Table 2.
Comparison of Fluidigm BioMark Versus Nanostring nCounter system
| Parameters | Nanostring | Fluidigm |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of instrument (estimated/USD)a | 225,000 (nCounter Max) | 235,000 (BioMark) |
| Cost per sample (estimated/USD)a | 67 | 21 |
| Multiplexing option | 96 well plate and others | 96 well plate and others |
| Input RNA | 50 ng | 50 ng |
| Probes used nanostring/amplicons | 50 bases | 50−100 bp |
| Sensitivity | ∼1 copy per cell | ∼1 copy per cell |
| Detection limit | Single copy mRNA | Single copy mRNA |
| Throughput per day | Up to 39,600 data points | Up to 50,688 data points |
| Time to result | ∼22 h for one 12-sample cartridge. This includes hybridization, sample preparation, and time with the Digital Analyzer | ∼8 h for one 96 × 96 chip (∼up to 48 that include cDNA synthesis, target specific amplification, priming of the chip and QPCR run. |
| Dynamic range | ∼6 logs | ∼ 6−7 logs |
| Analysis software | Uses nSolver Analysis Software. Freely available | Uses Singular Toolset Software. Freely available |
| No. of genes that can be assessed | 800 genes | Flexible, ideal for 20−200 genes |
| Types of samples | Fresh or frozen cells and tissue, FFPE, biological fluids | Fresh or frozen cells and tissue, FFPE, biological fluids |
bp, base pair; FFPE, formalin-fix, paraffin-embedded; QPCR, quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
a
Listed costs are as of January 2017 and are subject to change by vendors.