LuminUltra GeneCount Q-8 User manual

LuminUltra GeneCount®Q-8 Q-16
qPCR Non-Touch Screen Version
For Windows® - based Software
LuminUltra(R) Technologies Ltd., Version 1.01, Date: May 5, 2021

LuminUltra GeneCount®Q-8 Q-16 qPCR
Quick Guide For Windows® - based Software
LuminUltra®Technologies Ltd., Version 1.01, Date: May 5, 2021
2
CONTENTS
0. Introduction.......................................................................................................... 3
1. Safety ................................................................................................................. 3
1.1 Grounding Considerations ................................................................................................. 3
1.2 Risk of Electric Shock......................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Power Supply Considerations ............................................................................................. 4
1.4 Power cord considerations ................................................................................................. 4
1.5 Plugging and unplugging your device.................................................................................. 4
1.6 Placement of instrument...................................................................................................... 4
1.7 Notes during operation...................................................................................................... 4
1.8 Warning Signs ................................................................................................................. 5
1.9 Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)................................................................ 5
2. Maintenance of Instrument ..................................................................................... 6
2.1 Information to the User ...................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Manual Precautionary labels .............................................................................................. 7
3. Overview............................................................................................................. 8
3.1 Parts required................................................................................................................... 8
3.2 Key parameters ................................................................................................................ 9
3.3 Set up the instrument ....................................................................................................... 10
3.3.1 Step 1 ................................................................................................................ 10
3.3.2 Step 2 ................................................................................................................ 10
3.3.3 Step 3 ................................................................................................................ 10
4. Step by step software guide ................................................................................. 11
4.1 Installing the GeneCount software..................................................................................... 11
4.2 Launching the software.................................................................................................... 12
4.2.1 The home button .................................................................................................. 12
4.2.2 Resizing the window ............................................................................................ 12
4.3 The setup page – name setup ........................................................................................... 12
4.3.1 Samples and qPCR set up...................................................................................... 12
4.3.2 Saving template ................................................................................................... 13
4.3.3 Open existing experiment for template file............................................................... 14
4.4 The setup page – cycler setup........................................................................................... 14
5. Running the experiment and monitor status ............................................................. 14
5.1 Running amplification program......................................................................................... 15
5.1.1 Ct Threshold (1) ................................................................................................... 15
5.1.2 Ct Low limit (2) .................................................................................................... 15
5.1.3 Normalize (3)...................................................................................................... 15
6. Results............................................................................................................... 16
6.1 Samples: ....................................................................................................................... 16
6.2 Positive and Negative control reactions: ............................................................................ 16
6.3 Concentration: ............................................................................................................... 16
7. Reports.............................................................................................................. 17

LuminUltra GeneCount®Q-8 Q-16 qPCR
Quick Guide For Windows® - based Software
LuminUltra®Technologies Ltd., Version 1.01, Date: May 5, 2021
3
0.Introduction
This manual includes installation instructions, operating instructions, maintenance procedures and
other technical information for the GeneCount® Q-8/Q-16 qPCR Touch Screen device.
Please read and understand this document before operating the unit. Failure to do so could result in
personal injury or damage to equipment. Please consult your local representative if you do not
understand the information in this manual, or if you need additional information.
Our team strives to improve and update existing information based on user feedback. Newest
versions and information are available for download from the website my.luminultra.com and from
[e-mail].
Note:
Very important information is contained within this manual and it should be carefully read
before first use of the instrument. Failure to operate instrument according to the instruction
could result in damage or abnormal functioning of the instrument.
Warning
The warning messages indicate caution when completing operation of a certain step. If the
instrument is not used in the manner prescribed by the manufacturer, the protection
provided may be compromised.
1.Safety
During operation, maintenance and repair of this instrument, the following basic notes must be
observed. In case of failure to follow these measures or the warnings or notes indicated herein, the
basic protection provided by the instrument, its safety criteria of design and manufacture, and its
predicted use range would be impaired.
LuminUltra Technologies Ltd. shall not be liable for the consequences of the client’s disregard for the
safety requirements documented in this manual, or the use of plasticware and other laboratory
supplies not provided by LuminUltra Technologies Ltd. or its subsidiaries.
1.1 Grounding Considerations
To avoid an electric shock, the input power cable of the instrument must be properly grounded. This
instrument uses a 10A 3-pin grounded plug. It is for use with a grounded power receptable and is a
safety feature. If the plug cannot be inserted into the receptable the receptable must be fixed by a
qualified electrician to maintain the safety function of the plug and the protection it provides.

LuminUltra GeneCount®Q-8 Q-16 qPCR
Quick Guide For Windows® - based Software
LuminUltra®Technologies Ltd., Version 1.01, Date: May 5, 2021
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1.2 Risk of Electric Shock
Operators are not allowed to disassemble instrument protection, replace components, or make
internal adjustment without authorization. If necessary, it must be completed by certified professional
maintenance personnel. In the event work is required to be performed the device must be
disconnected from all power sources.
1.3 Power Supply Considerations
Before connecting to the mains and switching the instrument on, make sure the voltage is consistent
with the instrument’s requirements of 110-240V AC (16V DC) and up to 9A current draw. The rated
load for the power socket must not be less than the instruments maximum load of 144W.
1.4 Power cord considerations
The instrument is supplied with a power cable, always use the supplied cable when operating the
instrument. If the power cable is damaged it should be replaced with a new one of the same
specifications. The power supply wire should be treated with care; do not place objects on the wire
and do not place the wire in high traffic areas. If the power cord near a hot surface, add protection
to prevent the insulation from being damaged.
1.5 Plugging and unplugging your device
At insertion and withdrawal of power cable, the back of the plug shall be firmly held with the hand.
The plug must be completely and tightly inserted into the socket and must not be removed by pulling
the cable.
1.6 Placement of instrument
This instrument should not be positioned in a place where it is difficult to cut off the power supply.
When not in use, the power should be switched off. If the instrument is not going to be used for a
long time, the power should be switched off, the power plug withdrawn and the instrument covered
with soft cloth or plastic film to prevent dust or foreign bodies entering the machine.
1.7 Notes during operation
During test, cares shall be taken to prevent liquid from dropping onto the instrument. The castoff used
in
tests, such as consumables, reagent, and so on, should be treated as required, and should not
be thrown
away or poured down the drain.
During test, if there are hazardous substances, user must be trained before using. Hazardous
substances, which has been used, should be handled, and stored according to direction for
use. Please consult and follow all regulations as required by the local authority having
jurisdiction. User who operate the instrument, must be trained, and has relevant quantification.

LuminUltra GeneCount®Q-8 Q-16 qPCR
Quick Guide For Windows® - based Software
LuminUltra®Technologies Ltd., Version 1.01, Date: May 5, 2021
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Warning
If any of the following should occur, you should immediately switch off the power supply,
withdraw the power plug from the power socket, and contact the supplier to effect a repair:
Repairs can only be carried out by suitably qualified engineers.
• Liquid gets inside the instrument.
• The instrument is rained upon or water is spilled over it.
• The instrument works abnormally, generates an abnormal sound, or generates a strange
odour.
• The instrument is dropped, or its casing is damaged.
• There is an obvious change in the function of the instrument.
Warning
When operating or performing work on the device, all relevant PPE guidelines should be
followed taking special care to protect oneself and others from potentially contagious material.
1.8 Warning Signs
• Hot Surface warning Label
Warning
When “HOT SURFACE!” is pasted in the instrument, it means that the metal part (module)
near this sign shall not be touched with any part of the body during the operation of the
instrument or a period of time immediately after the operation of the program to avoid burns!
1.9 Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
For product recycling instructions and more information, please go to:
https://www.luminultra.com/environmental-compliance/
WEEE is to be shipped to the LuminUltra address listed below and
WEEE is to be stated on the packing slip and/or packaging. Ship to:
LuminUltra Technologies
C/O NUNNER Logistics BV
Gerstdijk 24
5704 RG Helmond
The Netherlands

LuminUltra GeneCount®Q-8 Q-16 qPCR
Quick Guide For Windows® - based Software
LuminUltra®Technologies Ltd., Version 1.01, Date: May 5, 2021
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2.Maintenance of Instrument
If there is any stain on the surface of the instrument, it can be cleaned with a lint-free cloth and low
strength bleach solution.
Heat conducting oil medium is not allowed in the module hole of this
instrument.
The drawer should be closed in time after the normal storage and use of the instrument to prevent
dust
accumulation.
Warning
• When cleaning the instrument, the power should be turned off.
• The instrument surface should not be cleaned with corrosive cleaning agents.
• The instrument module includes precise optics. Dust, foreign matter and residue should be
avoided.
2.1 Information to the User
FCC Part 15, Class "A" Limits
Supporting test records reside with the manufacturer. The device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions:
1. The equipment may not cause harmful interference.
2. The equipment must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which
case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

LuminUltra GeneCount®Q-8 Q-16 qPCR
Quick Guide For Windows® - based Software
LuminUltra®Technologies Ltd., Version 1.01, Date: May 5, 2021
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The following techniques can be used to reduce interference problems:
1. Disconnect the equipment from its power source to verify that it is or is not the source of the
interference.
2. If the equipment is connected to the same outlet as the device experiencing interference, connect
the equipment to a different outlet.
3. Move the equipment away from the device receiving the interference.
4. Reposition the receiving antenna for the device receiving the interference.
5. Try combinations of the above.
2.2 Manual Precautionary labels
Read all labels and tags attached to the instrument. Personal injury or damage to the instrument
could occur if not observed. A symbol on the instrument is referenced in the manual with a
precautionary statement.
This symbol indicates a safety alert. Obey all safety messages that follow this
symbol to avoid potential injury. If on the instrument, refer to the instruction manual
for operation or safety information.
This symbol indicates an aperture from which potentially harmful light is emitted.
Do not peer into the LED light aperture/s.
This symbol indicates a potentially hot surface.
Avoid touching the marked
surface.

LuminUltra GeneCount®Q-8 Q-16 qPCR
Quick Guide For Windows® - based Software
LuminUltra®Technologies Ltd., Version 1.01, Date: May 5, 2021
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3.Overview
This is a user’s guide for using LuminUltra GeneCount qPCR with Windows®-based software.
3.1 Parts required
•GeneCount qPCR instrument unit
•AC adapter and power cord
•USB cable
•A Windows®1- based PC

LuminUltra GeneCount®Q-8 Q-16 qPCR
Quick Guide For Windows® - based Software
LuminUltra®Technologies Ltd., Version 1.01, Date: May 5, 2021
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3.2 Key parameters
Instrument Electrical Class
Class III
Capacity (# of wells)
4, 8, 16
Channels (# of Fluorophores per well)
4
(1. FAM/SYBR Green;
2. JOE/HEX/VIC/TET;
3. ROX/Texas Red;
4. CY5/LIZ/Cy5.5)
Multiplex capability
Up to 4 targets per well
Minimum detection threshold
4 copies
Dynamic range
>1.0E9
Signal
Interface USB 2.0
Instrument Light Source
(1) LED white light
Instrument Operating Temperature
10 - 40°C (-50 – 104°F), 80% max. relative
humidity (noncondensing)
Instrument Storage Temperature
-40 - 60°C (-40 – 140°F), 80% max. relative
humidity (noncondensing)
Excitation source
High endurance LED
Detector
Ultra–low- light CMOS Bio-imaging chip
Thermal system
Solid-state, Peltier-based
Tube/plate formats
0.2mL, 4 or 8-tube strip
Reaction volume
10uL – 60uL
Filters:
4 sets exchangeable*, **
Excitation Range:
460nm – 670nm
Emission Range
510nm – 720nm
DNA probes supported:
DNA binding dyes (e.g. SybrGreen),
hydrolysis probes (e.g. TaqMan probe) and
hybridization probes (e.g. FRET probes).
Temperature Uniformity
< +-0.2°C
Temperature control resolution
+-0.1 °C
Temperature Ramp Rate
6.5°C/s heating; 4°C/s cooling
Dimension
247mm (L) x 187mm (W) x 135mm (H)
Weight
2.4Kg
Power supply
16VDC, 144W,
(Class I adapter provided that accepts 100V-
240VAC, 50/60Hz)
*: Wavelength characteristics can be modified by changing filter modules.
**: We support 1 – 4 channels in different configurations.

LuminUltra GeneCount®Q-8 Q-16 qPCR
Quick Guide For Windows® - based Software
LuminUltra®Technologies Ltd., Version 1.01, Date: May 5, 2021
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3.3 Set up the instrument
3.3.1 Step 1
After installing the software (see step-by-step
software guide in the next page). Please visit
www.luminultra.com/software/ to download and
install software from LuminUltra’s web site).
Connect instrument with Windows® - based PC
via included USB cable. Power up the instrument
using the included AC adapter. In some models,
there is a main power switch in the back. Please
flip it to the on position.
Figure 1. PDx 16 USB and power connections
3.3.2 Step 2
Start the software, by launching the GeneCount .exe. file downloaded. The software should
recognize the instrument Hardware automatically. There is no need to install a driver as
Windows® should already have the driver necessary to connect to GeneCount device.2
3.3.3 Step 3
Open the instrument lid and place the
test tubes filled with sample and
reagent mix. We support 0.2ml
standard qPCR tubes. Make sure the
top lid of the tube is transparent and
flat. Close the instrument lid when
done
1We required Windows® 10 with Office 2010 or later installed to support print report function.
2We use the USB HID device interface for GeneCount. This is the same USB HID for keyboard and
mouse

LuminUltra GeneCount®Q-8 Q-16 qPCR
Quick Guide For Windows® - based Software
LuminUltra®Technologies Ltd., Version 1.01, Date: May 5, 2021
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4.Step by step software guide
4.1 Installing the GeneCount software
Please visit www.luminultra.com/software/ to download and install software from LuminUltra’s
web site).
If the file is one compressed file, please decompress it first. If you do not have a
compress/decompress utility installed on your computer, go get one at: http://www.7-zip.org . It
is free.
Once the file is
decompressed, just copy
the folder to any directory
in your PC. The folder
should look like this, see
below, when opened.
The executable file is the
file “GeneCount.exe”.
Next, the installer will
open up a box as shown
below. Follow the
installer prompts to
complete the set up:

LuminUltra GeneCount®Q-8 Q-16 qPCR
Quick Guide For Windows® - based Software
LuminUltra®Technologies Ltd., Version 1.01, Date: May 5, 2021
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4.2 Launching the software
When the GeneCount PC software is launched, after a brief delay for device initialization, the
front page will display as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1 GeneCount software front page
Several notable features are marked in Figure 1. Marker (1) is an indicator of whether the
GeneCount USB device is found. If found, a message “HID Device Connected” is shown along
with a green dot. We call it HID, because the GeneCount instrument uses USB HID device class.
4.2.1 The home button
Marker (2) is the home button. At any time of running this software, click this button to return to this
front page.
4.2.2 Resizing the window
Marker (3) is the place to drag to resize the GeneCount software windows.
4.3 The setup page – name setup
Click on the “Setup” button will take us to the setup page (Figure 2). Here we can set up the
experiment. Here we can name the experiment and all the samples in the wells. We can also
name and select the fluorescence channels for qPCR fluorescence reading.
A default date-coded experiment name is given on this page when we first enter. Feel free to
change it to something you choose.
4.3.1 Samples and qPCR set up
The software automatically detects the number of reaction wells the connected instrument can
support. Each reaction well can be associated with a sample. In this page, the user can enter a

LuminUltra GeneCount®Q-8 Q-16 qPCR
Quick Guide For Windows® - based Software
LuminUltra®Technologies Ltd., Version 1.01, Date: May 5, 2021
13
name for each sample. It a sample well name field is left empty (white spaces), it is considered that
the sample does not exist for that well.
Enter in experiment name and all sample data in the corresponding coordinates by double clicking
the appropriate box (Marker 1).
Figure 2 The setup page – name setup
Figure 3 The setup page – Add/Modify Sample
Add sample information into each field according to the provided chart and press “Add/Modify”
(Marker 2).
4.3.2 Saving template
At this step, we can also save the settings to a template file (Marker 4). So next time when we perform a
similar experiment, we can just load the template file instead of manually entering all the information again.

LuminUltra GeneCount®Q-8 Q-16 qPCR
Quick Guide For Windows® - based Software
LuminUltra®Technologies Ltd., Version 1.01, Date: May 5, 2021
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4.3.3 Open existing experiment for template file
We can also load an existing experiment file or template file by clicking on the “Open experiment
file” button (Marker 3).
When this step is done, we can click on the “Next step” button to continue setting the thermal
cycling program
4.4 The setup page – cycler setup
Here we can setup the thermal cycler program. Each assay has pre-set cycling conditions specified
by LuminUltra and do not need to be changed. After reviewing press the “Start” button to begin
the run (Marker 1)
Figure 4 - Cycling Condition Review
5.Running the experiment and monitor status
In the setup page – cycler setup, when we are satisfied with all the settings and loaded the
samples, we can start running the experiment by click the “Start…” button.
Before the instrument starts to execute thermal cycling program, it will automatically check to
ensure the lid is closed and the main power is applied.

LuminUltra GeneCount®Q-8 Q-16 qPCR
Quick Guide For Windows® - based Software
LuminUltra®Technologies Ltd., Version 1.01, Date: May 5, 2021
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5.1 Running amplification program
When running normal qPCR amplification program, the amplification window will real time
monitor the fluorescence signal from the samples. In addition, the Run-Amplification Curve page
will also show the current run status and estimated remaining run time
5.1.1 Ct Threshold (1)
The threshold for determining Ct is expressed as the percentage of the saturating level of the
amplification levels after normalization. The bigger this percentage, the more delayed the Ct
values are.
5.1.2 Ct Low limit (2)
The minimum value of Ct is set through this parameter. This setting is helpful in determining the
base fluorescence value for amplification curve analysis.
5.1.3 Normalize (3)
When displaying amplification curve, we usually normalize the fluorescence values. This will allow
us to visualize Ct threshold value. This choice will not affect the result of the analysis.
Figure 5 – Results Analysis

LuminUltra GeneCount®Q-8 Q-16 qPCR
Quick Guide For Windows® - based Software
LuminUltra®Technologies Ltd., Version 1.01, Date: May 5, 2021
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6.Results
6.1 Samples:
•Detected: The sample has a detectable amount of genomic units. The limit of detection is
different for every assay.
•Undetected: The sample has a genomic unit that is below the limit of detection (LOD).
6.2 Positive and Negative control reactions:
•Pass: The positive/negative controls have a Ct value that is within our acceptable range.
All reagents are viable, and the reaction was set up correctly.
•Fail: The positive/negative controls have a Ct value that is outside our acceptable range.
oPositive control fails: the positive control maybe degraded, the master mix may no
longer be viable, or the reaction was set up incorrectly.
oNegative control fails: There is a significant amount of contamination present which
may have also contaminated the samples that were run.
6.3 Concentration:
For samples, the genomic unit concentration per unit will be displayed if the sample has a level
above the limit of detection. This value is based on our standard curve and is calculated based on
the original volume, mass, or surface area entered in the “Quantity” field of the individual sample
and the volume of sample processed of the given extraction method.

LuminUltra GeneCount®Q-8 Q-16 qPCR
Quick Guide For Windows® - based Software
LuminUltra®Technologies Ltd., Version 1.01, Date: May 5, 2021
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7.Reports
Figure 6. Save and export page
On the report tab you can export the experiment file as a .csv spreadsheet (Marker 1) and save it
as a .json experiment file (Marker 2). If you have logged into a myLuminUltra account, you can
also upload it to our cloud to review it using our “Test+Analyze” feature (Marker 3). If you have an
older experiment you can also Re-analyze the data for upload (Marker 4).