Good results start before the plate goes into the instrument. These are the handling steps we recommend for Bandit Biosystems panels, master mixes and positive controls. Each product information sheet has the specific steps for that product.
On arrival
- Store at −20°C. Orders ship on dry ice. Move panels, master mixes and controls to a −20°C freezer as soon as they arrive.
- Inspect every tube. Check for leaks or damage before first use, and report any problem to orders@bandit.bio right away.
- Note the lot and expiration date. Stability is up to 24 months from the date of manufacture, depending on lot and components. Do not use reagents past their expiration date.
Thawing and mixing
- Thaw the master mix, RT mix (for RT-qPCR panels), nuclease-free water and primer and probe mix completely, either on ice for about 30 minutes or at room temperature for about 5 minutes.
- Vortex briefly, then spin down to collect the liquid at the bottom of each tube.
- Check the master mix tube for precipitate. If you see any, vortex until it dissolves, then spin down again.
- Return reagents to −20°C promptly after use. If you run small batches, consider splitting reagents into working aliquots to limit repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Setting up reactions
- Set up master mix in a clean room or designated setup area, separate from where samples are extracted and amplified products are handled.
- Use DNase- and RNase-free consumables and aerosol-barrier pipette tips.
- Add the positive control last, after the sample wells and no-template controls, to reduce the chance of carryover.
- Positive controls are typically supplied at approximately 10,000 copies/µL. If you make dilutions, use TE buffer (pH 8.0) or the dilution buffer supplied.
Use the matched master mix
Each panel is formulated for the master mix listed on its product page, and the complete kit includes it where one is offered. Alternate master mixes are not supported, because a different mix can change signal, timing and channel balance.
Questions about a specific product? Contact our applications team.