Abstract: A computer-implemented method for designing a digital PCR (dPCR) experiment is provided. The method includes receiving, from a user, a selection of optimization type. The optimization type may be maximizing the dynamic range, minimizing the number of substrates including reaction sites needed for the experiment, determining a dilution factor, or determining the lower limit of detection, for example. The method further includes receiving, from the user, a precision measure for an experiment, and a minimum concentration of a target in a reaction site for the experiment. The method also includes determining a set of dPCR experiment design factors for the experiment based on the optimization type. The set of dPCR experiment design factors is then displayed to the user.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for designing a digital PCR (dPCR) experiment is provided. The method includes receiving, from a user, a selection of optimization type. The optimization type may be maximizing the dynamic range, minimizing the number of substrates including reaction sites needed for the experiment, determining a dilution factor, or determining the lower limit of detection, for example. The method further includes receiving, from the user, a precision measure for an experiment, and a minimum concentration of a target in a reaction site for the experiment. The method also includes determining a set of dPCR experiment design factors for the experiment based on the optimization type. The set of dPCR experiment design factors is then displayed to the user.

Abstract: The invention discloses a system and methods for quantitating the presence of nucleic acid sequences by evaluation of amplification data generated using real-time PCR. In one aspect, the methods may be adapted to identify a threshold and threshold cycle for one or more reactions based upon evaluation of exponential and baseline regions for each amplification reaction. The methodology used in the analysis may be readily automated such that subjective user interpretation of the data is substantially reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that comprise calibration techniques and associated systems that identify the two-dimensional position, or other alignment or positioning, of sample wells or other calibration objects located in a sample well plate, or other surface or area of interest. In some embodiments, calibration of the plate and/or positioning and/or alignment with respect to detection optics can be performed in multiple stages for two or more dimensions.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for designing a digital PCR (dPCR) experiment is provided. The method includes receiving, from a user, a selection of optimization type. The optimization type may be maximizing the dynamic range, minimizing the number of substrates including reaction sites needed for the experiment, determining a dilution factor, or determining the lower limit of detection, for example. The method further includes receiving, from the user, a precision measure for an experiment, and a minimum concentration of a target in a reaction site for the experiment. The method also includes determining a set of dPCR experiment design factors for the experiment based on the optimization type. The set of dPCR experiment design factors is then displayed to the user.

Abstract: The invention discloses a system and methods for quantitating the presence of nucleic acid sequences by evaluation of amplification data generated using real-time PCR. In one aspect, the methods may be adapted to identify a threshold and threshold cycle for one or more reactions based upon evaluation of exponential and baseline regions for each amplification reaction. The methodology used in the analysis may be readily automated such that subjective user interpretation of the data is substantially reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that comprise calibration techniques and associated systems that identify the two-dimensional position, or other alignment or positioning, of sample wells or other calibration objects located in a sample well plate, or other surface or area of interest. In some embodiments, calibration of the plate and/or positioning and/or alignment with respect to detection optics can be performed in multiple stages for two or more dimensions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing signals to minimize the effects of dye crosstalk. Deconvolution of multiplexed dye signals can include corrections for residual error determined from experimental measurements. Residual error corrections can account for reaction or assay specific factors and modify the subsequent filtering of signals. Correction values can be determined for specific dye-probe conjugates to minimize dye crosstalk and may be combined with residual error correction to further minimize errors in spectral deconvolution. Apparatus, systems, and computer-readable media can process signals and modify filters based on values obtained using the methods.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that comprise calibration techniques and associated systems that identify the two-dimensional position, or other alignment or positioning, of sample wells or other calibration objects located in a sample well plate, or other surface or area of interest. In some embodiments, calibration of the plate and/or positioning and/or alignment with respect to detection optics can be performed in multiple stages for two or more dimensions.

Abstract: The present teachings comprise systems and methods for calibrating the background or baseline signal in a PCR or other reaction. The background signal derived from detected emissions of sample wells can be subjected to a normalized statistical metric, and be compared to a threshold or other standard to discard outlier cycles or other extraneous data. According to various embodiments, a relative standard deviation (relativeSTD) for the background component can be generated by dividing the standard deviation by the median of differences across all wells, where the difference is defined as the difference between maximum and minimum pixel values of a well. The relativeSTD as a metric is not sensitive to machine-dependent variations in absolute signal output that can be caused by different gain settings, different LED draw currents, different optical paths, or other instrumental variations. More accurate background characterization can be achieved.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention describe a method and apparatus for automating quality control for gene expression data. A computer based device receives gene expression data associated with a spectral species and genetic sample in each well of a plate. Gene expression data may be received from a sequence detection instrument performing one or more gene expression related operations for each of the wells of the plate. The computer based device identifies gene expression data determined to have anomalous characteristics according to a set of one or more quality control metrics and may conditionally flag one or more wells of the plate affected by the anomalous characteristics. Filters can then be selectively applied to temporarily or permanently remove the flagged data from subsequent gene expression studies.