parts of the QuantStudio™6 and 7 Flex
Systems and how to resolve infrequent problems that can occur during normal use.
Appendix C, “Networking“ Describes how to install the QuantStudio™6 and 7 Flex Systems to a local area network
for remote monitoring and control.
About this guide
User attention words
QuantStudio
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6 and 7 Flex Real-Time PCR Systems v1.6 Maintenance and Administration Guide
11

Chapter/appendix Content
Appendix D, “Power on or
off, store, and move“
Describes how to store, move, and reinstall the components of the QuantStudio™6 and
7 Flex Systems.
Appendix E, “Security, audit,
and electronic signature“
Describes how to configure the security, audit, and electronic signature functions of the
QuantStudio™Real‑Time PCR Software.
Appendix F, “Calibration
consumable preparation“ Describes how to prepare consumables for custom dye calibration.
Appendix G, “Parts and
materials“
Describes how to order parts, accessories, and consumables for the QuantStudio™6
and 7 Flex Systems.
Appendix H, “Instrument
specification and layout“
Describes the QuantStudio™6 and 7 Flex System specifications, requirements, layout,
and connections.
About this guide
Contents of this manual
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QuantStudio
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6 and 7 Flex Real-Time PCR Systems v1.6 Maintenance and Administration Guide

Getting started
■Dierences between the QuantStudio™ 6 and 7 Flex Real-Time
PCR Systems ........................................................ 13
■About the QuantStudio™ 6 and 7 Flex Real-Time PCR Systems ............. 13
■Instrument hardware ................................................. 16
■Instrument software .................................................. 22
■Instrument consumables .............................................. 24
■Interchangeable sample blocks, heated covers, and plate retainers .......... 25
Differences between the QuantStudio™6 and 7 Flex Real-Time PCR
Systems
The following table displays the dierences between the QuantStudio™ 6 Flex System
and the QuantStudio™ 7 Flex System.
QuantStudio™6 Flex System QuantStudio™7 Flex System
Does not support the Twister™Robot Supports the Twister™Robot
Does not support the TaqMan®Array Card
block Supports the TaqMan®Array Card block
Features a coupled five-color filter set Features a decoupled six-by-six-color filter
set
About the QuantStudio™6 and 7 Flex Real-Time PCR Systems
The QuantStudio™ 6 and 7 Flex Real-Time PCR Systems use uorescent-based
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reagents to provide:
• Quantitative research detection of target nucleic acid sequences (targets) using
real-time analysis.
• Qualitative research detection of targets using post-PCR (endpoint) analysis.
• Qualitative analysis of the PCR product (achieved by melt curve analysis that
occurs post-PCR).
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13

The QuantStudio™ 6 and 7 Flex Systems collect raw uorescence data at dierent
points during a PCR, depending on the type of run that the QuantStudio™ 6 and 7
Flex Systems perform:
Table 1
Run type Data collection point
Real-time
runs
Standard curve The QuantStudio™6 and 7 Flex Systems collect
data following each extension step of the PCR.
Relative standard
curve
Comparative Ct(ΔΔCt)
Melting curve
Post-PCR
(endpoint)
runs
Genotyping The QuantStudio™6 and 7 Flex Systems collect
data:
1. Before the PCR. (For presence/absence
experiments, data collection before the
PCR is optional, but recommended.)
2. (Optional) During the PCR. The
QuantStudio™6 and 7 Flex System can
collect data during the run (real-time);
collecting data during the run can be
helpful for troubleshooting.
3. After the PCR.
Presence/absence
The instrument collects raw uorescence data following each extension step of the
PCR. A data collection point, or read, on the QuantStudio™ 6 and 7 Flex System
consists of three phases:
Data collection
Chapter 1 Getting started
About the QuantStudio
™
6 and 7 Flex Real-Time PCR Systems
1
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QuantStudio
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1. Excitation: The instrument illuminates all wells of the plate or array card, within
the instrument, exciting the uorophores in each reaction.
2. Emission: The instrument optics collect the residual uorescence emied from
the wells of the plate or array card. The resulting image collected by the device
consists only of light that corresponds to the range of emission wavelengths.
3. Collection: The instrument assembles a digital representation of the residual
uorescence collected over a xed time interval. The software stores the raw
uorescent image for analysis.
After a run, the software uses calibration data (ROI, background, uniformity, dye, and
normalization) to determine the location and intensity of the uorescent signals in
each read, the dye associated with each uorescent signal, and the signicance of the
signal.
System dyes
The QuantStudio™ 6 Flex System features a coupled ve-color lter set while the
QuantStudio™ 7 Flex System features a decoupled six-by-six-color lter set that
supports the dyes shown in the following table. For more information about the
spectral dye calibration kits available for the QuantStudio™ 6 and 7 Flex Systems,
contact Thermo Fisher Scientic.
Filter set Color Filter wavelength (nm)[1] Supported dye
Excitation Emission
x1-m1 Blue 470 ± 15 520 ± 15 FAM™dye,SYBR™Green
x2-m2 Green 520 ± 10 558 ± 12 JOE™dye, HEX™dye, TET™
dye, and VIC™dye[2]
x3-m3 Yellow 549.5 ± 10 586.5 ± 10 Cy®3 dye, NED™dye, and
TAMRA™dye
x4-m4 Orange 580 ± 10 623 ± 14 ROX™dye Texas Red™dye
x5-m5 Red 640 ± 10 682 ± 14 Cy®5 dye and LIZ™dye[2]
x6-m6[3] Deep red 662 ± 10 711 ± 12 None[4]
[1] The central wavelengths are the optimized wavelengths.
[2] The HEX™dye, TET™dye, and LIZ™dye from Thermo Fisher Scientific fall within the emission wavelength
range of the system, therefore they can be added and adapted for use in experiments on the system. To add
any of these dyes to the Dye Library, perform a custom dye calibration. For more information, see Appendix F,
“Calibration consumable preparation“.
[3] QuantStudio™7 Flex System only.
[4] This filter set currently does not support any dyes supplied by Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Instrument filters
and supported
dyes
Chapter 1 Getting started
About the QuantStudio
™
6 and 7 Flex Real-Time PCR Systems
1
QuantStudio
™
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15

Filters
Wavelength
(nm)
1 2 345
x1-m1 x2-m2 x3-m3 x4-m4 x5-m5 x6-m6
Emission
Spectra
1FAM™dye and SYBR™Green
2VIC™dye and JOE™dye
3Cy®3 dye, NED™dye, and TAMRA™dye
4ROX™dye and Texas Red™dye
5Cy®5 dye
Custom dyes
The QuantStudio™ 6 and 7 Flex Systems can run assays designed with custom dyes
(dyes not supplied by Thermo Fisher Scientic) that are excited between 455 to
672 nm and read between 505 to 723 nm. To add a custom dye to the Dye Library,
perform a custom dye calibration. For more information, see Appendix F, “Calibration
consumable preparation“.
Instrument hardware
The QuantStudio™ 6 and 7 Flex Systems consist of the components shown in the
following gure and described in the subsequent table.
1
3
2
7
8
5
9
6
4
Front
Chapter 1 Getting started
Instrument hardware
1
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QuantStudio
™
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Component Description
1 Touchscreen
Provides access to the instrument functions. Can be used to
run experiment, transfer data, and operate the instrument
functions without the use of the computer.
2 USB ports
Provide USB communication with the instrument. Can be used
to transfer data to and from the instrument.
Note: If multiple USB drives are plugged into the instrument,
the instrument mounts only the first drive that is installed,
regardless of the USB port used.
3 Access door Provides access to the instrument lamp, the heated cover, and
the sample block.
4 Lamp Illuminates the plate or array card during a run.
5 Heated cover Covers the plate or array card during a run to prevent
condensation and leakage through the cover.
6 Sample block Heats the plate or array card during a run.
7 Side door Opens to allow extension of the tray arm.
8 Plate adapter Secures the plate or array card to the tray arm.
9 Tray arm Conveys the plate or array card to and from the sample block
in the interior of the instrument.
PWR
F1
F2
Ethernet USB
1USB
2RS232
Ethernet USB
3
USB
4
RS232
PWR
F1
F2
7
5
6
2 31
4
Rear
Chapter 1 Getting started
Instrument hardware
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17

Component Description
1 Ethernet port An RJ45 port that provides Ethernet (gigabit) communication
with the instrument.[1]
2 USB ports
Provide USB communication with the instrument. USB ports
can be used to transfer data from the instrument.
Note: If multiple USB drives are plugged into the instrument,
the instrument mounts only the first drive that is installed,
regardless of the USB port used.
3 RS232 port
Provides serial communication between the instrument and
the computer.
IMPORTANT! The serial port is for Thermo Fisher Scientific
use only.
4 Instrument fans
Cool the interior of the instrument.
IMPORTANT! The fans must be unobstructed to ensure
adequate cooling and proper function of the instrument.
5 On/Off switch Power switch for the instrument, where the states are on ( |)
or off ( O).
6 Fuse cover
Dual 12.5A, Time-Lag T, 250 VAC, 5 × 20‑mm electrical fuses
that protect the instrument from excessive electrical current.
For AU/NZ only - 6.3A, Time-Lag, 250VAC, 5 × 20‑mm.
7 Power port The 100–240 VAC port that provides power to the instrument.
[1] Use the Ethernet cable supplied with the instrument to connect the instrument (Ethernet port) to the network
interface card in the computer.
The QuantStudio™ 6 and 7 Flex Systems include an optional Handheld Barcode
Scanner (Cat. No. 4453271) that you can purchase to assist you with data entry. The
barcode scanner uses a 670 nm Class II laser to scan plates or array cards (for only the
QuantStudio™ 7 Flex System) and it is capable of reading Code 128 (alphanumeric),
which supports 128 ASCII character barcodes.
WARNING! LASER. Exposure to direct or reected laser light can burn the
retina and leave permanent blind spots. Never look into the laser beam.
Remove jewelry and anything else that can reect the beam into your eyes.
Protect others from exposure to the beam.
The optional hand-held barcode scanner functions as an extension of the keyboard.
You can use the scanner to scan barcodes into the instrument software.
Barcode scanner
Chapter 1 Getting started
Instrument hardware
1
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QuantStudio
™
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To scan a barcode using the hand-held barcode scanner:
1. Select the eld in the instrument software where you want to enter the barcode.
2. Hold the hand-held barcode scanner 20–30 cm away from a plate or array card
and aim at the center of the barcode, then press the trigger. Slowly move the
scanning beam across the barcode until the scanner emits a high-pitched tone.
When the scanner scans a barcode, it automatically:
• Transmits the alphanumeric equivalent of the barcode to the instrument software.
The software enters the barcode text wherever the cursor is active.
• Transmits a carriage-return character (the equivalent of pressing the Enter key).
For more information on the hand-held barcode scanner, see the user documentation
shipped with the barcode scanner.
IMPORTANT! The Applied Biosystems™ Twister™ Robot component is supported
only by the QuantStudio™ 7 Flex System.
The QuantStudio™ 7 Flex System supports the use of the Applied Biosystems™
Twister™ Robot, an optional accessory that consists of the components shown below.
Note: See the Applied Biosystems™ Twister™ Robot Automation Accessory User Guide
(Pub. No. 4470693) for information on operating, calibrating, maintaining and
integrating the Twister™ Robot.
Front view
Twister™Robot
components
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Component Description
A Reach axis Moves the grip horizontally 11.25 in (28.5 cm) to 19.75 in
(50.1 cm) from the center of the robot post.
B Wrist mechanism Rotates materials to either the portrait or landscape positions,
where the range of motion is ±135° (270° total).
C Grip Consists of two sets of fingers that grip the consumable. The
fingers close to grasp a consumable and open to release it.
DRobot
tower/vertical axis
Moves the arm up and down 21.5 in (54.6 cm), from 6.5 in
(16.5 cm) to 28 in (71.1 cm) above the table.
E Rotary axis Rotates the arm 340° around the base of the Twister™Robot.
Mechanical stops prevent continuous rotation.
F Bar code reader Scans the bar codes of consumables as they are loaded into
the QuantStudio™7 Flex System.
G Base cover Removable cover that contains four access bolts, which secure
the Twister™Robot to the Sciclone ALH 3000 base.
H Racks
Provide storage for PCR consumables before and after they
are run by the QuantStudio™7 Flex System (one of three
shown).
I Power LED When lit, indicates the Twister™Robot is powered on.
Rear view
Component Description
A On/Off switch Power switch for the Twister™Robot, where the states are on
( |) or off ( O).
B Power port 100–240V port that provides power to the Twister™Robot.
C RS232 port Provides serial communication with the computer.
D Fuse cover Two T1.6A 250VAC, 5 × 20‑mm electrical fuses that protect the
Twister™Robot from excessive electrical current.
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Instrument hardware
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6 and 7 Flex Real-Time PCR Systems v1.6 Maintenance and Administration Guide