Comparison of the BioRad MyiQ Real Time system and the Cepheid Smart Cycler using Tetracore s US PRRS virus detection kit

摘要

The need for reliable, affordable Real Time PRRS detection PCR equipment has become an issue for newly established labs. The Tetracore PRRS detection PCR kit was originally developed using such Real Time equipment as the Cepheid Smart Cycler. Since the initial validation of the PRRS detection kit, BioRad has advanced in this area with the MyiQ Real Time PCR system. Due to the much lower monetary investment the MyiQ system offered, a study was done comparing this system to the Cepheid Smart Cycler. The data produced in the study validated the MyiQ system as a competitor in the PRRS detection arena. The detection sensitivity of the BioRad MyiQ system was compared to the Cepheid Smart Cycler using 100 field serum samples. The RNA was extracted using the QIAamp Viral RNA Kit and stored at 4 deg C until processed. Using the Tetracore US PRRS detection PCR kit, the extracted RNA was tested on both the BioRad MyiQ and the Cepheid Smart Cycler. Both machines were programmed following the suggested protocolprovided by Tetracore. A reaction volume of 25 uL was used in each instrument. Cycle threshold (Ct) values were determined and compared between the two instruments. A Ct value of > 39.1 was determined to be negative, 38.0-39.0 suspect and anything < 37.9 was positive. After analysis, it was determined that the two Real Time instruments were in 100% correlation (Table 1). For the majority of the samples, the Ct values showed less than one cycle difference between the two instruments.