Abstract

Azure PCR Technology enables Automated Data-Analysis for Real-Time PCR and Melt Curves

Ze'ev Russak, CTO, Azure PCR Limited

The Azure PCR technology overcomes the current limitations of conventional qPCR data-analysis methods which can deliver inaccurate results as a variety of reaction parameters such as thresholds need to be set manually. This manual data-analysis requires the use of specialist software by trained scientists, in-turn introducing a need for local expertise; as such data-analysis is difficult to standardise and data interpretation costs are increased. Azure PCR remove the need for manual intervention and provide faster data-analysis, reducing costs and sample-to-answer time. The technology does not use thresholds or curve smoothing as it analyses the raw data. In the collaborative study, Azure PCR analysed both qualitative and quantitative data, achieving at least equivalent levels of accuracy and greater efficiency (measured in terms of time-taken to achieve results) when compared to established manual methods. Hence, the study demonstrated the robustness of the system and its ability to generate reproducible results. Azure PCR can also automate the analysis of melt-curve data by accurately clustering melt-curves into unique groups according to genotype without the need for user intervention. Results achieved so far demonstrate that this is a robust analysis method.