- Materials
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- Input RNA in 10 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.0
- VolTRAX PCR Tiling 1-12 COVID-19 Kit (VSK-PTC001)
- VolTRAX Cartridge Pack (VCT-V2002B)
- Consumables
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- 0.2 ml thin-walled PCR tubes
- Qubit dsDNA HS Assay Kit (ThermoFisher, cat # Q32851)
- Equipment
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- VolTRAX V2b
- P20 pipette and tips
- P10 pipette and tips
- Optional equipment
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- Qubit fluorometer (or equivalent for QC check)
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Board test
The Board test should be carried out on your VolTRAX device before proceeding with PCR experiments. The most recent models of the VolTRAX V2b feature improved temperature calibration for PCR, and the Board test checks whether you have a version of the device that is PCR-compatible.
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Start the VolTRAX software. You will be presented with the following options for protocols to run. Select "Board Test" to start the protocol and follow the instructions in the software.
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Board test results
If the board test has been successful, you can proceed with PCR experiments.
If the board test has failed, please contact Support.
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Click "Continue", which will take you back to the protocol selection screen. Select "VolTRAX PCR Tiling 1-12 COVID-19" to start the protocol and follow the instructions in the software.
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Protocol preview
Once an option is selected from the menu, the UI will show a preview of the steps involved in library preparation. The example below is for the Configuration Kit.
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When prompted by the UI, connect your VolTRAX device to the computer. When it is connected, you will then be prompted to insert a cartridge into the device.
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Prime the cartridge as instructed in the UI by twisting the Priming Fluid container anti-clockwise and removing the foil tab to allow the fluid to enter the cartridge.
Select Continue when each step is completed.
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Wait for the library prep to finish.
A timer can be found on the right hand side of the UI, indicating the remaining time.
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At the end of the experiment, extract the prepared library from the E port of the VolTRAX cartridge. Dispense the library into a 0.2 ml PCR tube for preparation of the sequencing mix, as discussed in the following section.
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Optional actionQuantify 1 µl of eluted sample using a Qubit fluorometer.