Gradient Thermal Cycler Must Have Features

With the breakneck pace of the technological upgrades in our modern society, it is no wonder that the science driving a pcr thermal cycler, also known as a thermocycler, is ever improving. When looking to purchase a thermocycler for the first time or looking to upgrade your DNA testing capabilities in your laboratory, here are some features to look for in order to obtain the most cutting edge technological advancements in the field.

1. Fast Temperature Changes

Increased speed in temperature alterations will save you untold amounts of time in the laboratory. Performing DNA testing, you should be able to switch temperatures at a quick pace to keep you running the tests you need done.

2. Short Settling Time

Once your pcr thermal cycler gets to the appropriate temperature, the instrument will need additional time to settle and stabilize into a precise zone. Look for models which provide short stabilization intervals to increase your throughput.

3. Precise Block Temperature Uniformity

One of the largest factors in testing repeatability is thermocycler block uniformity. Regardless of the location where temperature measurements are taken across the block, the reading should be the same. Ensure your pcr thermal cycler has tight tolerance levels for its block uniformity.

4. Interchangeable Blocks with multiple block formats

The needs of a laboratory can be very dynamic. Be careful to ensure that your thermocycler has the capability to change out the block. If your block fails or your lab needs to change to a different block format, you can simply purchase a new block rather than an entirely new instrument. This simple step could potentially save you thousands of dollars.

5. Gradient and Non-Gradient Capabilities

When you integrate gradient technology into your pcr thermal cycler will make it a much more robust instrument. This feature will undoubtedly save your laboratory tons of time by allowing you to test samples at multiple temperatures on a single run. This gradient thermal cycler feature is a must have.

6. Small Instrument Footprint

Laboratory space is limited. Don't find yourself with a gigantic bulky machine. Advancements in thermocycler technology have made it possible to drastically reduce the instrument's footprint.

7. Adequate Memory for Programming

Ensure that your pcr thermal cycler has an amble amount of memory allocated for user programming. It can be a pain programming the same protocol over and over again. Save yourself the headache by getting the proper amount of memory.

For more thermal cycler information and product specifications check out these gradient thermal cycler options.