Applied Biosystems TaqMan® Platform

Asuragen is a licenced provider for all Applied Biosystems TaqMan assays and arrays*.

Services Available

Asuragen offers cGLP/CLIA-registered services on all AB TaqMan products

Technology

mRNA

TaqMan Gene Expression Assays and Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays are built on AB’s 5′ nuclease chemistry and consist of a FAM™ dye-labeled TaqMan MGB probe, and two unlabeled PCR primers. All components are QC tested by Applied Biosystems.

TaqMan Arrays

The TaqMan Array is a 384-well micro fluidic card, built on the TaqMan technology, that enables you to perform 384 simultaneous real-time PCR reactions without the need to use liquid-handling robots or multichannel pipettors to fill the card. This low- to medium- throughput micro fluidic card allows for 1-8 samples to be run in parallel against multiple TaqMan Gene Expression Assay targets that are pre-loaded into each of the wells on the card.

microRNA (miRNA)

The basis of the TaqMan MicroRNA Assays is a target-specific stem-loop structure, reverse-transcriptase primer. Its innovative design overcomes a fundamental problem in miRNA quantitation: the short length of mature miRNAs (~22 nt) prohibits conventional design of a random-primed RT step followed by a specific real-time assay. The stem-loop accomplishes two goals: 1) specificity for only the mature miRNA target, and 2) formation of a RT primer/mature miRNA-chimera, extending the 5′ end of the miRNA. The resulting longer RT amplicon presents a template amenable to standard real-time PCR, using TaqMan Assays. To ensure accurate results, every individual TaqMan MicroRNA Assay design has been functionally validated under laboratory conditions.

TaqMan miRNA Assays are not only specific for mature miRNAs, they can also successfully distinguish between highly homologous targets1.

TaqMan miRNA Assays are extremely sensitive— researchers need only 1–10 ng of purified total RNA or equivalent to reliably quantify their miRNAs of interest, not the several micrograms typically required for hybridization based methods.

TaqMan miRNA Assay

Quality Control

During our processes, we monitor many QC checkpoints as recommended by the Applied Biosystems’ procedures. As much as possible, we utilize spike-in controls, in-process sample controls, and process or reagent batch controls. Should any sample-specific QC measure result in an “alert” or “fail” reading (such as a standard deviation of triplicate qRT-PCR readings exceeding defined limits), we will contact you to discuss available options. These rigorous procedures enable Asuragen to be the only service provider to offer a Data Quality Guarantee:

If, for any reason, a qualified sample does not pass our process control specifications, we will re-run the sample at no additional charge.

Read more about our commitment to the best possible data quality, or read about our contributions to in-process controls and standardization.

Sample Handling and Processing

All samples are received and entered into the analysis queue under a controlled SOP to confirm package/sample integrity, appropriate shipping conditions (frozen samples/dry ice, as appropriate), and individual confirmation of sample identity against the shipping manifest and electronic sample submission form and instructions.

Turn-around Time

Most projects are completed in one to two. If you have a critical time requirement, we can often meet your need for no additional charge. Read more about our commitment to prompt turn-around times.

Related Services

Data Analysis

Analytical assay validation and CLIA-based testing services also are available.

Catalog Numbers for TaqMan qRT-PCR Services

Gene Expression, mRNA - Single tube Assays and Arrays

CA0030 AB TaqMan Service for mRNA, single assays, RT-PCR
CA0035 TaqMan Assay Validation, mRNA
CA0046 AB TaqMan Arrays for mRNA, PCR only
CA0047 RT for TaqMan mRNA Array, random-primed

miRNA

CA0032 QC, NanoDrop and TaqMan, Total RNA, for miRNA applications
CA0028 AB TaqMan Service for miRNA, single assays, RT-PCR
CA0042 AB TaqMan Service for miRNA, single assays, RT-PCR , absolute quantitation

*This test is performed pursuant to license arrangements with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc. and Applera Corporation.

1Chen C, Ridzon DA, Broomer AJ, Zhou Z, Lee DH, Nguyen JT, Barbisin M, Xu NL, Mahuvakar VR, Andersen MR, Lao KQ, Livak KJ, Guegler KJ (2005). Real-time quantification of microRNAs by stem-loop RT-PCR. Nucleic Acids Res 33(20):e179.

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