Quantitative High-Plex Transcriptomics Assays
The nCounter platform is designed for quantitative, high-plex analysis of RNA. Demonstrated reproducibility and compatibility with low-quality samples supports its utilization as a tool for gene expression analysis. Leverage Canopy Multiomic Services for expert guidance and quick turnaround for your most important experiments.
Our Expertise
Because we have been running nCounter for over a decade, we have the expertise to tackle problematic samples and complicated projects.
Powerful Data
We partner with cloud-based bioinformatics platform ROSALIND and provide easy access to fast, dynamic, and visual data analysis tools for differential gene expression analysis.
Quality Translational Research Support
Our nCounter assay services support key preclinical and clinical research projects with our CLIA-certification, multiple operational sites, and quick turnaround time.
Complementary Services
We offer a unique and specialized mix of spatial and single-cell analysis technologies to complement the targeted gene expression from nCounter and accelerate your research.
Access Clinically-Relevant Gene Expression Signatures
We are one of only five nCounter service providers that offer nAlgorithm™ gene signature reporting for biopharma clinical studies. We offer the Tumor Inflammation Signature (TIS), Lymphoma Subtyping Test, and PAM50 assay. These signatures provide cell typing and quantification, assist in patient stratification, and facilitate better biomarker identification.
How Our nCounter Service Works
Our nCounter service is streamlined and efficient, with three simple steps to deliver reproducible data for your study. Inquire today to get started.
Select Your Gene Panel
Choose from one of the predesigned gene panels relevant to your research, customize it with a spike in, or design your own.
Tell Us About Your Samples
Provide the sample number, sample type and species, and we will take care of the rest. We can also isolate RNA from your blood, cell pellets, or tissue samples.
We Deliver Your Data
We include raw and normalized data in your nCounter service. We also offer premium data analysis packages through ROSALIND for differential gene expression analysis.
Faster than qPCR, Simpler than NGS
qRT-PCR
Low throughput: 1-5 genes
Cheap
2 week turnaround time
Requires high quality samples
Susceptible to bias
Simple data analysis
nCounter
High throughput: 800 genes
Affordable
2 week turnaround time*
Compatible with poor quality samples
Free from amplification bias
Simple data analysis
RNA-seq
High throughput: 12,000+ genes
Expensive
4-6 week turnaround time
Requires high quality samples
Susceptible to bias
Complicated data analysis
*May change based on sample type and project scope.
While qRT-PCR has been the gold standard for RNA quantification for many years due to low cost and high speed, it can only analyze a handful of genes per sample. On the other end of the spectrum, RNA-seq can sequence and quantify every transcript from a sample, but it is a long and expensive workflow capable of handling few samples at a time.
The nCounter platform balances speed and throughput. Detecting 800 gene targets from up to 12 samples, the simple workflow enables rapid data generation. Differential gene expression analysis is simple with raw and normalized count data and can be easily achieved using the ROSALIND platform for pathway analysis. nCounter is a robust solution for multiplex targeted gene expression analysis.
Amplification-Free Quantification
To convert RNA to cDNA and generate enough copies to be detectable, qPCR and RNA-seq both require nucleic acid amplification. Due to polymerase biases and errors, amplification introduces variability and potential inefficiencies into such workflows. Gene expression profiling using nCounter does not require amplification; barcoded probes hybridize directly onto targeted transcripts in a one-to-one ratio for accurate, reproducible quantification of 800+ genes without sequence bias.
Image from Northcott, et al., 2012.
A 2012 publication highlighted the reproducibility of the nCounter assay. The authors sent the same samples to three different labs, in three different countries. RNA was isolated in each lab from FFPE samples, and different instruments and reagent lots were used.
As shown above, the heat maps generated at each site were closely correlated, with r^2 values of 0.97 and 0.98 between the sites, indicating the significant concordance between facilities and demonstrating the reproducibility and reliability of nCounter assays. Reproducibility is a key characteristic of nCounter and a critical requirement for preclinical and clinical trial projects.
Simple Analysis for Your Next Publication
Analyze your nCounter gene expression data with confidence using our bioinformatics partner, ROSALIND. Explore differential gene expression and pathway analysis in an easy-to-use platform with heatmaps, volcano plots and pathways from 50 knowledge bases.
Your Assay, Your Way
Your research is unique and sometimes the panels you need have not yet been designed. We can create custom panels or add custom probes to an off-the-shelf panel to perfectly suit your experimental needs. Let us lead you through the customization process.
Featured Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes - if you choose to analyze your data through ROSALIND, we will provide comprehensive training upon data delivery to help you confidently analyze your data. As the expert in your samples and study, we encourage you to lead the analysis. To learn more about how we can help, contact us.
nCounter is a powerful technique for gene expression profiling and highly successful and reproducible in most sample types including formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue, crude-cell lysates, and blood. We can do the RNA isolation for you, or you can send us your purified total RNA.