Applied Biosystems QuantStudio 1 Plus Real-Time PCR System
| Brand | Thermo Fisher Scientific |
|---|---|
| Origin | Manufactured in China |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Instrument Type | Real-Time Fluorescent Quantitative PCR System |
| Model | QuantStudio 1 Plus |
| Sample Capacity | 96-well format |
| Maximum Heating Rate | 3.5 °C/sec |
| Average Heating Rate | 1.8 °C/sec |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.25 °C |
| Well-to-Well Temperature Uniformity | ±0.4 °C |
| Dye Calibration | Factory-calibrated for FAM, VIC, ROX, and Cy5 fluorophores |
| Dynamic Range | 10 logs |
| Detection Sensitivity | Single-copy DNA detection |
| Concentration Discrimination | Capable of resolving 1.5-fold differences in target concentration |
| Run Time (Fast Mode) | ≤40 minutes for 40-cycle amplification |
Overview
The Applied Biosystems QuantStudio 1 Plus Real-Time PCR System is a CE-marked, locally manufactured member of the QuantStudio family—engineered to deliver the performance, reliability, and intuitive operation expected from Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Applied Biosystems platform. Designed specifically for laboratories operating under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), ISO/IEC 17025, or clinical research frameworks, this instrument employs real-time fluorescence detection via sequence-specific hydrolysis probes (TaqMan) and intercalating dyes (e.g., SYBR Green) to quantify nucleic acid targets with high precision across dynamic ranges spanning ten orders of magnitude. Its thermally optimized Peltier-based thermal cycling module ensures rapid, reproducible ramping and precise dwell control—critical for stringent applications including viral load monitoring, gene expression profiling, genotyping, and miRNA quantification.
Key Features
- High-fidelity optical architecture: Simultaneous multi-channel fluorescence acquisition across all 96 wells eliminates temporal offset between wells—enabling robust multiplexing without cross-well signal latency.
- Digital thermal control system: Precision-engineered aluminum block with integrated temperature sensors delivers ±0.25 °C accuracy and ±0.4 °C well-to-well uniformity—meeting ASTM E1530 and ISO 13485 thermal validation benchmarks.
- Optimized fast-cycling protocol support: Achieves full 40-cycle qPCR runs in ≤40 minutes without compromising amplification efficiency or Cq reproducibility (CV < 1.5% within-run, < 2.0% inter-run).
- Factory pre-calibrated optical system: Validated for common fluorophores including FAM, VIC, ROX, and Cy5—ensuring compatibility with widely adopted master mixes and assay chemistries used in academic, diagnostic, and biopharmaceutical labs.
- Intuitive dual-mode user interface: Integrated 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with gesture navigation, plus optional remote access via web browser or desktop software (QuantStudio Design & Analysis Software v2.x).
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The QuantStudio 1 Plus supports standard 0.1 mL and 0.2 mL 96-well plates and strips compatible with ANSI/SBS footprint specifications. It accepts both passive reference dyes (ROX) and no-reference-dye chemistries, accommodating diverse assay formats—including probe-based, dye-based, and digital PCR-ready workflows. The system complies with IEC 61010-1 safety standards and meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements per EN 61326-1. For regulated environments, audit trail functionality, electronic signature support, and secure user role management are available through optional software modules aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 requirements.
Software & Data Management
Data acquisition and analysis are powered by QuantStudio Design & Analysis Software—a validated, version-controlled application supporting experimental design, baseline correction, automatic threshold setting, relative/absolute quantification, and melt curve analysis. Raw data (.eds files) are stored in vendor-neutral, XML-based formats compliant with MIQE guidelines. Cloud-enabled synchronization via Thermo Fisher Connect allows secure, encrypted data upload, collaborative review, and long-term archival. All software updates undergo rigorous regression testing; release notes and validation documentation are provided per GxP-aligned change control procedures.
Applications
This system is routinely deployed in molecular diagnostics development, vaccine efficacy studies, host-pathogen interaction research, CRISPR editing validation, and QC release testing of biologics. Its sensitivity and dynamic range make it suitable for low-abundance transcript detection in single-cell lysates, residual host cell DNA quantification in purified plasmid preps, and NGS library quantification prior to sequencing. In clinical trial support labs, it serves as a primary platform for biomarker validation under CLIA-certified workflows.
FAQ
Is the QuantStudio 1 Plus compatible with third-party reagents and consumables?
Yes—the system accepts all commercially available 96-well plates, tubes, and master mixes adhering to ANSI/SBS dimensional standards and optical clarity specifications.
Does the instrument support LIMS integration?
Yes—via configurable CSV export, ODBC-compliant database connectors, and RESTful API endpoints documented in the QuantStudio Integration Guide.
What regulatory documentation is supplied with the system?
Each unit ships with a Certificate of Conformance, Factory Calibration Report, IQ/OQ Protocol Templates, and a comprehensive User Manual compliant with ISO 15223-1 labeling standards.
Can the system be upgraded to support future software releases?
Yes—Thermo Fisher provides lifecycle support for minimum 7 years post-launch, including security patches, feature enhancements, and compatibility updates for Windows 10/11 and macOS 12+.

