PMIF-20RS VisiOmics FAQs
PMIF-20RS VisiOmics - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PMIF-20RS Pathological Section Staining and Scanner?
The PMIF-20RS is an automated pathological section staining and imaging system based on multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) technology. This platform integrates staining and scanning into one system, operating on a “stain-imaging-elution” cyclic process. It enables detection of multiple protein markers on a single tissue section while preserving spatial distribution information, making it suitable for applications such as tumor research and immune microenvironment analysis.
What is the difference between the PMIF-20RS and the FluoXpert?
The PMIF-20RS focuses on proteomics applications as an automated staining and imaging instrument (no sequencing function), while the FluoXpert is a combined staining/imaging and sequencing version (2-in-1). Both instruments share the same hardware and deliver identical staining and imaging performance. If your focus is on spatial proteomics or pathology research, the PMIF-20RS is the more suitable choice.
What sample types does this platform support? What are the sample requirements?
The PMIF-20RS supports various tissue sample types, including FFPE paraffin sections and fresh frozen sections. It is generally recommended that paraffin sections have a thickness of 3–5 μm (approximately 3 μm is recommended), while frozen sections should be kept within 10 μm. To ensure imaging quality, sections should be flat and free of wrinkles, folds, or curling. Prior to performing multiplex staining on the instrument, it is recommended to conduct IHC staining as a pre-experiment to improve mIF staining success rates.
What is included in the kit? Are custom antibodies supported?
The standard kit includes all necessary reagents for on-instrument staining except the primary antibody, such as secondary antibodies, nuclear dyes, and associated buffer systems, along with dedicated staining slides. The platform is compatible with commercially available antibodies (no need for fluorescent or Oligo conjugation) and supports custom antibody panel design (3–24 plex range) based on experimental needs, offering flexibility for different research scenarios.
What are the differences between the different staining slide specifications (SS/SL/DL)? How do I choose?
| Specification | Application Scenarios | Scanning Area |
|---|---|---|
| SS | Small tissue samples, e.g., puncture biopsies; faster scanning | 15mm × 15mm |
| SL | Large tissue sections, e.g., tonsils, large tumors; larger area and field of view | 15mm × 20mm |
| DL | Two sections can be placed on one slide; suitable for batch staining, saving reagents and time | 15mm × 20mm × 2 |
How does the PMIF-20RS achieve multiplex protein detection?
The PMIF-20RS achieves multiplex detection through a “staining-imaging-elution” cyclic mechanism. In each cycle, the system stains target proteins and performs whole-slide scanning, followed by antibody elution to restore the sample to its initial state before proceeding to the next staining cycle. Through multiple cycles, the system enables detection and spatial localization of various protein markers on the same section.
What is the maximum number of markers the platform can detect?
With the supported reagent system, the PMIF-20RS can achieve multiplex detection of 3–24 markers. The specific detection number depends on the selected kit specification (e.g., 6-plex or 24-plex) and experimental design requirements. The research version (PMIF-20RS) can achieve over 100-plex protein detection through panel stacking.
What is the throughput and single-run time?
Single staining and imaging time depends on the kit specification:
Single slide staining/imaging time (from loading to unloading)
| Slide Specification | 6-plex Standard Kit | 24-plex Custom Kit |
|---|---|---|
| SS/SL Staining Slide | 4 h | 10.5 h |
| DL Staining Slide | 4.8 h | 12.8 h |
Under standard working conditions (5 days × 8 hours), a single instrument can process approximately 10–40 sections per week; throughput can be further increased in continuous operation mode.
What is the output data format? How is analysis performed?
The system outputs fully stitched panoramic images, supporting export in various formats (e.g., OME-TIFF, TIFF, JPEG, PNG, ZARR). Users can perform image viewing and analysis using the accompanying FluoXpert Vision software, including cell quantification analysis, spatial distribution analysis, and multi-marker phenotyping, with support for data export for further analysis.
Can this product be used clinically? Does it have relevant certifications?
Currently, the PMIF-20RS is for research use only (RUO).
What are the environmental requirements for instrument installation?
The following basic conditions must be met:
Power Supply: 200V-240V~, 50/60Hz, rated power 1200VA
Environment: Temperature 19˚C–25˚C, Humidity 20%–80% (non-condensing)
Space: Instrument dimensions: 1135mm (L) × 779mm (W) × 783mm (H); laboratory bench load capacity ≥300kg/m²
