Frequently Asked Questions
Explore our Technical Resources and Troubleshooting Guide, developed by BQC experts to help you find the information you need about our products, services and purchasing process.
Browse by category to find technical information, practical recommendations, answers to frequently asked questions and solutions to common issues, covering everything from product selection and ordering to product use and troubleshooting.
Spectrophometric Assay Kits
96-well microplates included in our kits have an approximate capacity of 300 μL per well. The recommended working volume depends on each assay and is specified in the kit instructions.
No, the reagents required for the pretreatment of the samples are not included. An indicative guide is provided in section 7 of the instructions for each kit, as the pretreatment depends on the nature of the sample. The user must select the most appropriate procedure and have the necessary reagents available.
We cannot guarantee the stability of reagents and standards after reconstitution. Therefore, we recommend preparing them immediately before use and following the instructions provided with each kit. If you have any questions about a specific reagent, please contact support@bqcredox.com.
Yes. However, in spectrophotometric assays, sample colour may interfere with the absorbance measurements, leading to overestimation or underestimation of the results. In such cases, we recommend preparing a sample blank, by replacing the assay reagents with the corresponding solvent or buffer to evaluate and correct potential interferences.
You can download them from our website, at the “Protocol Booklet” section of each product, by clicking on the image that appears in that section. In addition, each assay kit includes a QR code to access the instructions, located inside the top flap of the box or attached to the bag, depending on the kit.
The linear range of our kits can be found in the BQC product catalogue or in section 6 of the booklet for each kit. For the limit for quantification, the lowest recommended quantifiable concentration we set is the first non-zero calibration point, as we cannot guarantee the reliability of quantification below this concentration.
The potential interferences of each kit are described in section 11, “Additional information”, of the instructions for use of each kit.
In general, our kits have a shelf life of 12 months from the date of manufacture, as long as they are kept in the indicated storage conditions.
Yes, all of our kits include the appropriate 96-well microplates required to perform the assays, except for those in the histology and sample pretreatment lines. The 100, 200, and 400 test formats include 1, 2, and 4 microplates, respectively. For other formats, the number of microplates will depend on the size of the kit.
Most of our assay kits can be adapted for use in 1 mL cuvettes, although this option is not available for all assays. You can contact support@bqcredox.com to confirm if the kit of your interest has an adapted protocol and request it.
Basic laboratory equipment, such as micropipettes and test tubes, as well as a spectrophotometer or microplate reader compatible with the measurement wavelength of each assay. Some kits may require additional equipment, as indicated in their instructions for use.
Our kits are shipped at room temperature or refrigerated, depending on the characteristics of the reagents. Once you have received the kit, you should check the storage conditions of each reagent, indicated in the upper right corner of its label, as they may vary between the components of the same kit.
Our kits are designed to perform all the determinations of a microplate in the same assay. Therefore, we recommend that the samples be stored in advance, as long as their stability allows it, and analysed all at the same time to optimize the use of the reagents.
BRS Devices
The BRS Device uses disposable screen-printed electrodes (strips) to measure total antioxidant capacity in biological, aqueous and extracts samples, among others. Samples containing organic solvents content of up to 40% can also be analysed.
The BRS Sensor uses a reusable probe that integrates three electrodes into a single unit. It is designed to measure total antioxidant capacity in vegetable oils, cosmetic oils and fish oils, as well as other matrices prepared in organic solvents.
No. The BRS equipment measures total antioxidant capacity (TAC) using an electrochemical technique, so it is not possible to perform spectrophotometric tests such as ABTS, DPPH or FRAP with this equipment. These are different techniques that evaluate the antioxidant capacity using different measurement principles and equipment.
Yes, we offer a measurement service that allows you to assess the compatibility of your samples with our BRS devices before purchasing them. In addition, for complex matrices we can assess the feasibility of developing a specific measurement protocol tailored to your samples. Alternatively, we also offer monthly rental options. Please contact support@bqcredox.com for more information.
You can find the instructions and videos for use on the websites of each device: BRS Device and BRS Sensor.
To view the videos, click on “Watch Video” located below the product name. Instructions are available at the “How to use” section of the product information table by clicking on the image on the cover of the manual.
The BRS Device is compatible with Android mobile devices, through its BRS mobile app, and with computers with Windows operating system, through the BRS PC app.
The BRS Sensor can only be used with computers with Windows operating system, via the BRS PC app.
No, BRS devices do not require periodic maintenance. The strip-based BRS Device includes a Test Cell that allows you to check its correct operation in case of detecting abnormal results or suspecting that the device is not working properly. Optionally, the BRS Sensor can be sent to us once a year if you perform multiple measurements and would like us to check its performance.
When working with antioxidant equivalents, the linear range and saturation point depend on the antioxidant used as a reference. In terms of QT and BRS Value, the device can measure values of up to 4,000 µC and 35,000 BRS Value units, respectively.
Redox Analysis Services (Measurement services)
We offer total antioxidant capacity (TAC) measurement services using our spectrophotometric kits and BRS electrochemical devices, as well as the determination of other parameters related to redox status and oxidative stress.
In addition, we carry out feasibility studies prior to the acquisition of our products, to evaluate their compatibility with the samples of interest, as well as comparative studies, personalized and recurring analyses adapted to the needs of each client.
We can analyse a wide variety of samples, such as: food, beverages, oils, cosmetic products, plant extracts, algae, extracts… among other matrices.
We have different methodologies to evaluate parameters related to total antioxidant capacity, phenolic compounds, enzymatic activity, oxidative status, biomarkers and oxidative damage, among others. You can see our product catalogue and select the most appropriate parameter for your objectives and samples and we will study the possibilities.
We can perform different sample preparation procedures, such as extraction, dilution, homogenization, centrifugation and filtration… depending on the characteristics of the matrix and the analytical method selected. We have specific equipment for sample pretreatment and development of extraction procedures.
We can evaluate the possibility of analysing any types of samples. To do this, we need to know its characteristics and the parameters of interest, in order to determine the technical feasibility of the analysis and select the most appropriate methodology.
The amount required depends on the type of sample, the parameters to be analysed and the number of determinations. Once the characteristics of the study have been defined, we will tell you the amount of sample required. For kits and strips-based BRS, generally, 5 g or 5 mL is sufficient. For BRS Sensor, generally 30 mL of oil.
We can carry out studies with different numbers of samples, from single analyses to larger studies. For services using assay kits, pricing is based on half-plate or full-plate analysis, while for BRS measurements it depends on the type of sample matrix. All measurements are performed in triplicate.
Yes, we conduct comparative studies to evaluate differences between samples, ingredients, formulations, or batches. These studies can provide useful information for product development and optimization, raw material selection, product characterization, marketing and quality control.
Yes, we can combine different analytical determinations to obtain a more complete characterization of the samples. The selection of parameters is made according to the objective of the study and the characteristics of the samples.
Yes, we evaluate the possibility of adapting or optimizing the analytical procedures according to the characteristics of each sample. When technically feasible, we can design a specific protocol that allows the determinations of interest to be made.
Once the study is completed, the results are delivered through a complete results report that includes the data obtained and relevant information on the methodologies and pretreatments used.
You can contact our team via email at the address of support@bqcredox.com, indicating the type of sample, the number of samples and the parameters you wish to analyse. With this information, we will evaluate your request, send you a form to fill and prepare a personalized quote for you.
Orders
You can place your order directly through our online shop or by sending an email to orders@bqcredox.com indicating the product format, quantities, delivery address and billing address, or directly sending your purchase order document.
You can request a quote by sending an email to orders@bqcredox.com, stating the products and quantities you need, as well as deliverydetails to calculate the shipment.
Our team will send you the quote the same day or the next business day.
No. There is no minimum order quantity or amount.
We accept payments by bank transfer. In addition, for orders placed through our website, you can also pay by credit or debit card and PayPal.
Yes. You can modify your order as long as the shipment has not yet left our facilities. For cancellation, you can cancel it as long as the shipment has not been produced yet.
Logistics
We ship our kits all over the world, complying with local customs regulations for biotech products.
Once the order leaves our premises, you will receive an email with the tracking number of the shipping company along with all the documentation related to it.
After confirmation of the order or payment -if applicable-, our shipping time is 5 working days for kits and 30 days for electronic devices. To this time must be added the transit of transport: domestic shipments usually take between 24 and 48 hours, while international shipments take between 3 and 7 working days, depending on the customs of the destination country. If the product is in stock, delivery time will be lower.
Please take pictures of the packaging and the product upon receipt, and contact our technical support as soon as possible within 48 hours of receipt. We will evaluate the incident under our quality and safety protocols to offer you a quick solution.
Returns of kits that have been opened or have broken the chain of custody are not accepted, except for proven manufacturing defects.
We use advanced isothermal packaging (such as expanded polystyrene boxes) combined with cold packs, depending on the specific thermal requirements of each kit. Packaging is selected according to the characteristics of the reagents to help maintain suitable conditions during transport.
Once the order has been received, the technical data sheet of each kit determines the optimal storage conditions for its components. It is essential to open the outer packaging immediately and transfer the reagents to their final storage system (fridge or freezer), strictly following the instructions in the technical sheet.
Since we make all our shipments under the FCA (Free Carrier) Incoterm, customs costs and duties are always borne by the customer or distributor. These details will be clearly specified during the process prior to order confirmation.
All shipments outside the European Union include the commercial invoice along with the packing list. When required, we also provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS/MSDS), non-hazardous goods declarations, and any technical and environmental or biological import documentation.
For domestic shipments and shipments within the European Union, an invoice and a delivery note are included.
A tracking number and a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) are provided with all shipments.
