High performance real-time PCR:
More than a decade of continuous qPCR innovation with the LightCycler® Systems.
Roche continues to innovate, and with that comes a dedication to the scientists who use the LightCycler® system for their experimental needs. Benefit from Roche's experience in real-time PCR and achieve precise, consistent results with a full range of instruments, reagents, assays, and disposables to fit any laboratory throughput or budget.
Choose the LightCycler® System that's right for you
See qPCR in a whole new way
Generate data you can trust.
Ideal for all levels of experience, the LightCycler® 96 Instrument provides an ideal combination of temperature homogeneity and data reproducibility. Comprehensive programming options, a large touchscreen, and intuitive analysis software that is accessible to any user make it easy to obtain publication-ready results.
Discover which real-time PCR System is right for you.
The tools for your research start here.
| LightCycler® 2.0* System | LightCycler® 96 System |
LightCycler® 480 System | LightCycler® 1536 System |
|
| Reactions per Run | 32 | 96 | 96/384 | 1536 |
| PCR Reactions Volume | 20 µl | 10 - 50 µl | 5-20 µl ⁄ 10 - 100 µl | 0.5 - 2 µl |
| Run Time | <30 min | <40 min | <40 min (384) ⁄ <60 min (96) | <50 min |
| Disposables | Glass capillaries | 96-multiwell plates 8-tube strips |
96/384-multiwell plates 8-tube strips |
1536-multiwell plates |
| Multiplexing Capability | 5x | 4x | 6x | 2x |
| Automation-Capable | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Light Source | Blue LED | High-Intensity LED | High-Intensity white LED | Xenon Lamp |
* LightCycler® 2.0 Instrument conforms to the European directive for in vitro diagnostic medical devices 98/79/EC. For in vitro diagnostic use.
Order qPCR instruments
Request a quote for a real-time PCR system.
Order qPCR reagents
Optimized reagents for each application.
Order qPCR assays
Easily design your qPCR assays or function-tested custom qPCR panels.
Innovative qPCR Instruments.
Generate results you can trust.
Amplify your success in real-time PCR applications with the LightCycler® Instruments. Choose the system that best suits your needs, with flexible sample volumes and throughputs ranging from 32 to 1,536 samples per run. All of our instruments provide outstanding temperature uniformity and homogeneity, as well as unbiased data capture, enabling you to quickly generate results that are accurate and reproducible.
LightCycler® 96 System
See qPCR in a whole new way.
96-well throughput
Ideal for all levels of experience, the LightCycler® 96 Instrument provides an optimal combination of temperature homogeneity and data reproducibility. Comprehensive programming options, a large touchscreen, and intuitive analysis software make it easy to obtain publication-ready results.
Learn More
LightCycler® 480 System
Versatile for experienced users.
96- to 384-well throughput
The LightCycler® 480 System is a high-performance, flexible throughput qPCR platform (interchangeable 96- or 384-well blocks) that provides various methods for gene detection, gene expression analysis, genetic variation analysis, and pathogen detection.
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LightCycler® 1536 System
High throughput - redefined.
1536-well throughput
The LightCycler® 1536 Instrument is a rapid, plate-based, thermal block cycler with integrated real-time, online detection capabilities. Take advantage of the first plate-based real-time qPCR instrument that provides 1,536 data points in a single PCR run in less than 50 minutes.
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LightCycler® 2.0 System
A proven standard of excellence.
32-well throughput
This LightCycler® Carousel-Based System has repeatedly set the standard for accurate and fast real-time PCR. It was the first system to introduce hybridization probes, true melting curve analysis, automated absolute quantification, relative quantification with efficiency correction, and more.
LightCycler® 2.0 Instrument conforms to the European directive for in vitro diagnostic medical devices 98/79/EC. For in vitro diagnostic use.
Learn MoreDesigned to maximize the performance of your system.
Rely on Roche proprietary PCR enzymes and formulations to consistently deliver exceptional sensitivity and specificity for your real-time PCR assays.
Choose the reagent that's best for your experiments on:
LightCycler® Multiplex Masters
Made to discover more.
Bring your qPCR to the next level with the new 5x concentrated multiplex master mixes. Detect a greater number of targets per reaction, work more efficiently, and maximize your valuable samples.
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LightCycler® EvoScript Masters
Witness the evolution of RT-qPCR.
Sensitive, specific and one-vial EvoScript master mixes turn even the smallest clues into measurably better results, ensuring no evidence gets lost in transcription.
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Reagent Selection Guide
Your online search assistant
Not sure which kit is best for you? With the new Roche Reagent Selection guide, you can easily find which real-time PCR reagents are right for your applications.
Launch the Guide
qPCR Reagents for Roche Instruments
| FastStart Essential DNA Probes Master | FastStart Essential DNA Green Master | LightCycler® 480 Probes Master | LightCycler® 480 SYBR® Green I Master | LightCycler® 480 RNA Master Hydrolysis Probes | LightCycler® 480 HRM Master | LightCycler® Multiplex RNA Virus Master | LightCycler® Multiplex DNA Master | |
| Applications | Gene expression | Gene expression | Gene expression | Gene expression | Gene expression | High resolution melting | Multiplex pathogen detection | Multiplex pathogen detection |
| Starting Material | DNA | DNA | DNA | DNA | RNA | DNA | Viral RNA | Pathogen DNA |
| Chemistry | Hydrolysis probes | SYBR® Green I | Hydrolysis probes | SYBR® Green I | Hydrolysis probes | ResoLight Dye | Hydrolysis probes | Hydrolysis probes |
| Instrument Capability | LightCycler® 96 Instrument | LightCycler® 96 Instrument | LightCycler® 480 Instrument | LightCycler® 480 Instrument | LightCycler® 96 & LightCycler® 480 Instruments | LightCycler® 96 & LightCycler® 480 Instruments | LightCycler® 96 & LightCycler® 480 Instruments | LightCycler® 96 & LightCycler® 480 Instruments |
qPCR Reagents for Non-Roche Instruments
| Roche Master Mix | FastStart Universal Probe Master Mix (ROX) | FastStart Universal SYBR® Green Master Mix (ROX) | FastStart TaqMan Probe Master | FastStart SYBR® Green Master | EagleTaq Universal Master Mix (ROX) |
| Applications | Gene expression | Gene expression | Gene expression | Gene expression |
Gene expression, Genotyping |
| Starting Material | DNA | DNA | DNA |
DNA | DNA |
| Chemistry | Hydrolysis probes | SYBR® Green I | Hydrolysis probes | SYBR® Green I | Hydrolysis probes |
| ROX | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Instrument Capability | non-Roche instruments requiring ROX such as ViiA7, StepOne Plus, ABI 7500, ABI 7900 HT. | non-Roche instruments requiring ROX such as ViiA7, StepOne Plus, ABI 7500, ABI 7900 HT. |
non-Roche instruments not requiring ROX such as Bio-Rad CFX 96 Touch, RotorGene Q. | non-Roche instruments not requiring ROX such as Bio-Rad CFX 96 Touch, RotorGene Q. | non-Roche instruments requiring ROX such as ViiA7, StepOne Plus, ABI 7500, ABI 7900 HT. |
LightCycler® 1536 System Reagents
Downscale reagent volumes and accelerate the workflow.
LightCycler® Carousel System Reagents
Optimal reagents for rapid reactions in capillaries.
Reverse Transcription Kits
For robust and unbiased cDNA synthesis.
Genomics Workflow Publications
The Genomic Workflow Publication Database is your source for relevant, reliable information specific to your research applications.
Universal ProbeLibrary
Easily design your qPCR assay to analyze over 5 million transcripts of any sequenced organism.
RealTime ready
Function-tested qPCR single assays or custom panels, for human, mouse or rat targets of your choice.
qPCR Assays and Panels
Easy to design. Ready to run.
Choose from a variety of Roche probe-based qPCR assay solutions for your gene expression needs. Opt for universal probes for affordable and easy-to-design assays. Or select function-tested single assays and customized panels to skip design and optimization steps. Rely on Roche qPCR assay solutions to generate reliable and consistent real-time PCR results, along with complete assay information to facilitate compliance with the MIQE guidelines.
LightMix Modular Pathogen Detection Assay*
Ready to use assays designed for multiplexing.
Choose from an extensive range of assays for pathogen detection. Compatibility with Roche reagents and instruments enables seamless assay integration into your workflow.
*Manufactured by TIB MOLBIOL GmBH, exclusively distributed by Roche
Create Your Panel
Universal ProbeLibrary
Cost-effective, probe-based assays.
Experience how fast and easy it is to design a specific, cost-effective, hydrolysis probe-based qPCR assay in 3 easy steps using our free online software.
Get Started
RealTime ready Assays
Function-tested probe-based assays.
Skip time-consuming assay design and optimization steps with the function-tested RealTime ready qPCR assays for gene expression for human, mouse, rat or other species. Receive ready-to-use probe-based assays, compatible with any real-time PCR instrument
Design Assay
RealTime ready Custom Panels
Function-tested qPCR assay Panels.
Create your own gene expression panels with your targets of choice on LightCycler® Plates (96- or 384-well). All assays are function-tested and pre-plated for the upmost convenience and quick time to results.
Configure Panel
Probe-based qPCR assay solutions available from Roche
Assay |
LightMix Modular Assays |
Universal ProbeLibrary Single Probes |
Universal ProbeLibrary Library |
RealTime ready Single Assays |
RealTime ready Focus Panels |
RealTime ready Custom Panels |
| Format | Predesigned assays for detection of infectious disease pathogens (2 vials) |
Single probe (2 vials) |
90 most common probes for human targets (90 vials) |
Custom Assay, single tube |
Pre-configured, pre-plated (96- or 384-well) |
Custom, pre-plated (96- or 384-well) |
| Included Components |
Probe, Primers and Positive Control |
Probe | 90 probes | Probe and Primers | Probes, Primers and Plates |
Probes, Primers and Plates |
| Validation | Function-tested | In silico | In silico | Function-tested | Function-tested | Function-tested |
| Assay Information |
Protocol available from Roche |
Complete assay information provided with all Roche qPCR assays | ||||
| Instrument Compatibility | LightCycler® 480 and cobas z 480 |
qPCR Instruments detecting FAM |
qPCR Instruments detecting FAM |
qPCR Instruments detecting FAM |
LightCycler® 480 LightCycler® 96 |
LightCycler® 480 LightCycler® 96 |
Working with limited amounts of RNA?
Learn more about RealTime ready Pre-Amp cDNA Master and Pre-Amp pirmer pools.
Reference Gene Assays
Easily multiplex with your target UPL assay.
Reference Gene Panel
Identify the reference genes with the least variability for your test system.
LightCycler® Consumables
Designed to maximize performance.
LightCycler® Multiwell Plates
Optimal fit and performance.
Fully exploit the advanced thermal and optical characteristics of your LightCycler® 96 or 480 Systems with tailor-made LightCycler® Multiwell Plates to allow optimal heat transfer and optical compatibility.
Learn More
LightCycler® 8-Tube Strips
Ideal consumable for low throughput.
Use the LightCycler® 8-Tube Strips as plastics disposables that match exactly your LightCycler® 96 or 480 Systems block geometry for optimal fit and real-time PCR results.
Learn More
LightCycler® Capillaries
Optimized for Carousel Systems.
Maximize qPCR performance with optimal heat transfer by relying on the renowned LightCycler® Capillaries for all LightCycler® Carousel Systems.
Learn More
Want to simplify plate tracking?
Rely on LightCycler® Multiwell Plates with 4 barcodes for tracking and automation.
Find Products
LightCycler® 1536 Multiwell Plate
Increase your throughput with 1,536 data points per run.
Find ProductsTo download the LightCycler® Software, please first register by completing this form. You will receive an email with a link for downloading the software installer, demo data files and the user guide pdf.
For LightCycler® 480 System Customers
Please contact your Roche representative for the following upgrade scenario:
1) Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 using Data Station HP rp5700
2) Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 using Data Station other than HP rp5700
3) Using Software Version other than 1.5 and upgrading to 1.5.1.
For LightCycler® Carousel-Based System Customers
Please note that the LightCycler® QC Test Software 3.0 is for life science research only and not for use in diagnostics procedures. In case you need to qualify IVD LightCycler® Instrument, contact your Roche representative.
Instructions for Use (IFU)
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Online Technical Support
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