Qiagen has announced the launch of new kits for use on its QIAcuity systems and a major new software update designed to expand the portfolio of applications for use of digital PCR technology in areas like cell and gene therapies, DNA and RNA quantification, as well as food and pharmaceuticals safety.

The QIAcuity Mycoplasma Quant Kit offers researchers an accurate and precise way to detect mycoplasma contaminants in all steps of research and manufacturing of cell and gene therapies. While the QIAcuity OneStep Advanced EG Kit allows researchers the highly sensitive quantification of RNA or RNA alongside DNA in one reaction. The kit uses intercalating dye technology that makes procedures easier to design and more cost-efficient than those used in fluorescent-probe-based PCR. 

Additionally, Qiagen is launching the QIAcuity Software 2.5 update. It is designed to help researchers determine two key features of digital PCR analyses. Using the functionality of a temperature gradient, the software will allow them to determine the precise temperature at which their experiment should run, saving the need to put the sample through an external thermocycler during the development of tests to target specific genetic building blocks.