qslib

QSLib is a package for interacting with Applied Biosystems' QuantStudio qPCR machines, intended for non-qPCR uses, such as DNA computing and molecular programming systems. It allows the creation, processing, and handling of experiments and experiment data, and interaction with machines through their network connection and SCPI interface. It currently functions only with QuantStudio 5 machines using a 96-well block, but could be made to support others as well.

Amongst other features that it has:

• Direct fluorescence data ("filter data") as Pandas dataframes, with times and temperature readings.

• Running-experiment data access, status information, and control.

• Protocol creation and manipulation, allowing functions outside of AB's software. Protocols can be modified and updated mid-run.

• Temperature data at one-second resolution during experiments.

• Machine control functions: immediate pauses and resumes, drawer control, power, etc.

• With qslib-monitor: live monitoring of machine state information, with Matrix notifications, InfluxDB storage, and Grafana dashboards.

Installation and Setup

QSLib is pure Python, and can be installed via pip:

pip3 install -U qslib

Or, for the current Github version:

pip3 install -U --pre git+https://github.com/cgevans/qslib

It requires at least version 3.9 of Python. While it uses async code at its core for communication, it can be used conveniently in Jupyter or IPython.

To use the library for communication with machines, you'll need a machine access password with Observer (for reading data and statuses) and/or Controller (for running experiments and controlling the machine) access, and will need access to the machine on port 7000. I strongly recommend against having the machines be accessible online: use a restricted VPN connection or port forwarding. See the documentation for more information.

Disclaimer

This package was developed for my own use. It may break your machine or void your warranty. Data may have errors or be incorrect. When used to send raw commands at high access levels, the machine interface could render your machine unusable or be used to send commands that would physically/electrically damage the machine or potentially be hazardous to you or others.

I am not any way connected with Applied Biosystems. I have developed this package using the machine's documentation system and standard file formats.