Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below is a sampling of common questions about the ICEPlex System. If we have not covered your topic of interest please contact or support or sales department. Also, please check back as we will be updating our FAQs often.

  1. What does ICEPlex mean?
  2. What do I need to run a qPCR assay on the ICEPlex System?
  3. How do I design assays for the ICEPlex System?
  4. What is the highest multiplex possible on the ICEPlex system?
  5. What controls should I use with the ICEPlex in Open Platform mode?
  6. What is the ICEPlex cartridge?
  7. What dyes can be used on the ICEPlex system?
  8. What assays can I run on the ICEPlex System?
  9. How many runs can I perform with the ICEPlex Cartridge?
  10. How do I know I need to replace the consumables on ICEPlex System?
  11. Do I need to clean the ICEPlex System between runs?
  12. Are there any manual steps during the ICEPlex run?
  13. How are the results reported?
  14. How does the ICEPlex System correctly determine the amplicons length?

What does ICEPlex mean?

ICEPlex stands for Integrated Capillary Electrophoresis Multiplex.

What do I need to run a qPCR assay on the ICEPlex System?

The user will need to design an assay with end-labeled primers and provide mastermix components.  Everything else can be purchased from PrimeraDx.

How do I design assays for the ICEPlex System?

Please refer to our Assay Design Guide for a thorough understanding of designing high performance multiplex assays for the ICEPlex System.

What is the highest multiplex possible on the ICEPlex system?

The ICEPlex System comes equipped with two lasers, and it is possible to use two colors per laser (e.g. FAM & Tye) without issues, so it is a four color system.  Using just one color we have shown that we can separate 53 end-labeled amplicons.

What controls should I use with the ICEPlex in Open Platform mode?

We suggest that when running in the Open Platform mode users run with PrimeraDx’s Universal Assay, as well as a positive extraction control.  Also, it is an excellent idea to use one well per plate as a Negative Sample Control.

What is the ICEPlex cartridge?

The cartridge is an essential part of the entire system.  The cartridge ties the PCR to the Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) by sampling from the PCR plate and running the CE.  Each 48-well Cartridge is made up of 48 capillaries as well as 48 electrodes for electrokinetic injection.

What dyes can be used on the ICEPlex system?

Typically when using two colors we choose FAM and Tye.

What assays can I run on the ICEPlex System?

The ICEPlex System can be used to run assays against pathogens for detection as well as for quantification.  The ICEPlex is the only high multiplex qPCR System that allows users to simultaneously run an assay against mRNAs, gDNAs, microRNAs and SNPs.  This multimodal aspect of the ICEPlex System sets it apart from the low multiplex ordinary qPCR systems and the very high multiplex low dynamic range non-PCR based platforms.

How many runs can I perform with the ICEPlex Cartridge?

The ICEPlex Cartridge stays on the ICEPlex System between runs and it is removed after 15 runs.

How do I know I need to replace the consumables on ICEPlex System?

The Software on the ICEPlex System monitors the usage of consumables and indicates when they need to be replaced. A new run on the ICEPlex System is initialized after the system confirms that there is sufficient amount of the each consumable.

Do I need to clean the ICEPlex System between runs?

The ICEPlex System automatically decontaminates the capillaries of the ICEPlex Cartridge between runs.

Are there any manual steps during the ICEPlex run?

The ICEPlex System is a fully automated, “walk-away” system. Once the reagents, PCR reactions and capillary electrophoresis plate are installed on the system the user starts the run, and the ICEPlex System automatically performs all the steps.

How are the results reported?

In the Open Platform mode, the ICEPlex System generates results can be reported as Ct (cycle threshold), copies per reaction, copies per milliliter or as relative units depending on the type of the targets and PCR assay.

How does the ICEPlex System correctly determine the amplicons length?

The Universal Assay kit, provided by PrimeraDx, contains three different size standards that are identified in each CE separation and are used to determine the sizes of the unknown PCR targets.